Skip to main content

2021 Hakone Ekiden to Officially Go Ahead


To everyone concerned, we wish you all the best in the midst of this fine late autumnal weather. We also extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support of the work of the Inter-University Athletics Union of Kanto (KGRR). After careful discussion, the KGRR is pleased to announce that the 97th Hakone Ekiden will be held as scheduled on Jan. 2 and 3, 2021 under the provisions of the JAAF's coronavirus era road racing guidelines.

Since its first running in 1920 the Hakone Ekiden has earned the dedicated support of fans and local residents, and despite the interruption of the Pacific War its tasuki has been handed on through 96 editions to date. In its 97th running the Hakone Ekiden will face the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus crisis. We will take every step possible to hold the race safely, in accordance with JAAF guidelines and with the consultation and advice of top scientific experts in infections disease control.

Your passionate support for the athletes will reach them even if you are far from the course. We ask every ekiden fan, this time please show your support through your TV and other media. We are only able to hold this race with the support of the local residents along the course. The following measures will help ensure that this is a race that will continue to be cherished for many years to come:

1. All participants, including the members of every team, race staff and officials, must monitor and record their physical condition for the two weeks prior to the race and confirming that there are no abnormal changes.

2. For every participating university, we strongly ask that university officials, cheerleading squads, alumni, and families of athletes refrain from visiting the athletes at the race venue or cheering along the course.

3. We ask local residents not to go out to watch or cheer on the course, especially at the start, finish, and exchange zones.

4. In accordance with JAAF guidelines, we will continue to consult with experts on infectious disease control regarding additional measures.

Please be aware that the status of the event, including the option of cancelation, may change due to the ongoing situation with regard to the virus. In any eventuality, we thank you for your understanding and support.

KGRR
 
source article: 
translated by Brett Larner

Buy Me A Coffee

Comments

Most-Read This Week

Wanjiru Breaks Own MR, Fuwa and Ishida Return - Kanto Regionals Day 1 Highlights

Japan's best college meet kicked off Thursday at Tokyo's National Stadium at the 103rd Kanto Region University Track and Field Championships . Looking like she was doing a controlled tempo run, 2nd-yr Sarah Wanjiru (Daito Bunka Univ.) lapped the entire field to win the women's 10000 m in a meet record 32:02.87, almost 15 seconds under the record she last year in her debut. 3rd-yr Aoi Takahashi (Josai Univ.) was 2nd in 33:29.22 and 2nd-yr Nana Nagashima (Josai Kokusai Univ.) 3rd in a PB 33:30.28, but the other main news alongside Wanjiru's new record was the return of collegiate 10000 m record holder Seira Fuwa (Takushoku Univ.) in her first 10000 m in 19 months. Fuwa hung at the back of the chase pack for the first half, made a move to lead it in the second half, and ultimately faded to 9th in 33:40.20. Every comeback has to start somewhere. The D1 men's 10000 m had a tight group up front with the top 6 all finishing within 6 seconds and under 28:10. 3rd-yr Jam

Two-Time Olympic Marathon Medalist Erick Wainaina Referred to Prosectors on Suspicion of Assault

  According to investigators, two-time Olympic marathon medalist Erick Wainaina has had his case referred to prosecutors after allegedly injuring a railway employee by striking him in the face at a station in Setagaya, Tokyo. Wainaina, 50, was the bronze medalist in the marathon at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and won silver in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Wainaina is suspected of assaulting a woman in her late teens and a male Tokyo Denentoshi Line employee by hitting them in the face during an altercation at Komazawa University Station in March this year, resulting in minor injuries to the man's face. According to investigators, the incident began on the train between Wainaina and the woman, and after getting off at Komazawa University Station he hit her in the face when she asked him to go to the station office with her to report it. When the male railway employee responded to the situation Wainaina reportedly hit him too. In response to questioning Wainaina is said to have answered,

Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Man Charged With Assaulting Female Runner at Popular Tokyo Running Spot

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a female runner along the banks of the Tama River in Ota Ward, Tokyo. "I've been stuck at home because of the coronavirus, so I wanted to go for a walk and move my body a bit," the man told police. Local resident Hirai Muroyama , 20, of no known occupation, was arrested on charges of sexual assault. He is accused of acts including grabbing the breasts of a woman in her 20s at around 10 p.m. on May 31 along the banks of the Tama River. According to police, the woman was taking a break in her run when Muroyama approached her silently from behind and grabbed her breasts before running away. Under police interrogation Muroyama told investigators, "I've been stuck at home because of the coronavirus, so I wanted to go out for a walk and move my body. I'd had a few drinks and was feeling pretty hype. She was totally my type." source article: https://news.tbs.co.jp/newseye/tbs_newsey