On November 26th, Okayama University track and field team achieved 2nd place in the 67th Chugoku-Shikoku Student Ekiden, held in Yamaguchi City. The team comprised IWASAKI Ryota (4th year, Medical School), AKAZAWA Kyoya (2nd year, School of Engineering), ISHINABE Soichi (3rd year, Dental School), KIDO Hayate (1st year, School of Engineering), HARADA Yuma (4th year, School of Education), and ASAHI Shunsuke (1st year, Master’s Degree, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology).

In the relay race, 17 teams from 15 universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku region participated, including 2 teams comprising 12 members from Okayama University. In recent years, Okayama University's best performance was 4th place in the relay races of the previous two years. To reach the podium this time, the university entered the competition. Successfully achieving the set goal, the team secured a remarkable 2nd place, a position not achieved in 35 years. Furthermore, by finishing within the top three, the team earned the right to participate in the "Izumo All-Japan University Student Ekiden" to be held in October of next year—a historic first for the track and field club as a team to compete in a national competition.

Reflecting on the competition, Mr. Iwasaki, who set the pace in the first section, remarked, "This was my fourth time running the first section, and it was the most nerve-wracking so far. I ran to settle it myself. I think the result was achieved through the efforts of all the team members who have been striving together." Mr. Akazawa, who ran the second section, looked back, saying, "I was able to connect the Tasuki because of the support from the sidelines and the reliable teammates. I'm very happy that the results reflected the outcome of our training." Mr. Ishinabe, who ran the crucial third section, stated, "It's great that we were able to secure the Izumo Ekiden with everyone. I will do my best in the main competition." Mr. Asahi, who secured victory in the anchor leg, added, "I was able to enjoy the race to the fullest, pushed forward by the five teammates who ran with me and the support of everyone cheering me on. I'm really happy that we were able to secure a spot in the Izumo Ekiden with this team."

Anticipating the team's future, OGIHARA Daiki (3rd year, School of Engineering), who led the team as captain for a year, expressed, "We have obtained a ticket to the Izumo Ekiden for the first time in history, and I'm extremely happy. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the team will compete at the national level." Mr. Harada, who participated in the competition for the last time, commented, "I tried to put everything I've had for the past four years into this Ekiden. It was the most enjoyable to achieve the goal with all the team members." Mr. Kido, who started running in track and field after entering university, joyfully exclaimed, "I was able to run to the end with a log of support! I'll do my best to participate in the Izumo Ekiden!"

The track and field club, making their first appearance as a team in the three major university ekiden, has secured a place in the national competition. Stay tuned for the continued evolution and success of the track and field club!