Every year, the excitement around the prestigious Hakone Ekiden race captivates fans and athletes alike, and the 2025 edition was no exception. Held on January 2 and 3, 2025, the 101st Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden showcased intense competition among the nation's top universities. This year's event witnessed not only fierce racing between elite teams but also dramatic changes and unexpected outcomes throughout.
The Hakone Ekiden is known for its historical significance and competitiveness, with the best teams from Japan’s universities vying for supremacy on the scenic yet challenging 107.5-km route. This year, Aoyama Gakuin University (青山学院大学) triumphed once again, finishing the outbound segment with a time of 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 1 second. Their victory marked their continued dominance, aiming for their second consecutive overall win.
Conversely, the highly anticipated performances of Kokugakuin University (國學院大學) fell short. Despite expectations based on their previous victories at the Izumo Ekiden and All-Japan University Ekiden, they concluded the outbound segment 6th with a time of 5 hours, 25 minutes, and 26 seconds, 5 minutes and 25 seconds behind the leaders.
One notable storyline was the competition for seeding. Teams were under pressure, with the battle for the top ten spots particularly fierce. Nippon Sport Science University (日体大学) held 10th place, just 31 seconds clear of Tokyo International University (東京国際大学), which finished 11th. The close margins underscored the competitive spirit of the event.
Throughout the race, individual performances drew attention. Aoyama Gakuin's captain, Akira Nomura (野村昭夢), performed admirably, helping set the pace for his team. Meanwhile, recovering from injuries proved challenging for Kokugakuin's star runner, Seisuke Hirabayashi (平林清澄), who noted his struggle throughout the race. "It was more difficult than I ever experienced," he admitted, shortly after concluding his leg. Coach Yasuhiro Maeda revealed adjustments to their race strategy due to unforeseen circumstances, including injuries to key runners.
The relay format of the Ekiden requires deep teamwork, and the dynamic of the teams reflected this necessity. Leaderboard changes frequently occurred, especially as competitors moved between positions. The hope of reviving excitement on the return leg for Kokugakuin seemed dim, with Maeda commenting on the overall challenges they faced this year. "This year’s level of competition was extremely high, making it hard to maintain the strategy we initially set out with," he stated.
The return segment of the race, starting on January 3, promises to add another layer of tension and excitement. Participants will go head-to-head once again, with teams like Chuo University (中央大学) and Waseda University (早稲田大学) aiming to capitalize on their earlier standings. Fans eagerly await any unexpected twists, particularly from Kokugakuin, which has much to prove after their slow start.
The coverage and analysis provided throughout the event were considerable, giving insights through the broadcast team, including expert commentary from former athletes who shared their views on participating teams. Notably, the unique challenges of this year, from injuries to strategic missteps, were explored thoroughly during these discussions.
Throughout the years, the Hakone Ekiden has not only produced remarkable athletic competitions but has also shaped lasting memories for all involved. This year, too, promises memorable narratives of triumph and misfortunes, which will be discussed long after the final race. The determination displayed by runners, coaches, and universities sets the stage for future events.
Stay tuned as the thrilling conclusion of the Hakone Ekiden approaches, where every second counts, and the legacy of each team is at stake.