Text by Masato Sakai
On October 10, 2021, Izumo Ekiden, Tokyo International University won the first victory for the first time.Vincent reaching the goal Photo = SportsPressJP/Aflo
“Speed Ekiden” is expected to be a big battle
The three major student Ekiden races will begin on October 10th at the Hizumo Ekiden. Izumo has 6 sections of 45.1km (section 1 8.0km, section 2 5.8km, section 3 8.5km, section 4 6.2km, section 5 6.4km, section 6 10.2km). Compared to All Japan (8 sections 106.8km) and Hakone (10 sections 217.1km), the distance is shorter and the number of sections is smaller. Last time, Tokyo International University escaped with Ken Tansho in the 3rd ward and achieved a feat of first participation and first victory.
What kind of drama awaits this “Speed Ekiden” where a big battle is expected? I would like to predict the “winning pattern” of leading schools from the entry situation.
Tokyo International University, the winning school last year, Koma University, Seigaku University
The first is Tokyo International University, which is aiming for consecutive victories. The W aces of Ken Tansho (4th year), who was second in the 3rd section last time, and Yegon Vincent (4th year), who won the 6th section prize, have enough breakthrough power. However, this time Masaya Yamatani (4th year), who started in 3rd place in the 1st ward, Shinki Sato (2nd year), who was 4th in the 2nd ward, and Hijiri Munakata (4th year), who was 3rd in the 5th ward, were excluded from the members. Running in the 1st ward is important to aim for consecutive victories. Yusuke Shirai (2nd year), who has marked 13:41.40 in the 5000m this season, is likely to be a point.
October 10, 2021, Izumo Ekiden, Ren Tazawa (Komazawa University) running in the 6th district Photo = SportsPressJP/Aflo
Considering the record of the track, Komadai, who is winning consecutive All Japan titles, should have been the favorite. However, Takumi Karasawa (3rd year) and Kotaro Shinohara (2nd year), who both have 13:30 in the 5000m, were not registered. Although Mebuki Suzuki (3rd year) with a 10000m of 27:41.68 was entered, she has not participated in any races this season. Keita Sato (1st year), who holds high school records in the 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m, was lackluster in September’s Japan Intercollegiate Championships (7th in the 1500m). Last time (5th place), Ren Tazawa (4th year) was placed in the final 6th ward, but as he struggled to place 8th at the end of the 5th ward, it is possible to use the absolute ace in the 3rd ward. In order to aim for the long-awaited 3 crowns of Ekiden, Suzuki’s complete recovery and super rookie’s fast running are indispensable.
October 10, 2021, Izumo Ekiden, Shungo Yokota (Seigaku University) reaching the goal Photo = SportsPressJP/Aflo
With more than 25 runners in the 5000m 13 minute range, the Hakone champion Seigakudai has a very good finish. In the Japan Intercollegiate, ace Kotaro Kondo (4th year) won the 5000m in a row, Yuito Nakamura (4th year) was fifth and Shungo Yokota (4th year) was seventh in the 10000. Kondo, Nakamura, Yokota, and Masahiro Mekata (fourth year) ran in the 13:40 range at the Kizuna Record Challenge 5000m on September 24th. Although Daiki Kishimoto (4th year) and Issei Sato (3rd year) were left out, Masaya Tsurukawa and Akimu Nomura (both 2nd year), who had no experience in the Ekiden, grew. The total power of the top 6 registered Izumo is the highest. However, as “Ace power” is inferior to Tokyo International University and Komadai, it will be V’s strategy for the first time in four years to be in a good position in the 1st ward and dominate in the connecting section.