Higashi Nagano High School Claims Victory at National Ekiden
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The National High School Ekiden, a grueling cross-country relay race held on December 22, 2024, at KyotoS Takebishi Stadium, concluded with a thrilling finish. The women’s race saw Higashi Nagano High School secure a repeat victory, achieving a winning time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 27 seconds.
This year’s competition introduced a notable rule change: international students are now limited to participating in the shortest 3-kilometer legs of the race (the second and fifth legs for boys, and the third and fourth legs for girls). This contrasts sharply with previous years, where international student participation significantly impacted race outcomes.
The impact of international student athletes has been significant throughout the Ekiden’s history. The 1992 tournament marked the debut of Kenyan runners from Sendai Ikuei High School. A remarkable record still stands from the 1995 competition, when Gitahi of Sendai Ikuei clocked an astounding 27 minutes and 48 seconds in the men’s 10-kilometer first leg – a record that remains unbroken.
While regulations since 2008 have prohibited international students from competing in the longest leg, their presence in other sections, particularly the second-longest legs, often proved decisive. Many past victories hinged on the strong performances of these international athletes.
This year’s women’s race saw eight international students compete across three legs. Several athletes shattered previous section records, with notable performances from Duta (Aomori Yamada), Wangui (Sera), and Margaret (Kamimura Gakuen) highlighting the continued strength of international talent. Despite this, Higashi Nagano’s all-Japanese team triumphed, with Mai Kubota’s strong third-place finish in the third leg contributing significantly to their overall success.
The National High School Ekiden continues to showcase remarkable athleticism and international collaboration, while also adapting to evolving regulations. The competition’s legacy of thrilling finishes and record-breaking performances ensures its continued popularity among fans and athletes alike.
Higashi Nagano’s Repeat Victory: An Expert analysis
The 2024 National High School Ekiden saw a thrilling duel between international talent and homegrown powerhouses. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Emily Carter, speaks with renowned Ekiden expert Dr.Hiroshi Tomizawa to dissect the race and its implications for the future of the competition.
An All-Japanese Triumph
emily Carter: Dr. Tomizawa, congratulations to Higashi Nagano on their repeat victory! Their all-Japanese lineup seemed to thrive in the face of new regulations limiting international student participation. What were the key factors in their victory?
dr. Hiroshi Tomizawa: It was certainly a well-deserved win for higashi Nagano. While the international athletes undoubtedly contributed substantially throughout the race,Higashi Nagano displayed remarkable consistency across all legs. Mai Kubota’s strong run in the third leg, traditionally a challenging segment influenced heavily by international athletes, proved pivotal. This demonstrates the depth and quality of their team.
The International Impact
Emily carter: The new rule change definitely altered the landscape this year. Do you think limiting international students to the shorter legs effectively leveled the playing field?
Dr. Hiroshi Tomizawa: It certainly reshaped the dynamics. While we saw some extraordinary performances from international athletes on shorter legs, their absence from the longer, more grueling stages undoubtedly made a difference. How that balance will evolve in the coming yearsrumains to be seen, but this year offered an intriguing glimpse into a new era for the Ekiden.
emily Carter: Do you anticipate seeing more all-Japanese teams triumph in future years?
Dr. Hiroshi Tomizawa: It’s certainly possible. Japanese high schools are increasingly nurturing exceptional long-distance runners, and the revised regulations might encourage a focus on cultivating strong team performance across all legs. However, international students have always brought a dynamic flair to the Ekiden, pushing the boundaries of performance. I am confident we will continue to see exciting competition between formidable Japanese teams and exceptional international athletes.
Emily Carter: Thank you, Dr. Tomizawa,for your insightful analysis. It will be fascinating to witness how these changes continue to shape the future of Japan’s most prestigious relay race.
