So, the Hakone Ekiden is over for another year. It was another spectacle of grit and determination, the ultimate festival of team challenge and mutual goals. Congratulations to Aoyama Gakuin, who masterfully took another title to add to their ever-burgeoning trophy cabinet. They are a team that emphasizes the importance of group dynamics and overall team performance. To mark the end of this magnificent event, here are my ten takeaways from Hakone Ekiden 2025.
Day One: All About Number One. Day Two: All About Number 10.
On Day One, it’s all about who breaks the tape at the shores of Lake Ashinoko. That's where the spotlight naturally falls. But Day Two? That's when the battle for tenth place — the seeding cut — often steals the show, sometimes overshadowing the race for first. This year's dogfight for tenth was one of the fiercest in recent memory. Congratulations to Teikyo University, who clawed their way into the top 10, and commiserations to Juntendo University, who heartbreakingly fell into eleventh place by a handful of seconds. These battles define the drama of Day Two, proving that every position matters in the Hakone Ekiden.
Brotherly Love: The Yoshii Brothers Steal the Show.
The interaction between Shunsuke and Yamato Yoshii was the emotional highlight of the Hakone Ekiden for me. Nervous laughter and visible pride as they spoke on the broadcast captured the essence of what makes this race special. It wasn't just about the times or the records — it was about the human stories that unfold along the way.
Hara Kantoku: The Final Boss.
Aoyama Gakuin’s team boss, Susumu Hara, is the definition of dominance. His ability to prepare his team and outmaneuver rivals is unmatched. He’s like a chess grandmaster, always thinking several moves ahead. When it comes to Hakone, Hara doesn’t just compete — he controls the game. Placing a first-year on the anchor leg felt like a huge flex.
The Power of the Team.
Rugby might claim to be the ultimate team sport, but Ekiden makes a strong case. Richard Etir’s record-breaking run lifted Tokyo International University to second place, but their over-reliance on his brilliance showed the importance of depth. Thankfully, they clawed their way back to eighth place at the end, securing a seeding spot, but it was an uncomfortable ride for the team. It goes to show that Ekiden isn’t won by stars alone — it’s a team effort through and through.
Welcome Back, Keita Sato.
After a 10-month layoff and last year’s harrowing experience against Aoi Ota, Keita Sato made an inspiring return. His gutsy performance on the 7th stage not only helped his team but also exorcised some personal demons. It was resilience at its finest. All that work in the U.S. with his ON teammates, Joe Klecker and Hellen Obiri, seems to have paid off.
Rings and Things: Ekiden Meets Celebrity Culture.
Speaking of Aoi Ota, the Aoyama Gakuin speedster, he appeared to have more than running on his mind this year. After clinching victory on the fourth stage, a quick flash of his golden band sparked a frenzy in the gossip columns. Ota announced his engagement and stepped into a spotlight that extended well beyond the track. As he explained later, the ring symbolizes his commitment to his fiancée, and he expressed a desire to marry soon. It’s rare to see such a personal moment collide with the high-stakes world of Hakone, but it added a fascinating layer to this year’s event.
A Very Human Reminder of Humanity.
One moment from this year's Hakone stood out as a reminder that we’re all human. Kokugakuin University's Akira Tsujiwara ran an incredible 7th stage, moving his team from seventh to sixth place. But just before the relay at the Hiratsuka checkpoint, disaster struck: the tasuki sash slipped from his hands and hit the ground. Tsujiwara doubled back to retrieve it, losing precious seconds but still managing to hand it off. It was a gut-wrenching moment that captured the intensity and fragility of this event.
Was the Adizero Adios Pro 4 the Real Winner?
The pink-striped Adidas shoes were everywhere this year, dominating the field in both numbers and results. Aoyama's Akimu Nomura, who ran an astonishing 6th leg, flashed his shoes to the camera after his record-breaking run to highlight the messages penned on the high-stack foam. That moment gave Adidas the kind of airtime advertising money can't buy. While Keita Sato’s ON Cloudboom Strikes stood out as a minority choice, it’s safe to say Adidas executives were celebrating this weekend.
The Weight of Leadership.
Does the pressure of captaincy weigh too heavily? It’s a question that transcends sports. In this year’s Ekiden, several captains seemed to struggle under the weight of expectation, their performances affected by the responsibility of leading their teams. It was a stark reminder that leadership is as much a burden as it is an honor.
The Ultimate Puzzle.
No other race comes close to the grandeur of Hakone. The Izumo Ekiden and All Japan Ekiden might be significant, but Hakone stands apart as the pinnacle of collegiate racing. For every team outside of Aoyama Gakuin, cracking the Hakone code remains the ultimate challenge — and an enduring dream.
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