Aoyama Gakuin University dominates the 100th Hakone Ekiden
Reported by Chinatsu Aoyama, Yuuma Sakamoto
The race began with Komazawa seemingly taking the lead again. However, the tide turned with Asahi Kuroda’s surge in the 2nd ward, helping the team narrow the distance with the Komazawa runner, which had taken a substantial lead. In the 3rd ward, Aoi Ota caught up with Komazawa, overtaking the lead and creating an opportunity for the teammates running after to go solo.
By the end of the race, Aoyama Gakuin finished in first place and showed a remarkable lead of 6 minutes and 35 seconds (preliminary estimate) over Komazawa, crossing the finish line.
In a decisive move to thwart Komazawa’s Ekiden supremacy, the Aoyama Gakuin University team not only exceeded expectations by showing a sensational performance on the track but also responded adeptly to Coach Susumu Hara’s ‘We Won’t Accept Defeat Strategy.’
Reflecting back to the 100th Hakone Ekiden and Aoyama Gakuin University’s victory
Aoyama Gakuin University’s Track and Field Team’s Coach Hara marked his 20th year as coach with a remarkable 7th victory at the 100th Hakone Ekiden. Expressing gratitude to everyone, Coach Hara reflected on the challenges faced by the fourthyear students during their four years, notably contending with the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The team, facing uncertainties due to the Noto earthquake on January 1 and a flu outbreak, overcame adversities to participate in the historic 100th Hakone Ekiden.
・Navigating challenges ―fourth-year students and unforeseen hurdles
In a competition where Komazawa University is often considered dominant, Aoyama Gakuin faced setbacks with five out of ten team members contracting the flu just before the event. Runner Kazuyo Sato, who showed outstanding performance in the fourth section, battled not only the flu but also appendicitis, preventing him from participating. Despite these challenges, the team, led by senior captain Hayato Shiki, dormitory manager Ryutaro Suzuki, and team manager Takumi Akasaki, persevered with determination.
Aramaki, in his second year, took the role of the first runner in the race. He ran his section and handed off the tasuki (sash) to Kuroda, who ran next.
School of global studies and collaboration Sophomore
"I had my debut in the Hakone Ekiden this time, and thanks to the tremendous support from the audience by the road and in front of the TV, I was able to run the 2nd section and achieve the ward victory. I believe I executed the planned run and created a flow that contributed to our victory. Looking ahead to next year, aiming to break 10 hours and 40 minutes and secure backto-back victories, I will work hard to deliver an even better performance. Thank you for your continued support."
College of community studies Junior
In the 2024 Hakone Ekiden, Ota Aoi displayed a strategic performance in the crucial 3rd section. Assessing the race with about 3 kilometers remaining, Aoi, known for his love for Hakone, briefly exchanged glances with Keita Sato from Komazawa University. Signaling his move by placing sunglasses atop his head, Aoi initiated a decisive sprint, pulling away from Sato and leaving an indelible mark on the iconic race.
School of cultural and creative studies Senior
"Thank you for the cheers along the route and the support messages. It truly meant a lot. I achieved my personal goal of winning the section, and as a team, we secured victory in the 100th edition with a new record. These four years were filled with both victories and defeats, various experiences, and now, I genuinely feel grateful to be at Aoyama Gakuin. Thank you all for your support."
College of community studies Junior
The term “Waka-no-kami”refers to the runner Hiroki Wakabayashi, who ran the 5th section. Normally, when runners who run this section get the best record, they are called “Yamano-kami” which means “Mountain Deity.” Wakabayashi is called “Wakano-kami” because Coach Hara expects him to be the best runner of the 5th ward and one day become the “Yamano-kami.”
College of Literature Junior
"To be honest, I did not expect to win. However, the five runners before me brought the team to my section, allowing me to relax and focus on fulfilling my role. As I enter my final year, I will be taking on the responsibility of leading the team. With the goal of the three major Ekidens' triple crown and a consecutive Hakone Ekiden victory, I ask for your continued support."
For Yamauchi, a fourth-year student at Aoyama Gakuin University, the 100th Hakone Ekiden was his first and last participation in the Hakone Ekiden. He used his speed to pull away from the runners behind him, taking the lead for his team.
"As a first-time participant in the three major Ekidens, I was really nervous. However, Tanaka stayed with me until the end, encouraging me with warm words. I managed to win the section award and smoothly handed over the sash to Kuramoto. Since only Aoyama Gakuin University can aim for consecutive victories, I will do my best to achieve that goal in the coming year. Thank you for your support."
Similar to Yamauchi, Kuramoto also participated in his first and final Hakone Ekiden in his fourth year in college. He was able to win the section award in his last Hakone Ekiden.
"Firstly, thank you for all the support. No one, including myself, expected a lead of 6 and a half minutes to my section. It was an enjoyable Ekiden, despite being my debut. Professors, if you happen to come across the name Shunya Udagawa on the name list, it would be great if you could think ‘he did his best.’ Thank you."
“I am truly happy to have been able to win and to be able to report it to so many people. I have been able to come this far thanks to the support of many people. I want to remember to be grateful for that support as I stand on this stage.”
"Until December 30th, I was enduring the pain and doing my best, but I reached a point where I could not run anymore, leading to a last-minute change on the race day. The 10 runners who participated delivered fantastic performances, returning to Otemachi in the lead. Looking back, the substitutes like us cannot help but feel regret. However, seeing them win with such a significant lead made me proud when we welcomed Udagawa in Otemachi. It is a mix of regret and envy for those who did not run, but I believe everyone will work hard, keeping that feeling in mind throughout the coming year."
Tanaka Yuto often posted educational videos, contests, and original radio podcasts on his social media accounts. Although he was not on the starting lineup and must have had a lot of struggles, that did not stop him from giving his best. He even crafted a good luck charm for his teammates. He is to become the newxt team captain.
On January 28, 2024 (Sunday), a victory parade for the 100th Hakone Ekiden and a fundraising appeal for the Noto Peninsula earthquake disaster were held. Approximately 33,000 people lined the parade route, where coaches and athletes paraded for about 300 meters amidst performances by cheering squads and baton-twirling bands.
