On October 13, two members of Okayama University’s Track and Field Club, AKAZAWA Kyoya (4th year, School of Engineering) and KIDO Hayate (3rd year, School of Engineering), competed as part of the Chugoku-Shikoku University Select Team in the 37th Izumo All-Japan University Ekiden, held in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.

The Izumo Ekiden, the first of Japan’s three major university relay races, covers a total of 45.1 km over six stages, starting from the Izumo Taisha Shrine and finishing at the Izumo Dome. Although Okayama University did not qualify as a team this year, Mr. Akazawa and Mr. Kido proudly represented the university as individual athletes for the second consecutive year.

Many of their teammates came to cheer them on along the course. Mr. Akazawa, who ran the third section—known as the “ace stage”—finished 13th in his section, while Kido, who ran the fifth section, achieved 12th place for his leg.

After the race, Mr. Akazawa commented,

“I was determined to overcome the frustration of not being able to run the third section last year. I am grateful for the opportunity to do so this time. Encouraged by the constant cheers along the course, I was able to give my best performance. I will continue striving for an even better result in the upcoming All-Japan University Ekiden.”

Mr. Kido also reflected,

“The strong support from everyone kept me going until the very end. I will not be swayed by the results but will continue training for the next challenge. I hope to apply what I learned from this experience to help our team win the Chugoku-Shikoku Ekiden at the end of November.”

Mr. Akazawa has also been selected as a member of the Japan University Select Team for the upcoming 57th All-Japan University Ekiden Championship, to be held on November 2. Let’s look forward to seeing his outstanding performance representing Okayama University on the Ise Road!

Reference:
• Chugoku-Shikoku University Select Team — Equivalent overall ranking: 18th place, total time 2:21:00

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