The 75th Men's and 36th Women's National High School Ekiden Championships were held on December 22, 2024, at the Takebishi Stadium in Kyoto, and they saw the Nagano Prefecture dominate the events with impressive victories.
Nagano East High School's girls' team, represented by standout runner Ari Masaharu, showcased exceptional performance by not just winning but maintaining their lead throughout the relay. They clocked an impressive total time of 1 hour, 07 minutes, and 27 seconds, marking their second championship win. Their achievement was highlighted by Masaharu's commanding first leg, where she secured the lead and passed the baton to strong teammates including Hinata Tabata.
"The girls maintained the lead from the first leg until the finish," stated their coach, Mai Kubota. This seamless transition between legs illustrated the team's rigorous training and dedication. Throughout the race, the girls' relay skills shone brightly, and they never surrendered their position, finishing with the same time recorded two years prior, but following the record set during their first championship outing.
The event drew significant attention, with fierce competition from teams, including perennial runner-up Sendai Ikuei High School, who finished closely behind. Tabata, the anchor runner for Nagano East, faced intense pressure as she approached the finish line. "I was really anxious but happy to contribute to the team's success," she shared after the race, emotional yet fulfilled.
On the men's side, Saku Chosei High School also brought home the championship, marking the historic first simultaneous win for both divisions of Nagano teams. They completed their race with stunning athletic prowess, clocking 2 hours, 1 minute, and 33 seconds. The team leader, Kaito Ishikawa, was key to their success, demonstrating tremendous strength throughout the latter sections of the race. Coach Takamizawa Katsu explained, "We discussed fighting hard to win. This time, the students really showed their will to overcome challenges."
The championships highlighted the camaraderie among the competing teams, with many schoolmates and alumni present to cheer their athletes on from the stands. The collaborative spirit of high school ekiden running was evident, echoing the significance of improving together through discipline and teamwork.
This year marked not just a competitive highlight but also reflected the depth of talent nurtured within Nagano. Reports suggest training conditions, including accessible cross-country courses and high-altitude training opportunities, create superior environments for athletes, fostering both physical and mental resilience.
"The environment here is unique due to our mountainous terrain, which helps to build stamina from childhood," adds running analyst Kin Tetsuhiko. His insights about how high-altitude areas influence athlete performance reveal how Nagano's geographical advantages translate to serious competitive successes.
Nagano's running culture, combined with the support of local schools and communities, leads to deep-rooted enthusiasm for ekiden and track events. The pace is fast, the stakes are high, but these students are immensely devoted, and it shows every time they step onto the course. Both men’s and women’s teams exalted the state, clearly showing why Nagano is regarded as the perfect grounds for fostering future high-caliber athletes.
With the successes of both teams, this year's event at Kyoto has not only set new records but solidified Nagano's reputation as the home of excellence within high school athletic competitions. The yet-untold stories of grit, perseverance, and exceptional teamwork continue to inspire not only young athletes across the country but also the growing legacy of high school ekiden.
