Ichikawa Over Shitara Twins at Isesaki Nighter

by Brett Larner

2012 Hakone Ekiden course record-setter Toyo University dominated rival and previous Hakone course record holder Waseda University in the men's 3000 m at the 2012 Trial in Isesaki night meet organized by Jobu University. Toyo's downhill specialist Takanori Ichikawa ran up front with twin teammates Yuta Shitara and Keita Shitara, emerging a step ahead of Yuta for the win as both broke eight minutes. Keita, until recently the stronger of the twins, fell behind late in the race but held on for third in 8:07.12. Waseda's top finisher Fuminori Shikata could do no better than 5th a second back from Keita.

All told Toyo athletes took eight of the top ten spots, boding well for their chances in the upcoming fall ekiden season and their Hakone title defense on Jan. 2-3. Look for Toyo to line up in next month's Hood to Coast Relay in Oregon.

2012 Trial in Isesaki
Jobu University, Isesaki, Gunma, 7/21/12
click here for complete results

Men's 3000 m
1. Takanori Ichikawa (Toyo Univ.) - 7:59.16
2. Yuta Shitara (Toyo Univ.) - 7:59.97
3. Keita Shitara (Toyo Univ.) - 8:07.12
4. Hiroaki Koike (Toyo Univ.) - 8:07.28
5. Fuminori Shikata (Waseda Univ.) - 8:08.35
6. Masaya Taguchi (Toyo Univ.) - 8:10.51
7. Kento Otsu (Toyo Univ.) - 8:10.96
8. Norihisa Imai (Toyo Univ.) - 8:12.33
9. Jun Nobuto (Toyo Univ.) - 8:17.74
10. Shun Sato (Jobu Univ.) - 8:19.76

(c) 2012 Brett Larner
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