Tokai University members waiting for the results with relaxed expressions after giving their all, at Showa Memorial Park

The qualifying round for the 102nd Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden (scheduled for January 2-3 next year) was held on the 18th on a course starting from the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Tachikawa Garrison in Tokyo and finishing at Showa Memorial National Government Park (21.0975 km). The top 10 schools, determined by the combined time of each school’s top 10 runners, secured their spots, with Chuo Gakuin University taking first place.

Among the Kanagawa prefecture teams, Tokai University finished 5th with a time of 10 hours 34 minutes 7 seconds, Kanagawa University placed 7th with 10 hours 36 minutes 7 seconds, and Nippon Sport Science University came in 9th with 10 hours 36 minutes 14 seconds, all successfully qualifying.

Nippon Sport Science University extended its record for consecutive appearances to 78 years (78 total appearances). Tokai University qualified for the 52nd time, returning after a two-year absence, while Kanagawa University made its 56th appearance, marking three consecutive years of qualification. Senshu University, which participated in the previous event, finished 13th.

Tokai University

Tokai University is a private university in Japan founded in 1942 by Shigeyoshi Matsumae, with its first campus established in Tokyo. It has since grown into a large educational system with multiple campuses across the country, known for its emphasis on fostering international understanding and a forward-looking “science and technology” philosophy.

Showa Memorial Park

Showa Memorial Park is a large national park located in Tachikawa, Tokyo, established in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. It was built on a former site of the Imperial Japanese Army’s Tachikawa Airfield, which was used by US forces after World War II. Today, the park is a popular recreational space featuring expansive gardens, water features, and cycling paths for public enjoyment.

Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden

The Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden is a prestigious and historic Japanese long-distance relay race for university men’s teams, held annually on January 2nd and 3rd. First run in 1920, the race covers roughly 217 kilometers between Tokyo and Hakone, split into ten segments over two days. It is a major national television event in Japan, famous for its intense competition and the deep pride universities and their supporters have in their competing teams.

Ground Self-Defense Force’s Tachikawa Garrison

The Ground Self-Defense Force’s Tachikawa Garrison is a key military installation located in Tachikawa, western Tokyo. It originated from the Imperial Japanese Army’s Tachikawa Airfield in the 1930s and later served as a major United States Air Force base after World War II. The facility was returned to Japan and repurposed for the Self-Defense Forces, and today it serves as a central base for logistics, transportation, and command functions.

Chuo Gakuin University

Chuo Gakuin University is a private university located in Abiko, Chiba, Japan, founded in 1885. It was established with a Christian educational philosophy, originally as a seminary, and has since evolved into a comprehensive university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Kanagawa University

Kanagawa University is a private university located in Yokohama, Japan, founded in 1928 as Yokohama Academy. It has since grown into a comprehensive university with multiple faculties and a graduate school, known for its strong focus on practical learning and international exchange programs. The university’s history is closely tied to the development of the port city of Yokohama, contributing significantly to its local community and industry.

Nippon Sport Science University

Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU) is a private university in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1893. It was originally established as Japan’s first institute for physical education, reflecting the country’s modernization during the Meiji era. Today, it remains a leading institution dedicated to sports science, research, and the development of elite athletes.

Senshu University

Senshu University is a prestigious private university in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1880 as the Senshu School. It holds the distinction of being Japan’s first private institution to offer a degree in economics and law, established with the mission of fostering modern business and legal professionals. Today, it remains a leading academic institution with a strong focus on the social sciences.