100-Year History of the Hakone Ekiden

2024/01/11

When you think about it, the "Hakone Ekiden" (official name: Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race) is merely a local event. It is organized by the "Kanto Inter-University Athletics Federation (including Yamanashi Prefecture)." This organization is a sub-group of the "Japan Association of Student Athletics," which itself is a sub-group of the "Japan Association of Athletics Federations." To put it plainly, it is the same as any other "Kanto Tournament" in various college sports. However, in reality, its scale and popularity are nationwide.

The first edition of this unique sporting event was held in 1920 (Taisho 9). Its origin lies in the "regret" of Shiso Kanakuri, who competed in the Stockholm Olympic marathon but was forced to withdraw. Believing that "harsh training is essential to develop world-class long-distance runners," he came up with the idea of a "Trans-American Race." Instead of crossing the Rocky Mountains, he decided to start with the "mountains of Hakone."

Contrary to Kanakuri's intentions, the event was quite relaxed when it first began. Only four schools participated in the first tournament: Tokyo Higher Normal School, Meiji University, Waseda University, and Keio University. "Shortcuts" in the Hakone mountains were overlooked, and in the 6th tournament, Nihon University even had a rickshaw puller run as a "ringer."

When people think of college sports, "brand-name schools" like those in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League usually come to mind, but the Hakone Ekiden is quite "plain," with the exception of Waseda University. The top five schools for most victories are: 1. Chuo University, 2. Waseda University, 3. Nihon University, 4. Juntendo University, and 5. Nippon Sport Science University. Furthermore, when Nippon TV (and its affiliates) began live broadcasts in 1987 (Showa 62), Yamanashi Gakuin University introduced international students—which some might consider a "forbidden move"—and won their first title in 1992 (Heisei 4).

The TV viewership rating at that time was 26.1% for the return leg. For an emerging university, the advertising effect is immense.

The dates for the Hakone Ekiden were fixed to January 2nd and 3rd starting in 1956 (Showa 31) after the war. This was due to a suggestion from the police to use public roads during a time when logistics were halted for the New Year holidays. It is hard to say why, but this schedule has contributed to viewership ratings that reach nearly 30%.

Having completed its 100th edition, the Hakone Ekiden has grown a bit too large. While we cannot expect the idyllic atmosphere of the past to return, I hope they do not lose the traditional "relaxed" vibe.

100-Year History of the Hakone Ekiden

Ryuichi Kudo

Kawade Yume Shinsho

240 pages, 979 yen (tax included)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.