The National High School Ekiden Championships 2024, held on December 22 at the Takebishi Stadium Kyoto, brought together 116 teams from across Japan, highlighting the future of high school athletics. With the girls' race kicking off the event, Nagano East High School sprinted to victory, preserving their lead from the onset to secure their second title.
Finishing with a stellar time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 27 seconds, the Nagano East team was led by their impressive anchor, Tanabata Haruna. She expressed her joy, stating, "I wanted to carry this baton to the finish line because the other athletes had passed it to me from the first place." Their victory reflected not only skill but also strategic teamwork, as their runners successfully maintained the lead throughout the competitive race.
Following the girls' triumph, the boys' category proved to be just as thrilling. Saku Chosei High School, the defending champions, navigated through fierce competition to clinch their fourth overall title and second consecutive win. The race involved nail-biting lead changes, particularly between Saku Chosei and Omuta High School from Fukuoka, showcasing the high stakes of this prestigious event.
It was during the later stages of the race, particularly the final leg led by Ichikawa Hiroki, where the excitement peaked. After receiving the baton just two seconds behind the leader, Ichikawa said, "It was close, but I pushed early with determination to win." He made all the right moves, overtaking Omuta and securing Saku Chosei's victory with their finishing time of 2 hours 1 minute and 33 seconds.
This year’s championships marked the first time both the Nagano boys' and girls' teams emerged victorious at the same event. Their simultaneous victories ignite the pride of the Nagano community. Saku Chosei's captain, Hamaguchi Yamato, expressed his elation with the momentous achievement, saying, "We are aiming for the strongest team," emphasizing their commitment and preparation leading up to the event.
The historical significance of the day was echoed throughout the local community. Supporters gathered to cheer energetically for their teams, with local businesses broadcasting the intense relay battle on large screens. It was clear the residential enthusiasm added much to the atmosphere—there were emotional cheers and palpable tension whenever Saku Chosei edged closer to securing their victory.
Additional excitement during the championships was fueled by the emergence of outstanding individual performances, including record-breaking runs. The event saw two sections of the race—men's and women's—witness new records, particularly highlighting the remarkable abilities of various athletes reflecting the high level of competition.
For women's racing, notable performances highlighted contributions from athletes such as first-year runner Kawakami Minami, who showed impressive potential and placed second on her leg. Meanwhile, on the men's side, the experience of the senior runners played a massive role, leading to decisive moments where speed and resilience determined the outcome.
Following the event, the responses from athletes and coaches were overwhelmingly positive. Slammed by the weight of local expectations, they expressed relief and joy after achieving victory on such a prestigious stage. Coaches reflected on the hard work and determination put forth by their teams. Ichikawa's statement encapsulated their drive perfectly: "It was close, but I pushed early with determination to win." His words mirrored the spirit of determination and excellence displayed by all participants.
Overall, the National High School Ekiden Championships 2024 reinforced the significance of high school athletics in fostering community and student development, with the dual victories of Nagano East and Saku Chosei becoming the standout highlight of this year’s event. The accomplishments of these athletes serve not only as personal accolades but also as triumphs for their schools, setting them apart as remarkable contributors to Japan’s rich history of competitive sports.
With these achievements marking the end of another exhilarating season, all eyes are now turning to next year’s championships, where the question remains: Can Nagano repeat their historic double-victory, or will new challengers rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but for now, the spirit of victory will surely resonate long within the hearts of these young runners.
