hakone-ekiden.jp

The Hakone Ekiden is a prestigious university relay race held annually, featuring 21 teams composed of the top 10 schools with seed rights from the previous year, 10 schools that pass the October qualifiers, and the Kanto Student Union team. Covering a total distance of 217.1 km, split into 10 sections between Tokyo and Hakone, it is the longest collegiate relay race in the student long-distance running world.

Originating in 1920, driven by the vision of fostering world-class runners like the marathon pioneer Kinue Hitomi, the Hakone Ekiden has a rich historical background. Its inception marked a significant moment in Japanese sports history post-World War I. Participants are carefully selected through qualifiers and showcase incredible determination through challenging terrains and historical relay exchanges. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of staff and student volunteers ensures the seamless execution of this iconic sporting event.