On December 12, the vibrant atmosphere of Kyoto played host to the 43rd All Japan Prefectural Women's Ekiden. After intense competition, local powerhouse Kyoto triumphed for the 19th time, setting the stage to leave its mark once again on this prestigious relay race.
This year’s race began under clear skies, kicking off from the Takebishi Stadium Kyoto. Sephora Ban, the heroine of the day, anchored the team to victory, crossing the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 26 seconds, marking Kyoto's first victory since 2022 and surpassing their previous record by three years. Trailing closely were Osaka and Fukuoka, finishing second and third with times of 2:17:52 and 2:17:53, respectively.
Kyoto's strategy capitalized on its geographical advantage—having consistently performed well on home turf. Over the past seven years, the team has finished within the top two positions every time. For the 2025 Championships, key runners included established talents like Yamamoto from Ritsumeikan University, who previously dominated the All Japan University Women’s Ekiden.
After the first leg, it was clear the race would not disappoint. Early on, Oita's Akomoto Narumi led the pack, clocking impressive splits, pushing the group forward through the first checkpoint. But as the kilometers rolled on, Kyoto's women began showing their strength, positioning themselves strategically to maintain the lead.
At the end of the first leg, Kyoto was near the front, fighting closely with teams from Osaka and Kanagawa. By the second leg, showed their strength and tactical prowess, gaining momentum as they overtook Osaka to claim the lead during the handoff. Kyoto's grip tightened with each leg, showcasing its strong squad of athletes from both high school and college ranks.
The competition eventually culminated with stellar performances from several standout runners:
- Riri Hirakushi from Nagasaki showcased remarkable endurance, picking off several competitors to finish 9th overall.
- Hyogo’s Tanaka Kimi, inspired by the legacy of her predecessors, burst out of the gates with fierce ambition, placing 10th after overtaking two runners during her leg.
"We have grown as competitors and built upon the past successes of our team together. Carrying the weight of the hometown on our back, I am proud to bring this title home," said the jubilant captain Tanaka Kimi, reflecting the sense of pride shared among the team.
The projected standout performances came from established athletes like Kimi Tanaka, who expressed her intent to lead her prefecture to success, aiming to make her mark this season after successfully completing her final leg of the relay.
On the women’s relay circuit, many eyes were also on other notable competitors such as Rika Sakamoto from Gifu, who was seen as Tanaka’s strongest competition during the final stretch of the race. "It was great to see such fierce competition and to push myself beyond my limits today,” Sakamoto reflected post-race.
The dynamic of the race continued reigniting the spirit of the local fanbase, with social media buzzing with excitement. Fans and spectators expressed eagerness for future matches, anticipating competitive ladders to showcase athletes from varying regions. “Seeing Tanaka take part, I can say it was remarkable! The energy throughout the race kept us cheering for the underdogs, and I can't wait for next year!" remarked one enthusiastic local supporter.
Overall, as the Ekiden came to its thrilling conclusion, the collaborations of youth and established stars within the sport provided enriching experiences, immersing newcomers to the elite running. For Kyoto, its hard-fought victory resonates as yet another memorable chapter is etched within the annals of the All Japan Prefectural Championships history, destined to inspire future performances.
Looking forward, as the ecological balance of regional athletics flourishes, both veterans and newcomers anticipate extending their legacy and presence on the national stage, promising thrilling matches for several years to come.
With the championship crown back on their heads, all eyes will certainly be back on Kyoto as they prepare to defend their title next year, with anticipation among the rivals palpable. What can they possibly do for an encore, and can anyone unseat the newly determined champions? Only time will tell as the echoes of their victory reverberate through the dynamic world of competitive running.