Takuma Yamakawa of Komazawa University (right) tells Mayor Masanori Shiratori his joy at winning the Hakone Ekiden.
Takuma Yamakawa (19), the winning member of Komazawa University who took the eighth all-around victory for the first time in 2 years in the 99th Tokyo-Hakone Round Trip University Ekiden Race (2nd and 3rd), was 5. I returned to my hometown of Minowa. He visited Mayor Masanori Shiratori at the town hall and relayed his joy at having contributed to the team’s victory. Looking forward to the next tournament, he promised to take it one step further, saying, “I want to do my best for one year so I can win the section prize.”
Komazawa University conquered both the outward and return journeys. Yamakawa raced the fifth mountaineering section on the outward route. After receiving the armband in 1st place, just one second off 2nd place, he crossed the finish line maintaining first position with a stable run. His record is 1 hour 10 minutes 45 seconds which is 4th in the section. “In the second half, I ran out of energy and slowed down, but I got through it feeling like I didn’t want to lose,” she said.
It is said that during his time in Jono, he trained in places such as the Kayano Plateau, which is about 1,200 meters above sea level. I am grateful to Furusato, who has a suitable environment. He expressed his gratitude to the many residents for their support and expressed his aspirations of him, saying, “I want to race in District 5 again next year. I hope I can win the section award and give back to the community.” Mayor Shiratori praised Yamakawa’s performance and thanked him, saying, “He was a good PR for the city.”
Before the courtesy visit, a ceremony was held in the town hall. A large number of residents and staff waiting for Yamakawa’s arrival greeted him enthusiastically, saying, “Congratulations” and “The pride of the city.” When Yamakawa received the bouquet, he happily accepted the photo shoot.
