The Race That Stops a Nation
Every January 2nd and 3rd, Japan comes to a near standstill as the Hakone Ekiden (箱根駅伝) unfolds across one of the most dramatic road relay courses in the world. Officially called the Tokyo–Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race, this university competition is broadcast to an audience rivalling that of major national sporting events — a testament to how deeply embedded long-distance relay running is in Japanese culture.
Course and Format
The Hakone Ekiden is a two-day, ten-leg relay race covering approximately 217.1 kilometres in total. On Day 1 (January 2nd), ten runners carry the tasuki (sash) from Tokyo's Otemachi district out to Hakone, ascending the famous and punishing mountain sections. On Day 2 (January 3rd), ten more runners bring the tasuki back to Tokyo.
The course's most celebrated and feared section is Leg 5 — the mountain climb to Hakone. Runners ascend over 800 metres in elevation, testing both physical conditioning and mental fortitude. A standout performance on this leg can make a runner a household name overnight.
Who Qualifies?
The Hakone Ekiden is open to universities from the Kantō (Greater Tokyo) region. Teams qualify through the Hakone Ekiden Qualifying Race held in October, with a fixed number of berths available. Perennial powerhouses such as Aoyama Gakuin University,駒澤大学 (Komazawa University), Waseda University, and Toyo University regularly battle for top honours, though upsets are common and celebrated.
The Tasuki: Symbol of the Relay
Central to all ekiden culture — and perhaps most visible at Hakone — is the tasuki, a coloured sash worn diagonally across the runner's body. Passing the tasuki from one runner to the next is the emotional heart of the relay. Moments of triumph and heartbreak at exchange zones are replayed and discussed for days afterward. If a runner cannot complete their leg due to injury, a team may be disqualified from receiving the tasuki — one of the most devastating outcomes in the sport.
Media and Cultural Impact
The Hakone Ekiden is broadcast live on Nippon TV with continuous coverage across both days. Commentary teams, drone cameras, motorbike-mounted cameras, and ground-level crews create an immersive viewing experience. For many Japanese viewers, it is as much a New Year tradition as family meals and shrine visits.
The race also plays a significant role in shaping the pipeline of Japanese long-distance running talent. Exceptional university performers attract attention from corporate running teams, setting up careers in the post-university jitsugyōdan system.
Recent Competitive Trends
In recent years, the Hakone Ekiden has seen growing depth across competing teams, with multiple universities capable of challenging for titles rather than the traditional dominance of a handful of schools. Training methods have also modernised, with increased use of altitude camps, data-driven pacing, and enhanced recovery protocols — reflecting broader changes in global distance running preparation.