The 100-Year History of the Hakone Ekiden

When you think about it, the "Hakone Ekiden" (official name: Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race) is merely a local event. It is hosted by the "Inter-University Athletics Union of Kanto (including Yamanashi Prefecture)." This organization is a sub-group of the "Inter-University Athletics Union of Japan," 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 Regional 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 marathon at the Stockholm Olympics but was forced to withdraw. Believing that "harsh training is essential to develop long-distance runners who can compete globally," he conceived 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 laid-back when it first started. Only four schools participated in the first tournament: Tokyo Higher Normal School, Meiji University, Waseda University, and Keio University. "Shortcuts" through the Hakone mountains were overlooked, and in the 6th tournament, Nihon University even used a rickshaw puller as a "ringer" to run for them.

When it comes to college sports, "brand-name schools" represented by the Big6 Baseball League are usually the focus, but with the exception of Waseda University, the Hakone Ekiden is quite "plain." 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 broadcasting in 1987 (Showa 62), Yamanashi Gakuin University deployed international students—which some considered a "forbidden move"—and secured their first victory in 1992 (Heisei 4).

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

The dates for the Hakone Ekiden were fixed to January 2nd and 3rd starting from 1956 (Showa 31) after the war. This was due to a proposal from the police to use public roads during the New Year holiday period when logistics are quiet. It is ironic that this schedule has contributed to viewership ratings that earn nearly 30%.

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

『The 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.