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The Hakone Ekiden Fifth Stage in Pictures

Today I did my annual Hakone Ekiden Fifth Stage run, 23.4 km with almost 900 m of climb in the middle section of the course followed by ~150 m downhill from 19.5 km to around 21.5 km.  This year was more relaxed that usual as I ran with some friends and stopped to take pictures along the way.

The start of the Fifth Stage at 9 m elevation is in front of the tall building on the left. The sign warns that the road will be closed Jan. 2 and 3 for the Hakone Ekiden.

This tunnel just after 6 km into the course marks the start of the real uphill.

After Ohiradai curve, 9.5 km, the climb starts to get steep.

9.1 km to go at this sharp left curve in Kowakien, with about 5 km until the summit.  I always feel fine until this point and then suddenly start to get nauseous.

The highest point on the course, 865 m above the start point at around 19.5 km in.  The steep downhill begins just after this.

About 1.5 km to go, running next to Lake Ashi in Motohakone.

The finish line for the Fifth Stage and Day One, with Mt. Fuji in the background.

Well worth a visit, next to the finish line.

The signatures of all ten members of last year's course-record setting Waseda University team and their coach, Yasuyuki Watanabe, in the lobby of the hotel where they stay.

Hakone Ekiden commemorative beer from one of the race's main sponsors.

(c) 2011 Brett Larner
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Masato Yoshihara said…
I definitely want to try running the Fifth Stage once! But with all the traffic in Hakone, I know it's dangerous. Was it safe when you ran?
December 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Brett Larner said…
I don't know if I would say safe, but as long as you start by 9 a.m. and stay on the left side whenever possible it's not too bad. There are sidewalks on many parts of it, too. If you do it I'd definitely recommend doing it at the end of December as the course preparations are underway and you get a bit of the race-day vibe.
December 30, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Jef said…
i would pay big money for some of those Sapporo Ekiden cans!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Brett Larner said…
That wouldn't be hard to arrange. Full or empty?
December 31, 2011 at 11:51 AM
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