The 101st Hakone Ekiden National Collegiate Track and Field Meet concluded with Aoyama Gakuin University taking home the championship title, marking their eighth victory and second consecutive win with an impressive record time of 10 hours, 41 minutes, and 19 seconds, breaking the previous tournament record. The meet took place on January 2-3, spanning over 217.1 kilometers from Otemachi to Hakone and back, showcasing the thrilling competitiveness of Japan's collegiate running scene.
Following Aoyama Gakuin, Komazawa University clinched the second position with a finish time of 10 hours, 44 minutes, and 7 seconds, closely followed by Kokugakuin University, who marked their presence strongly with 10 hours, 50 minutes, and 47 seconds to secure the third place. Waseda University and Chuo University rounded out the top five with finishes of 10 hours, 50 minutes, 57 seconds and 10 hours, 52 minutes, 49 seconds, respectively.
Jozai University, who had set their goals at placing fourth or higher, ended up at sixth with a time of 10 hours, 53 minutes, and 9 seconds. Coach Shizuu Kishibe openly expressed his disappointment yet acknowledged the team's solid progress, dreaming of reaching the top. Despite facing challenges, including personnel changes on race day, the team demonstrated grit and resilience.
The team's notable runs included Sato Masaya's strong finish, who participated under challenging circumstances after experiencing fever days before the race, demonstrating remarkable tenacity as he completed the fifth segment. He finished with one of the best times of his career, reflecting his determination to mark this achievement as just the beginning.
On the other hand, Tokyo International University made headlines by taking home the eighth position, ensuring their hold on the coveted sh seed rights for the next competition. Their head coach Yuta Nakamura, who stepped up as acting head coach after the passing of Saburo Yokomizo, felt the team's potential and spirit shone brightly during this intense competition.
One standout was Richard Etyiri from Tokyo International University, who shattered the segment record for the second position with his time of 1 hour and 5 minutes, proving his extraordinary talent and setting the tone for the team's event. The whole Tokyo International team, operating with pieces made of raw talent and determination, gathered valuable experience for future competitions, especially with retaining their placement for the next races.
Crew members from numerous universities cautiously monitored each other's performances, creating strategies on how to maneuver within the intense competition. With every lap, every exchange of the tasuki (sash), the tension rose and fell akin to the tide, reflective of the emotional heartbeat of the teams involved.
The conclusion saw Aoyama Gakuin University's runners intertwine their arms over one another at the finish line, celebrating their shared triumph. Not only was this win significant for their record, but it also represented both their collective efforts and their coach's leadership throughout the demanding season.
Reflecting on their season's performance, Coach Kishibe noted, "It has been like riding on a roller coaster, with both peak achievements and challenges faced. It’s frustrating not to fulfill targets yet rewarding to witness the growth and potential of these athletes." His words encapsulated the sentiments shared by many participants.
The athletes, driven by ambition, proposed training sessions for improvement next year, with whispered dreams of achieving records thought previously unattainable. Their resilience embodied the spirit of the Hakone Ekiden, where every segment counts, and every second matters.
The sense of camaraderie and competitive spirit established during the Hakone meet will live on as athletes and teams prepare for future contests. Notably, many look forward to next year's challenges with renewed vigor and focus, cementing their legacies as they seek to etch their names among Japan's track and field elite.