Miyagi Sends Sends Racing To First Ekiden Win

The Spring High School Ina Ekiden took place on March 23, 2025, at the Ina City Athletics Stadium, featuring high school male runners competing in a relay format across six sections totaling 42.195 kilometers. Under sunny skies and temperatures reaching 19.7 degrees Celsius, the race showcased not just the talents of today’s youth but the enduring spirit of teamwork and perseverance that defines the iconic Ekiden running tradition.

This year’s event saw Miyagi/Sendai Ikuei achieving remarkable success, clinching the first victory by a Tohoku team in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 55 seconds. They set the competition ablaze by leading the race from start to finish, displaying exceptional coordination and endurance. Coach Chiba Yuji praised his team’s efforts, stating, "Six runners have shown their practice capabilities today, and I believe it’s a result of the collective effort of everyone involved.”

Fukuoka/Ohori closely followed, finishing in second place with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 7 seconds, showcasing their competitive edge. Meanwhile, Miyazaki Nichidai claimed third with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 55 seconds, while Okayama/Kurashiki and Nagano/Saku Chosei trailed closely behind, with times of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 1 second and 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 33 seconds respectively.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as runners took on various segments of the route; the first section saw Wakabayashi Tsukasa, a Sendai Ikuei second-year student, leading with a solid time of 23 minutes and 21 seconds. In the second section, Gojukkane Arata of Ibaraki/Mito stunned the crowd with a section record, delivering a performance that included an impressive 42 passes, further intensifying the competition.

Further in the race, the standout performances continued. The third section was marked by Kashiwagi Kaito from Kurashiki, earning the section title with a swift time of 22 minutes and 23 seconds. The fourth section showcased Sendai Ikuei once again with Suzuki Hiroto sprinting ahead in 27 minutes and 21 seconds, keeping the lead intact for his team. James Kariuki from Aomori Yamada also made a mark in the fifth section, clocking 14 minutes and 35 seconds to be the fastest runner in his segment.

The day was not just about racing; it was a showcase of community support, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As his team maintained the lead, Sasaki Rento, the anchor runner for Sendai Ikuei, expressed his pride: "I’m really happy that we could work as a team and achieve our goal from the start of the race." The eagerness and pressure surrounding the event brought out the very best in these young athletes, fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie.

With a stunning podium finish, the Ekiden further solidifies its status as a cherished event in Japan’s high school athletic scene. Local media, including Nagano Broadcasting, broadcast live highlights of the occasion, ensuring the stories of these young athletes reached a wider audience. Coverage also included the NHK Nagano’s feature later the same evening, promising to celebrate the spirit of competition and the achievements of each participant.

As the competition concluded, it was clear that the Spring High School Ina Ekiden was more than a race; it was a testament to the resilience and grit of the youth. This event continues to encourage students across Japan to push physical boundaries and strive for excellence. The collective pursuit of greatness, exemplified through teamwork and individual determination, leaves a lasting legacy on the hearts of runners and spectators alike.

In closing, this year's Ekiden not only crowned a champion but revitalized the spirit of high school athletics, encouraging a new generation to partake in the joys and challenges of competitive running. As another chapter of the Ina Ekiden concludes, participants and spectators alike eagerly await next year's race, aiming to witness even more remarkable feats of endurance and sportsmanship.