Aoyama Gakuin's Shota Shiode Sets New Record in Hakone Ekiden's 8th Leg, A Run Filled with Gratitude and Team Spirit

Shota Shiode of Aoyama Gakuin University achieved a historic feat in the 8th leg of the 102nd Hakone Ekiden. Shiode recorded an astonishing time of 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 45 seconds (preliminary), setting a new section record ('kukan-shin') for the first time in seven years. Furthermore, he accomplished the remarkable achievement of winning the section award for the third consecutive year in this leg, thrilling many track and field fans.

Shiode's run was more than just fast; it was deeply moving. After the race, he expressed profound gratitude to Tanaka-san, who was unable to run the section. "Tanaka-san injured his leg and couldn't run the 8th leg, so I ended up running it. He sent me off with such good spirits, which allowed me to win the section award. If I ever win the section award for the 8th leg again, I want Tanaka-san to be the commentator," Shiode said, expressing his strong bond with his teammate and his gratitude. In response, announcer Tanaka-san replied, "That makes me so happy," and this warm exchange touched the hearts of viewers.

It was also revealed that before the sash relay to Asahi Kuroda in the 9th leg, Shiode had said, "I want Kuroda to graduate with a smile, and I want to toss Kuroda up in the air (a celebratory lift) at Otemachi." This attitude, genuinely wishing for his teammate's success after four years of his own strenuous efforts, moved many. During a water station stop, Aramaki-kun, a fellow student who also couldn't run due to injury, ran alongside him, and they exchanged a smiling fist bump, symbolizing the strong unity of Aoyama Gakuin University fighting as one team.

Shiode's remarkable achievement surpassed the 8th leg records previously held by Komatsu and Furuta, drawing a flood of praise like "As expected!" and "A fitting final run!" He is scheduled to join the Asahi Kasei track and field club after graduation, and great expectations are placed on his future performances. This Hakone Ekiden will be deeply etched in people's memories, not only for Shiode's overwhelming run but also as a human drama woven with deep consideration and gratitude for his teammates.

The context

The Hakone Ekiden is one of Japan's most prestigious and popular university long-distance relay marathons, held annually on January 2nd and 3rd. It features teams from universities across the Kanto region (Tokyo and surrounding prefectures) competing over a two-day, ten-leg course between Tokyo's Otemachi district and Hakone, a mountainous resort town. 'Kukan-shin' (区間新) refers to a new section record, while 'kukan-sho' (区間賞) means winning a specific section. These achievements are highly celebrated and signify exceptional individual performance within the team relay format. The race is known for showcasing not only athletic prowess but also strong team camaraderie, individual perseverance, and emotional moments, especially for senior students in their final year.