On January 2 (Thursday), five sections of the first half in the 96th Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race) took place. The first-day distance is 107.5 km, from Otemachi, Tokyo to Hakone, Kanagawa. Soka University’s Ekiden Team participated in the race for the first time in three years. Mr. Ren Yonemitsu (Faculty of Letters, senior) of Section 1, won a Section Award and thus created momentum. The team came in 7th place (at 5 hours, 27 minutes, 34 seconds). This also surpassed last time’s performance (the 93rd competition) by ranking (9th place) and time (at 5 hours, 39 minutes, 25 seconds).

Mr. Yonemitsu of Section 1 got into the leading group from the start, and, at less than 300 m remaining, he surpassed everyone in one stretch and led the team by running very well, bringing the first Section Award to Soka University.

Musoni Muil (Faculty of Economics, senior), who ran Section 2 of the Hakone route for the second time, entered the Totsuka relay station at 6th place with a persistent pace, as he received great cheers of support from Soka University’s international students from the roadsides.

Yoshiki Haratomi (Faculty of Letters, junior) of Section 3 desperately held on to his pace behind the runner in front of him, and with a high level of self-composure, handed over the sash at 9th place for the team.

Yuichi Fukuda (Faculty of Law, junior) of Section 4 showed a wonderful run placing 4th running pace in the section between Hiratsuka to Odawara, increasing the team’s ranking by 2 and entering the Odawara relay station in 7th place.

Captain Yosuke Tsukidate (Faculty of Economics, senior), who was entrusted with Section 5, with his intense ability to almost “mountain climb” at a running pace, ran without giving up right until the end, resulting in a historic moment of passing the finish line at 7th place, which was within the range to be seeded in the next year’s race.

Below are comments from the coach and runners after the first-half run.
Coach Kazutaka Enoki shared: “From Yonemitsu’s Section 1, the runners ran in a way beyond what I expected, and I believe everyone was able to enter the race with a good flow. Although everything developed at a high level, everyone fully manifested their full strength and confidence. We did not reach 6th place, which was our goal. However, since there isn’t much difference with 5th place, we would like to unite as a team tomorrow for the return route and to be seeded in the next year’s race. I appreciate all the cheers that came to us, even right from the early morning.”

Section 1 runner, Ren Yonemitsu shared: “In aiming to be seeded next year, which was our team’s goal, I stood on the start line with the resolve to receive a Section Award in order to create a positive flow. There were tough moments, but I boldly ran with confidence that was built on all the practice that I have done and with the determination to manifest everything I have, since this is my last Hakone Ekiden. At the last moment, I surpassed the other runners, and I am so happy to receive a Section Award for the first time for Soka University. I appreciate my friends, as we challenged ourselves together for the past four years, and I appreciate my family, as well as everyone that sent me cheers from the roadsides.”

Section 2 runner, Musoni Muil shared: “Yonemitsu handed me the sash with a smile and powerfully pushed me forward. I was encouraged by the cheers from Soka University’s international students and from the many people by the roadsides. This was my second run in the Hakone Ekiden. With appreciation to everyone who supported my four years of university life, I think I was able to manifest my strength. I handed the sash to Haratomi, who was waiting at the Hiratsuka relay station, saying, ‘Fight!’ Thank you very much for your support.”

Section 3 runner, Yoshiki Haratomi shared: “In the end, I was glad to surpass a runner from Waseda University that was running in front of me and to hand the sash to Fukuda for Section 4. In the latter half, there was a moment when a runner from Meiji University beat me, but I think I was able to manifest my strength by being persistent, in being determined not to get separated from him. I was able to fully realize my run by using the cheers from the roadsides as a strength. Thank you very much.”

Section 4 runner, Yuichi Fukuda shared: “I was able to come in at 4th running pace in the section, surpassing the time that I aimed for. I feel that I exhibited 120% of my ability. As Yonemitsu received a Section Award for Section 1, that momentum elevated my spirits. When I received the sash, I started running with the resolve to increase our ranking even more and to hand the sash over to Captain Tsukidate for Section 5. Each time I felt like giving up I could see the banners on the roadside and I could hear many people cheering, which gave me tremendous strength. Thank you very much.”

Stage 5 runner Yosuke Tsukidate shared: “The first half gave us 7th place. Yonemitsu from Section 1 gave us a Section Award, and from there a positive flow began to form, and we were able to end the race, gaining the right to participate again next year. Thanks to all the cheers from start to finish, we were able to end the first part of the race with this kind of result. Tomorrow, also, runners with great abilities for whom we have high expectations will take their run, so I appreciate your continued support.”

The five sections of the return route (109.6 km) are scheduled for January 3. Toward the goal to be seeded next year, we ask for your kind support of the team.