Izumo Ekiden starts early to mitigate heatstroke risks

The Izumo Ekiden, the opening race of the three major Japanese university ekiden championships, commenced on October 12 in Shimane Prefecture. To prevent heatstroke, the race start time was moved approximately four hours earlier than in previous years, beginning at 9:10 AM instead of 1:05 PM. The morning temperature was recorded at approximately 20 degrees Celsius, providing favorable racing conditions.

Several universities are positioned as top contenders for the 45.1-kilometer, six-stage race. Kokugakuin University seeks its third consecutive victory, with captain Hiromichi Nonaka being deployed to the fourth stage. Aoyama Gakuin University, the Hakone Ekiden champion, aims for its first win in eight years under Director Susumu Hara. Chuo University is looking to secure its first major title outside of the Hakone Ekiden in 31 seasons, while Waseda University enters with a strong lineup including highly anticipated rookies.

An Ivy League selection team also competes, featuring Graham Blanks from Harvard University, who has recorded times faster than the Japanese national record in long-distance events. The race covers the route from the front torii gate of Izumo Taisha to the Izumo Dome.