The 101st Hakone Ekiden is set to take place on January 2 and 3, 2025, with the official team entries announced on December 29th. This iconic relay race which runs between Tokyo and Hakone is always met with enthusiasm as universities gather to display their prowess.
This year, Kōsei University is aiming to reclaim the title, having secured strong performances leading up to the event. The captain, Kōtarō Shinohara, is assigned to the pivotal second stage, which is viewed as the ace section of the race. Head coach Atsushi Fujita expressed his confidence, stating, “Shinohara is the ace, and I trust him to perform well.” Kōsei finished second last time and is poised to bring home the championship.
The updated segment rosters also indicate some athletes placed as backups, including popular runner Keita Satō. Despite his placement on the backup list due to previous injuries, Fujita remains optimistic about his participation, noting, “I will run somewhere,” signaling the potential for last-minute adjustments before the race.
With the total of 21 teams set to compete, the competition is expected to be fierce. Each team can alter their runner entries up to one hour and ten minutes before their respective race legs. The back-and-forth dynamics of team strategy—calculations made not only on who is strongest but also on how to leverage each athlete's specific strengths—are powerful elements to watch as the race approaches.
On the other side, Aoyama Gakuin University has placed key runners across the stages, including Masa Akira Tsurukawa for the third stage. They too are eyeing victory with veteran strategies and well-trained runners, showcasing both seasoned athletes and promising newcomers such as newcomer Yūta Kagemasa.
Three strong contenders for the title alongside Kōsei and Aoyama Gakuin are Kokugakuin University, known for their depth of talent, and Sōka University, which is yet to reveal its full potential this season. Both teams have brought forward remarkable athletes positioned carefully across the stages to increase their chances of seizing the lead during the race.
The excitement surrounding this event also stems from its rich tradition, drawing athletes from 46 prefectures across Japan, and even including international entries. Saitama Seiryo High School leads the charge, contributing the most entrants from any high school, which signifies their burgeoning talent pool. This infusion of youthful energy and international flair adds to the race’s allure.
Coaches and athletes alike are engaging not just for the honor of winning but for the opportunity to showcase their hard work and commitment to the sport. The days leading up to the event will see athletes fine-tuning their strategies, and preparations are well underway.
Published by Sports Hochi, the excitement about Hakone's staging continues to build, amplified by the fervent fanbase and the anticipation it generates every year. With each passing day, the stage is set for what promises to be another memorable chapter of this enduring athletic tradition.
Overall, the upcoming event looks to be steeped not only in competitiveness but also imbued with the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and shared goal-setting. With many teams poised to outdo each other, it’s anyone’s race, and the real thrill will be watching it all play out come January.
Stay tuned as the event gets closer, and prepare to cheer for your favorite teams as they compete for glory at the 101st Hakone Ekiden.