The 101st Hakone Ekiden, one of Japan's most renowned long-distance relay races, culminated with Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) claiming victory once again, marking their eighth overall win and setting a new tournament record of 10 hours, 41 minutes, and 20 seconds. The race took place on January 3, commencing from the parking lot at Lake Ashi, Hakone, and finishing at Otemachi.
AGU's win was solidified by their never-faltering lead throughout the relay, with the team presenting both experience and determination. Captain Yuto Tanaka, who participated in the ninth leg and finished second fastest for his segment, shared his thoughts post-race. Initially set to run the tenth leg, he expressed his excitement about being moved up due to feeling unusually strong. "I was supposed to run the tenth leg, but I was feeling really good, so I ended up with the ninth. I wanted to cross the finish line where the cheers were the loudest," he revealed with a smile.
Tanaka, who will soon transition to broadcasting as he starts his career as an announcer at Fukui Broadcasting, also made headlines for his unintentional yet amusing commentary during the tasuki (sash) handover. He cheerfully admitted, "I didn’t plan to, but it just came out of me. It’s crazy, really!" Reflecting on why he acted instinctively, Tanaka noted the influence of his inspiration and training, saying, "I could hear the legendary announcer, [insert name], and it made me want to share the moment myself. It’s my hope to be involved with the Hakone Ekiden again someday, so it was my admiration shining through."
Despite the strong showing from AGU, the race presented its challenges, especially for Chuo University rookie Kaisei Okada, who made his debut on the seventh leg. Despite his efforts to finish with the second-best time of his segment, (1:03:07), he struggled against seasoned competitors. "I aimed to finish around 1:02:30, but it was tougher than I expected," he remarked after experiencing both anticipation and the harsh reality of competitive running. He added how race veterans inspired him: "Next year, I want to aim even higher and be able to compete with my seniors. I need to grow."
The event itself holds immense cultural significance, drawing audiences from all over Japan and fostering teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship among competitors. AGU's victory also encapsulated the relentless spirit of running—an echo of resilience felt across the finish line.
Over the years, the Hakone Ekiden has evolved to reflect the growing prowess of Japanese long-distance runners. Shaping the athletes' journeys, the races create compelling stories of ambition and grit, showcasing their emotional ties to the event. Coach Haru Matsumoto, who has collaborated with AGU's runners for years, remarked on the trust the athletes place in their coaching staff, citing the collective effort it takes to remain on top of their game: "Even if there might be some dissatisfaction along the way, it’s this trust and mutual respect among us which has solidified our strength and legacy. Especially during my fourth year with the team, I’ve come to appreciate how our unity is what makes us so formidable. We have the privilege of sharing this stage together."
Looking forward, both athletes and their supporters eagerly anticipate the upcoming seasons, filled with new aspirations, preparations, and potential victories. With Tanaka's last race behind him, he hinted at how important it is to keep believing, stating, "Every moment counts and we are all stepping stones for the next generation of runners." The sense of community and encouragement was palpable out there, supporting not just the victors but every competitor who steps onto the course.
The spirit of the Hakone Ekiden captures the heart of Japan, blending tradition with modern athleticism. It has become not just about the records or the prizes, but how it strengthens bonds among people and reinforces the value of dedication and hard work. All eyes will be on the next installment, as excitement builds for what stories will emerge from the next wave of talented athletes.