Waseda University wins All Japan University Ekiden with new record

Waseda University secured its sixth victory at the 58th All Japan University Ekiden on November 1, 2026, setting a new course record with a time of 5:03:31. This achievement marks the university's first win in 16 editions of the event.

Waseda's success was driven by strong performances from first-year runners in the opening three stages, including Ojiro Honda, Yota Masuko, and Ryoki Niizuma, the latter of whom was named tournament MVP. Other notable performances included Ryuin Suzuki in the fifth stage and Shinsaku Kudo, who won his section in the eighth stage.

Kokugakuin University finished in second place with a time of 5:07:05, followed by Soka University in third at 5:09:28. Kokugakuin runners, including Zennosuke Yoshida, showed strength in the middle stages, but were unable to close the gap created by Waseda's early lead.