Aoyama Gakuin University Takes Lead in 101st Tokyo-Hakone Intercollegiate Ekiden

During the first day of the 101st Tokyo-Hakone Intercollegiate Ekiden, Hiroki Wakabayashi played a crucial role in bringing Aoyama Gakuin University to the forefront, establishing a lead of 1 minute and 47 seconds over Chuo University. The university's overall time for the challenging 107.5-kilometer route from central Tokyo to Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, was 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 1 second, with their runners securing the fastest times in two of the five stages.

Aoyama Gakuin's coach, Susumu Hara, expressed pride in his team, highlighting the contributions of their athletes. He mentioned that Akimu Nomura, known for his downhill running skills, is expected to further extend their lead in the sixth stage, facilitating a smoother journey in the later segments of the race.

Chuo University, which last won the title in 1996, started strong, with Shunsuke Yoshii achieving a remarkable victory in the initial stage, nearly two minutes ahead of Shunya Udagawa from Aoyama Gakuin. Despite maintaining the lead until the fifth stage, which involved a challenging climb, Wakabayashi managed to overtake Chuo's Daito Sonoki at the 9.5-kilometer point, taking Aoyama Gakuin ahead into day two.

In addition to Aoyama Gakuin's highlight, Waseda University finished in third place with a time of 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 30 seconds. Komazawa University, the reigning champion, was fourth, clocking in at 5 hours, 23 minutes, and 17 seconds. The day's performance also showcased heightened competition, notably in the second stage, where three runners broke the previous record, with the new benchmark now held by Richard Etir from Tokyo International University. Kokugakuin University, targeting a major collegiate title trifecta, concluded the day in sixth place, trailing Aoyama Gakuin by 5 minutes and 25 seconds.