GMO Internet Group signs university runners Riki Koike and Akito Nakamura

GMO Internet Group announced that long‑distance runner Riki Koike of Soka University and middle‑distance runner Akito Nakamura of Shigakukan University have been offered contracts to join its corporate athletics team, with entry scheduled for 1 April 2027. Both athletes are fourth‑year university students who have distinguished themselves in major collegiate races – Koike earned a segment award in the 102nd Hakone Ekiden and placed fourth among Japanese runners in the 10,000 m at the Kanto University Championships, while Nakamura secured segment wins in the All‑Japan University Ekiden and excelled in 1,500 m and 5,000 m events.

The hires follow GMO’s recent victory in the New Year Ekiden (All‑Japan Corporate Ekiden) and aim to strengthen the team for future titles. GMO highlighted the athletes’ potential to contribute to continued success and to represent Japan internationally. The club also confirmed the earlier signing of sprinter Asahi Kuroda, reinforcing its growing roster of elite runners.