Text by Masato Sakai
January 2, 2022, 98th Hakone Ekiden, Yamato Yoshii (Chuo Univ.) running in the 1st ward Photo: Matsuo/Afro Sports/Japan Sports Press Association
5 dark horses
Komadai is aiming for the triple crown and Seigakudai is aiming for back to back wins. In terms of strength, both schools are lacking, but if there is a mistake, the “winning line” will go down. Tokyo International University, which finished fifth last year, and Chuo University, which finished third at Izumo Ekiden. The top five universities of All Japan University Ekiden, Kokugakuin University, Jundai and Soka University have the potential to surpass the top two.
So which strategies are effective? I want to find a way to make it in the Dark Horse School.
Where to cut the “joker”
First of all, Chuo University can make an impact in the early stages. Last time, Yamato Yoshii (3 years old) ran alone in the first district. He broke the record for the oldest section for the first time in 15 years, over 39 seconds behind the next one. The other schools’ commanders are terrified of the section Yoshii enters. Masakazu Fujiwara, the manager of Ekiden, understands this perfectly, and where should Yoshii be placed between the 1st and 3rd wards? The plan is to make a final decision while keeping an eye on rival schools’ trends.
Last time he fell to 11th in Section 2, but this time Shota Nakano (3rd year), who holds the Chuo University record for 10,000m (28:00.86) and is strong on the climb, is a candidate for Section 2. I will be able to keep it longer than last time. Also candidates for the first leg are Michio Senmori (4th year), who ran well in Izumo and All Japan, and Shunkyo Yoshii (1st year), who clocked 28:06.27 in the 10,000m, fourth fastest in the history of the U20. Haruki Abe (2nd year), who ranked 6th last year, is in the 5th ward, and Yodai Wakabayashi (4th year), who ranked 5th the previous year, is in the 6th ward. Return trip candidates include Yudai Nakazawa (4th year), who was 3rd in the 8th ward last time, Jin Yuasa (3rd year), who was 3rd in the 9th ward, and Reio Yamadaira (2nd year), who was 3rd in the Kanto intercollegiate is there
Considering the pressure on the first two, Yamato Yoshii will be effective in the first district. This is because it is difficult to make the most of their characteristics in 2nd Ward, and they may not be able to compete for the top spot in 3rd Ward. This season, Yoshii’s explosive power is outstanding, as he managed to break out of the early stages of Izumo 1st Ward. Ace can put pressure on the 1st section riders aiming for the championship by taking him to the very high speed race. This can lead to big mistakes.
January 2, 2022, 98th Hakone Ekiden, Ryuji Miura (Juntendo Univ.) running in Section 2 Photo: Aflo
Last year’s runner-up, Jundai, will be the section point of Ryuji Miura (3rd year), who achieved the feat of finishing 7th in the 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics. Last time he served in the second section and finished 11th in the section. He fulfilled his team role, but lacked the image of running fast, partly because Shunsuke Taira (4th year) was a late finisher in 18th place.
Last time, Tatsuya Iyoda (4th year) in the 3rd ward was third in the section, Kazuki Ishii (3rd year) in the 4th ward was in 2nd place, and Shunsuke Shikama (4th year) in the 5th ward was in 5th place. Iyoda and Ishii had raced in the same section for the second consecutive year and regretted that the fifth section, Shikama, was too fast. These three sections can be counted as hardpoints, so it would be best not to move them. Sixth ward candidate Soma Hattori (2nd year) has high expectations, and captain Yuma Nishizawa (4th year), who showed fast running in All Japan 6th ward, is expected to be active in the important section of the return journey.
If you think by elimination method, the section of Miura will be 1 or 2 sections. It will depend on the finish, but I think it would be better to entrust Yusaku Nomura (4th year), who served two years ago, in the second section of the flower, and compete in the first section as an ace. Even if Yamato Yoshii from Chuo University comes, we can take him to a development where the two of us can escape. If Yoshii goes to another section, there is a high possibility that he will be able to convey the top with an overwhelming shot. In any case, Miura should feel threatened by rival schools if he enters the first district instead of the second.
