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18 Teams Set to Run Second Edition of Nikko Irohazaka Women's Ekiden

http://www.shimotsuke.co.jp/news/tochigi/sports/general/news/20150813/2050831

translated by Brett Larner

As part of its mission to make the tourist town of Nikko a "runner's paradise," on Aug. 12 the organizing committee of the Nikko Irohazaka Women's Ekiden released the list of teams scheduled to run the event's second running on Nov. 29.  18 teams from 16 universities in the Kanto and Kansai regions will take part, an increase of 4 teams over last year's inaugural edition.

After starting at Nikko Daiyagawa Park, the 6-stage uphill course covers 23.4 km from the historic area of Nikko up the steep slopes of Irohazaka to finish at Nikko Futarasan shrine.  Last year Tokyo Nogyo University became the event's first champions.  This year they return along with rivals Daito Bunka University, a Tokyo University alumni team, and first-timers Nihon University, Nihon Joshi University, Nihon Joshi Taiiku University and Nittai University.

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