On December 22, 2024, the 36th National High School Ekiden Championships took place at Takebishi Stadium Kyoto, where the women's division saw thrilling competition among Japan's top high school runners. Nagano East High School, claiming victory for the second time, secured the title with an impressive time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 27 seconds, outpacing their rivals from the start and finishing strong.
The event comprised five stages, totaling 21.0975 kilometers. Nagano East seized the lead early, particularly during the first stage, where sophomore Ai Mashiba achieved the fastest time, earning the coveted section award. Her performance set the tone for the rest of the race, which the team maintained, preventing any challengers from overtaking them.
Sendai Ikuei High School finished just behind Nagano East, marking their third consecutive second-place finish, clocking in at 1 hour and 7 minutes and 45 seconds. Osaka Kwansei Gakuin rounded out the podium with third place at 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 5 seconds. Last year's champions, Kamimura Gakuen from Kagoshima, slipped to fifth this time, finishing with 1 hour and 8 minutes and 41 seconds.
The first leg of the race was marked by Mashiba’s determination. "I felt last year’s frustration motivating me. I had to give it my all to finish strong today!" she stated, reflecting on her win. Her effort propelled the team forward, allowing them to maintain their lead through the subsequent legs of the race.
Following Mashiba, first-year runner Nanami Kawakami held their position, demonstrating resilience even as other teams tried to close the gap. Meanwhile, the spotlight also shone on one of the race’s most talked-about athletes, Rin Kubo from Higashi Osaka Daikyou. She showcased remarkable skill during her leg, executing a breathtaking maneuver where she overtook 16 competitors to win the section award for her stage with a time of 12 minutes and 47 seconds.
"You could say my theme for today's race was how many people I could pass. I was pleased with my performance, focusing on my strength and endurance!" Kubo remarked with satisfaction after crossing the finish line. Her outstanding run significantly contributed to her team's overall result, bringing them to sixth place with 1 hour and 8 minutes and 42 seconds.
Each section of the race displayed the competitors' tactical prowess, with changes imposed this year seeing the roles of foreign athletes adjusted. Only able to race the shorter third stage, teams had to adapt quickly to these regulations. This has not only revived existing strategies but also opened new dialogue about inclusivity during these prestigious events.
The final leg was anchored by Hinano Tabata from Nagano East, who expressed pride after running the final leg to secure victory. "Everyone connected the baton has 1st! I felt I had to run to the finish confidently," she said proudly, summing up the collective effort of her team.
Overall, the event not only highlighted the competitive spirit embedded within Japan's youth but also showcased potential future stars of long-distance running. The next generation of athletes displayed not just incredible individual achievements, but team spirit and community pride, rooted deeply within their school affiliations.
Those participating, including schools from all across the country, achieved remarkable milestones during the race, establishing personal bests and making memories along the way.
While this year crowned Nagano East as champions, each team’s determination and camaraderie emphasized the true heart of this championship, leaving supporters eagerly awaiting what future races have to offer. With impactful changes to the rules and format, the future of high school ekiden looks promising.
