Aoyama Gakuin University dominated the 2023 Hakone Ekiden, showcasing exceptional resilience and performance to secure their eighth overall victory and second consecutive championship at the iconic relay race held on January 2 and 3. The team completed the challenging 217.1 km course between Otemachi, Tokyo, and Lake Ashi with a record time of 10 hours, 41 minutes, and 19 seconds, surpassing prior time records.
The race saw significant individual heroics, none more so than from Akimu Nomura, who was instrumental during the final segment. He decisively took over the lead with stunning speed, clocking the first-ever sub-56-minute time for his leg of the race, which set the momentum for Aoyama Gakuin’s comeback and ultimate triumph. Following his historic performance, Nomura expressed his disbelief at capturing both the Kanaguri Shizo Cup and the newly created MVP award. "I didn’t expect to win both the Kanaguri Shizo Cup and the newly established MVP award," he remarked, demonstrating both humility and pride after realizing his goals.
The underlying strategies employed by head coach Haru Shin were equally pivotal to the team's success. Shin orchestrated the team's training regimen by dividing the year’s focus among various athletic seasons, allowing for peak performance during the highly competitive Hakone Ekiden event. He emphasized the importance of long-term preparation and nurturing individual talent to cultivate the winning mentality necessary for success.
Following the fierce intensity of each segment, Aoyama Gakuin's reinvigorated strategy proved effective as other team members also rose to the challenge. Hiroki Wakabayashi, running sixth, articulated his approach, saying, "I was focused solely on keeping our lead and enjoying the challenge," emphasizing the psychological component behind the physical exertions during such demanding events.
The race was also marked by phenomenal performances from other universities. Komazawa University finished second with a time of 10 hours, 44 minutes, and 7 seconds, showcasing their own strength and skill throughout the competition. Kokugakuin University closely followed, finishing third with 10 hours, 50 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Notably, the competition didn't merely boil down to team dynamics; it included remarkable individual feats. For example, Richard Ethiri of Tokyo International University achieved the fastest time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 31 seconds for his leg, setting yet another record on this historic track. Soka University’s Yoshida Hibiki and Nomura’s teammate, Kuroda Asa, also exceeded previous benchmarks, making the 2023 Hakone Ekiden one for the history books.
The remarkable feat of Aoyama Gakuin University not only highlights their exceptional skill but also emphasizes the importance of mental and team dynamics under pressure. The post-race reflections carried immense weight for athletes, especially for Nomura, who had fought through his previous injuries and setbacks to arrive at such monumental success.
Standing on the precipice of graduation, Nomura articulated his transformation from struggling athlete to record-breaking hero succinctly: "I had been thinking of honestly aiming for under 57 minutes," underscoring the ambitious ethos embedded within Aoyama Gakuin’s running program.
Shin reflected on the team’s spirit and perseverance, noting, "This culture of shared effort and determination defines Aoyama Gakuin." The sentiment encapsulated the environment he has developed, focusing on teamwork as well as individual excellence.
While the year’s Hakone Ekiden may now be behind them, the victory and accomplishments clearly set the stage for Aoyama Gakuin as they look to defend their title next year. Their strong performance solidifies their legacy within the event and contributes to fostering future talent aiming for the elite ranks of collegiate distance running.
This year's race was not merely about winning; it was about establishing benchmarks and re-defining limits. Aoyama Gakuin University's comprehensive victory at the 2023 Hakone Ekiden resonates deeply within the world of collegiate sports. With aspirations high and future competitions on the horizon, the spirit of this year's champions will undoubtedly continue to inspire many.