On Sept. 21 it was learned that November's East Japan Corporate Ekiden, the men's regional qualifier for the Jan. 1 New Year Ekiden national championships, will be held inside Kumagaya Sports Park in Kumagaya, Saitama in order to minimize the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.
In normal years, the East Japan Corporate Ekiden covers 76.9 km in seven stages on the roads between the Saitama Prefectural Government offices and Kumagaya Sports Park Field. This year it will be run on short loops such as the 4.4 km and 2.5 km running courses inside the park instead of using public roads. Stage lengths are planned to be the usual lengths of 11.6 km, 8.0 km, 16.5 km, 9.5 km, 7.8 km, 10.6 km and 12.9 km.
According to an official, "By holding it inside the park we can significantly reduce the number of staff required relative to holding it on the roads." Organizers are considering whether the park will be closed to the public during the race in order to prevent crowds and the resulting risk of infection. 26 teams competed in the East Japan Corporate Ekiden last year, with the top 12 placing teams qualifying for the New Year Ekiden.
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https://hochi.news/articles/20200921-OHT1T50209.html
translated by Brett Larner
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