Waseda University showcased remarkable talent and resilience at the Hakone Ekiden 2025, solidifying their reputation among Japan's elite university athletic programs. Competing on January 2 and 3, 2025, during the 101st Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip University Ekiden Race, the team had high hopes of improving their previous third-place finish.
The race covered an impressive 109.6 kilometers, stretching from the serene landscapes of Hakone town's Lake Ashi to the busy streets of Chiyoda, Tokyo. Waseda’s strategy revolved around utilizing their best runners, with captain Daishi Ito at the forefront, aiming to lead the charge and inspire his teammates.
"This team’s slogan is 'Let’s Laugh at Otemachi'. We aimed to visualize winning at Otemachi, the start and finish of the Hakone Ekiden," expressed captain Daishi Ito, highlighting the motivational culture within the team. His sentiments echo the unity and shared goals they cultivated throughout the season, building team morale leading up to the event.
The team’s preparations were rigorous, with every practice session reaffirming their commitment to rise above their previous rankings. One of the standout contributors, Yoshi Ishizuka, articulated the value of teamwork: "We put our all to lead the team, each practice felt like we were building up together." His dedication to his teammates was evident as they trained hard, facing both physical and mental challenges together.
During the race, strategic placements of runners became pivotal. Waseda’s runners faced stiff competition from other universities, with intense rivalries igniting as they navigated each segment of the relay. The fluid transitions between runners showcased their preparedness, with each leg of the course presenting its unique hurdles.
While maintaining their positions was key, the team also prioritized pacing, focusing on keeping strong speeds to fend off potential challenges from competitors. The atmosphere throughout the race was electrifying, with supporters lining the route, cheering for their respective teams, adding to the adrenaline of the event.
Waseda's strategic deployment of their captain along with experienced team members like Ishizuka proved effective. Each runner demonstrated skill and focus, their contributions collectively moving the team closer to their goal.
Throughout the race, Waseda University maneuvered well against any obstacles they faced, showcasing how preparation leads to performance. Their persistence and teamwork helped them overcome the pressures of such a prestigious event, with each runner knowing the stakes involved.
The culmination of Waseda’s efforts reflected not only their skills as individual athletes but also as cohesive units. Their performance was marked by strategic decisions, individual strengths, and, most significantly, their unwavering camaraderie.
With the race concluding and the impacts of their efforts visible, Waseda University has solidified its ambitions for future competitions. They are set to build on their achievements, focusing on continuous improvement and rising as champions. "Winning is just the start. We aim to grow, learn, and achieve more together as one team," concluded Ito as they looked to the future.
Waseda's performances at the Hakone Ekiden have reiterated their commitment to excellence and their drive to compete at the highest level. The university remains focused on nurturing the next generation of athletes who will carry forward this proud tradition of athletic prowess and teamwork.