The 101st Hakone Ekiden race took place on January 2, 2025, and once again showcased the incredible talent and determination of Japan's university athletes. Aoyama Gakuin University clinched victory with a remarkable time of 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 1 second, signaling not only their prowess but also highlighted the individual excellence of their runners throughout the demanding 107.5-kilometer course.
Battling through five grueling sections, the standout performance came from fourth-year runner Hiroki Wakabayashi, who marked his place in the history books by setting a new record time of 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 11 seconds for the fifth section. His achievement eclipsed the previous record held by Yuito Yamamoto, who set the time at 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 14 seconds last year.
Wakabayashi, realizing the weight of his success, expressed, “It felt amazing to finish first. I was aiming for sub 1 hour 8 minutes, so I'm slightly disappointed, but overall, I'm very satisfied.” This balance of satisfaction and frustration reflects the competitive spirit prevalent among runners at this elite level.
While Aoyama Gakuin celebrated their triumph, the race wasn't without its challenges. One of the most inspiring stories came from Josai University’s third-year runner Masaya Saito, who faced significant health hurdles just days before the race. After suffering from high fever of 38.7 degrees Celsius, Saito received praise for finishing third at the fifth section with vigor, elevting his position to seventh overall. Saito noted, “It was tough, but the encouragement from the crowd made it enjoyable running.” This sentiment speaks volumes about how the Hakone Ekiden fosters community spirit.
Drawing advice from Yamamoto, who has previously stamped his name on the event, Saito recounted, “He told me not to worry about the clock but to run with all my heart.” Such mentorship reflects the camaraderie and tradition among competitors at the Hakone Ekiden, forging bonds through shared experiences and battles on the course.
The race commenced at the Yomiuri Shimbun headquarters in Tokyo and concluded at Lake Ashi, highlighting the scenic yet challenging nature of the course. Conversations among teams before the race were filled with determination and strategy, with coaches emphasizing the importance of pace management and mental resilience.
Wakabayashi’s tale resonates beyond just the numbers. Having competed previously as both first and third-year runner, he arrived at this year’s race prepared for the challenge, expressing relief and joy at finally crossing the finish line as part of the winning team. “My competitive career ends with this Hakone Ekiden; I wanted to enjoy every moment of the race,” he stated, encapsulating the emotional gravity of the event.
Coaches and coordinators share their perspective as well, aiming to maximize the potential of their teams. Aoyama Gakuin's coach, Shin Harada, boasted confidence about their strategy leading up to the race. He remarked on the intensive preparation surrounding specific competitions throughout the year. “We focus on more than just the race, crafting training schedules with individual peak performances leading to Hakone,” he emphasized.
An intriguing element of the event is the atmosphere it creates, uniting fans, families, and teammates, all gathered to witness this prestigious relay. The cheers of the crowd instill energy within the runners, motivating them to push through the physical pain innate to long-distance racing. For many athletes, these moments of public support become cherished memories.
Coverage of the Hakone Ekiden extends beyond mere statistics; it dives deeply intothe individual stories of resilience and triumph. Observers note elements of sacrifice, with many athletes balancing rigorous academic schedules alongside intense training regimes. Such commitments can strain personal lives, but the rewards are heartening during monumental events like this one.
The legacy of the Hakone Ekiden continues to grow, with young athletes already inspired to participate in future competitions, striving to get their name engraved beside iconic runners. The determination those athletes express creates not just competitors but future leaders within the sport.
The curtain falls on this year’s Hakone Ekiden, but not without igniting new ambitions among athletes for upcoming events. Both disappointment and joy linger as teams reflect on their performances, spurring change and motivation for the future.
Next year, the stage will be set once again, where stories of breakthroughs, record-setting performances, and fervent training culminate, painting yet another vibrant picture of Japan’s elite long-distance runners.