All Japan University Ekiden: Team rosters and strategies announced

Major Japanese universities have finalized their rosters and strategies for the upcoming All Japan University Ekiden, the second leg of the student three major ekiden races. The competition will span 106.8 kilometers from Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya to Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture.

Waseda University, the winner of the opening Izumo Ekiden, aims for its sixth title. Their lineup features the highly anticipated “Reiwa Three Glass Birds” rookies, with Ojiro Honda in the first section and Yota Mashiko in the second. Shinsaku Kudo, known for his strength in the longest final section, is set to anchor the team.

Kokugakuin University seeks its second victory by deploying ace Hiromichi Nonaka in the seventh section. Meanwhile, Chuo University plans to utilize high-speed rookies Jian Zije and Ryo Kurimura in the opening stages to build an early lead. Aoyama Gakuin University, which finished 11th in the Izumo Ekiden, has announced its “Yaruze Daisakusen” (Let’s Do It Strategy) as they attempt to recover their standing.

Other contenders include Komazawa University, the record holder with 17 titles, and various teams that performed strongly in the Hakone Ekiden qualifying rounds. The race is scheduled for November 1.