The 2025 Hakone Ekiden showcased remarkable talent, particularly highlighting the individual athletes who not only bore the intense pressure of the prestigious race but also exhibited outstanding performances. Among them, Kei Sato, representing Komazawa University, marked his presence vibrantly during the relay, which took place on January 3, 2025.
Sato set off from the Odawara relay station after his team began the leg’s run 4 minutes and 7 seconds behind the leaders, Aoyama Gakuin University. Within just 4.8 kilometers of the route, he managed to catch the second-placed runner, first-year student Kaisei Okada from Chuo University, quickly setting the pace. Demonstratory of his eliteness, Sato didn’t just hang with his fellow competitors; he decisively broke away after they had run side by side. Sato showed no signs of slowing down as he pursued Aoyama Gakuin. At each kilometer, he reduced the gap by near ten seconds, all the way to the Hiratsuka relay station where he had cut the deficit to just 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Sato’s extraordinary effort culminated with him logging an exceptional time of 1 hour, 0 minutes, and 43 seconds, smashing the previous section record of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 40 seconds by almost a minute. Reflecting on his achievement, Sato remarked, "I was aiming at least for a section record. I thought I could definitely finish within one hour." His confidence and training had clearly paid off.
Meanwhile, Teru Tsujiwara from Kokugakuin University faced his own hurdles during the 7th section of the relay, where his team solidified its highest-ever overall finish, placing third. Just as he was nearing the relay point at Hiratsuka Station, Tsujiwara encountered a mishap when he dropped the tasuki, the sash passed along between teammates. He recalled feeling his heart race as he described the moment: "Honestly, if it hadn’t been for what happened, I could have run at least 15 seconds faster." Despite the setback, Tsujiwara managed to complete the section with the impressive time of 1 hour and 2 minutes and 21 seconds, tying for second-best in his leg.
Despite his disappointment with the small yet consequential mishap, Tsujiwara expressed determination for the future. "I’m not giving up; I believe I can achieve my goals. I have to keep this image of my runs clear and strong. Steady training gets me closer to the finish line I envision," he said, aiming for significant records during his subsequent races.
The atmosphere during Hakone Ekiden 2025 was electric, filled with passion and fierce competition among high-caliber athletes. Each participant was not only running for their respective schools but also against their personal bests—fueled by the history and prestige of the legendary relay race.
Kazuma University, with their strategic approach and passionate runners, reflected on this notable event as they acknowledged their teammate's impressive runs. The trio of Sato, Tsujiwara, and other rising stars such as Okada are set to bring their competitive spirit to future competitions, aspiring to rewrite their own histories on the relay track.
The Hakone Ekiden stands as more than just races; it symbolizes the heart and soul of Japanese long-distance running as athletes continue to strive for both individual and team excellence. These highlights remind fans and participants alike about the drive for perfection and the electrifying unity of competition.
This year's event not only reaffirmed the athletes' intense preparations but also encapsulated the spirit of perseverance and teamwork, leaving spectators eager for the next Hakone Ekiden, already marked on calendars for next year.