Toyo University faced significant challenges during the 2025 Hakone Ekiden held on January 2-3, as the team underwent unexpected roster changes due to injuries affecting key athletes. The 101st edition of this prestigious relay race, which spans from Tokyo to Hakone across 107.5 kilometers, saw Toyo University adapt quickly to the loss of their captain Ren Umezaki and ace runner Kosuke Ishida.
The team, which has built considerable prestige over the years, including four championships between 2009 and 2014, was now battling to maintain its reputation with last-minute changes. Umezaki, who was expected to be pivotal running the second leg, had to withdraw from the race the day before due to acute pain in his Achilles tendon, which posed concerns about his ability to compete effectively.
Head coach Toshiyuki Sakai reflected candidly on the situation, stating, “We made emergency changes to the first three sections based on the situation.” This last-minute adjustment included not only the replacement of Umezaki but also Ishida, who had dealt with his own issues leading up to the event. Coach Sakai remarked on the high level of competition this year, noting, “The level has been very high lately; the selected runners must compete at their best.”
Despite these setbacks, Toyo University managed to finish the first half of the race, termed the '往路' or first leg, securing the ninth position. They initially struggled but showcased resilience, particularly during the latter stages of the leg. Umezaki and Ishida’s absences were felt, but adaptions were made, and the team's spirit prevailed. Sakai expressed satisfaction with the performance under these challenging circumstances, saying, “We’ve managed to secure our spot for the 20th consecutive year without getting flustered.”
Though the team did not meet their high aspirations of placing within the top ranks, the performance offered hope for the next segment of the race, known as the ‘復路’ or return leg. To secure their continuous 20-year consecutive seed, Toyo University must hold the pace against expected fierce competition from traditionally strong teams like Aoyama Gakuin University and Chuo University, both of which have shown incredible performances.
The emotional toll of race day was evident, particularly for Umezaki, who has been racing at Hakone since his first year. According to Coach Sakai, Umezaki expressed both disappointment and complex emotions prior to the race. He was supposed to rally his teammates and focus on their collective strategy to tackle the usual brigade of competitors. His leadership was missed as they navigated through the turmoil without one of their own veterans.
Throughout the race, the team displayed commendable grit. Younger runners such as third-year Mio Ogata and additional freshmen stepped up admirably, contributing to the overall performance and recovering losses as the race progressed. Coach Sakai noted the importance of maintaining rhythm and strategy, particularly focusing on securing their spot at the nationals.
Looking forward, Sakai’s targets remain clear. “We will aim to secure our place and keep our legacy alive; competition promises to be stiff, but I believe we can rise to the challenge,” he stated confidently following the relay. The coach remains optimistic about their potential for the return leg, emphasizing stability and execution as the key to overcoming hurdles and ensuring they continue their streak.
Umezaki and Ishida’s absence cast shadows on the team’s ambitions, but the spirit and determination exemplified by the remaining members of the Toyo University team held promise for future races. With the right adjustments and mental fortitude, Coach Sakai remains hopeful they can still nurture their legacy and uphold their esteemed history as they push on to future challenges within the highly competitive arena of Japanese collegiate relay running.