With the 101st Hakone Ekiden relay race just around the corner, teams gear up with strategic planning and athlete selections for the prestigious event scheduled on January 2 and 3, 2025. The announcements on December 29, 2024, revealed the entries, highlighting the preparation efforts of top-tier competitors.
Aoyama Gakuin University, known for its strong performance history, has made notable choices with its athlete line-up. Among the top runners registered are Udagawa Shunya, who shined with his speed, and Tsukukawa Masaya, who holds records for both the 5000m and 10000m events. Coach Fujita Atsushi expressed confidence stating, “We are excited to show our strength with these entries,” reflecting the team’s vibrant competitive spirit.
This year's event promises excitement as Kokugakuin University aims for three titles, having already clinched victories at the Izumo and All Japan University Relay Marathon. Former Waseda University coach Watanabe Yasuyuki, now with Sumitomo Electric, commented on the challenge they face: “The mountain segments will be the key to our victory.” His insights accentuate the differing demands of Hakone, reputed for its steep, challenging course.
Strategy plays a pivotal role as the event incorporates ten stages across approximately 217 kilometers, significantly longer than prior competitions like Izumo’s six sections. Aoyama Gakuin's entries will see the experienced runners taking charge of the most challenging sections, with competitors like Wakabayashi Hiroki and Nomura Akumu tackling the grueling mountain stretches, known for often deciding the race outcomes.
The dynamics on race day allow for substitutions up to one hour and ten minutes before the starting gun goes off, offering teams flexibility to adapt their strategies. With Aoyama Gakuin currently positioned as defending champions, they aim to build on their historic achievement of winning seven out of the last ten Hakone races. They plan to offset their previous third-place finishes this season from both the Izumo and All Japan events.
Kokugakuin’s program stands at the brink of achieving something rarely accomplished—claiming all three major university relay titles within the same year, which has only been done by five schools historically. Should they succeed, they would mark their name alongside these elite institutions, prepping under the pressure with intense physical conditioning and mental resilience.
The race not only celebrates athletic prowess but also engenders pride, camaraderie, and rigorous preparation across Japan's academic institutions. With expert training regimes and competitive spirits heightened, each team presents its best foot forward.
Both universities intend to secure their momentum leading up to the marathon, sharing insights on their specific preparation styles. From steady endurance runs to sprint intervals, athletes understand the fundamental importance of teamwork and individual excellence. Aoyama’s strategy emphasizes lightning-fast transitions and consistent pacing, which have proven effective over the years.
The anticipation for the Hakone Ekiden is high, as many believe it is not just about competing, but also celebrating tradition, sportsmanship, and national unity through athletics. Analysis by coaches and alumni suggests this year’s competition could witness some unexpected bouts of rivalry, possibly reshaping historical standings.
Looking at previous years, the race has unfolded moments of thrills, setbacks, and extraordinary feats, underlining the rich narrative woven throughout the competition’s history. It’s no wonder thousands will gather to cheer on their teams as they push boundaries, running the famed route made legendary through years of hard-fought contests.
Up until the last minute, strategies can pivot, and the exciting uncertainties mean every team could emerge victorious against the odds. Who will claim glory this time around? Only the echoes of the starting gun will reveal this gripping tale of endurance, determination, and triumph on the country’s most storied racing course.