by Brett Larner
Team Mitsui Sumitomo Kaijo won its ninth consecutive victory at the East Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden in Saitama Prefecture after a commanding performance by team star Yoko Shibui on the third stage of a new six stage 42.195 km course. Team Mitsui Sumitomo Kaijo, having lost longtime coach Hideo Suzuki, now heads to December's All-Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden where it has been national champion six of the last eight years, finishing 2nd the two years it failed to win.
Shibui's arch-rival Kayoko Fukushi likewise led Team Wacoal to a win in the 18th Awajishima Women's Ekiden, like East Japan featuring a 42.195 km course comprised of six stages. Fukushi ran a new stage record on the ekiden's third leg and outdid competing teams from four regions of central Japan. Team Wacoal also goes on to the All-Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden where it will face Team Mitsui Sumitomo Kaijo for the 2008 National title.
In East Japan, runners from Team To…
Team Mitsui Sumitomo Kaijo won its ninth consecutive victory at the East Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden in Saitama Prefecture after a commanding performance by team star Yoko Shibui on the third stage of a new six stage 42.195 km course. Team Mitsui Sumitomo Kaijo, having lost longtime coach Hideo Suzuki, now heads to December's All-Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden where it has been national champion six of the last eight years, finishing 2nd the two years it failed to win.
Shibui's arch-rival Kayoko Fukushi likewise led Team Wacoal to a win in the 18th Awajishima Women's Ekiden, like East Japan featuring a 42.195 km course comprised of six stages. Fukushi ran a new stage record on the ekiden's third leg and outdid competing teams from four regions of central Japan. Team Wacoal also goes on to the All-Japan Jitsugyodan Women's Ekiden where it will face Team Mitsui Sumitomo Kaijo for the 2008 National title.
In East Japan, runners from Team To…