Waseda University made headlines during the 101st Hakone Ekiden Relay Race, displaying outstanding performances and remarkable teamwork. The race, held on January 2-3, 2025, spanned from Tokyo to Hakone, challenging the participating universities to showcase their best runners. Amidst intense competition, Waseda's team, under the guidance of head coach Haru Shin, aimed for victory with determination and strategic pacing.
The accomplishment of this year's relay race was extraordinary. Coach Shin expressed pride in his athletes, stating, "The goal was to smile at Otemachi." For many, this event signifies not just placement but glory and recognition for their hard work throughout the year and from their entire university community.
Key athletes included 4th-year runner Takumi Ota, who noted the gravity of their success, saying, "I wanted to achieve my four-year goal with my team and express gratitude to everyone involved." Ota's heartfelt remarks emphasized the bonds formed over countless training sessions and the weight of responsibility they each felt as representatives of Waseda.
The strategies employed by Waseda University included strong teamwork, pacing, and mental resilience. The team executed the 'Aitai ne' operation — which focuses on reconnecting with their purpose and aiming to finish proud. Coach Shin's wife, Miho, who also serves as the team's dorm mother, added her perspective: "I have to pass the baton to my successor," indicating the natural progression and legacy within the program.
Throughout the race, Waseda's team faced various challenges, such as strong competition and the test of endurance, but maintained focus on their collective goal. Their determination paid off as they moved through the ranks, showcasing athletic prowess and strategic transitions during the hand-offs. This competitive moment highlighted the grueling nature of the relay, where every second counted and the pressure to maintain or improve placements surged throughout the race.
Initially, Waseda fell behind competing universities, but the athletes rallied together, employing their trained skills and mutual support to recover lost ground. With climactic performances during the latter stages of the race, each runner contributed significantly to the team's overall success, delighting spectators along the course.
Takumi Ota's remarks during the closing press conferences reflected the team's emotional high: "We finally succeeded combined with the 'Aitai ne' operation," he noted, capturing the essence of teamwork and shared ambition. Ota, who gained the attention of many during the race, effectively galvanized his teammates with various encouraging words on their endeavor.
The camaraderie developed among the athletes serves as one of the lasting rewards from participating at such elite levels. Each runner brings their unique strengths to the team, creating not only formidable competitors but also lasting friendships forged through shared experience and sacrifice. This aspect of team dynamics becomes evident as members celebrate victories together, each playing their role toward the collective achievement.
Looking forward, coach Haru Shin and his athletes are optimistic about future competitions, driven by the lessons learned and the bonds formed. Waseda University’s strong performance at this year's Hakone Ekiden Relay Race marks another successful chapter for their athletic program, reinforcing their place among Japan’s elite university teams.
The legacy of this competition continues to inspire current and future athletes at Waseda University, emphasizing teamwork, excellence, and the pursuit of competitive spirit. The success at Hakone embodies not just victories but the values instilled through the spirit of athletics, setting the stage for even greater ambitions down the road.