japan running news

The 27th National Junior High School Ekiden took place Dec. 15 in Saga's Kibogaoka Bunka Park. Aichi prefecture's Mutsumikita J.H.S. won the five-stage, 12.0 km girls' race in 41:43, while Tochigi prefecture's Ichigai J.H.S. took the six-stage, 18.0 km boys' race in 57:23. For both schools it was the first time to win the national title. With a stage-winning run from their third runner the Mutsumikita girls moved up from 4th to 1st, holding steady over the last two stages to take the win. Nanao J.H.S.  of Ishikawa prefecture was 25 seconds behind in 2nd, with Fukuoka's  Asakawa J.H.S. 3rd. The Ichigai boys ran a steady race to hold the top position throughout. Anchor Ginga Yokota started with the lead and just held off a tough challenge from Chiba's Abiko J.H.S. , who came in just 9 seconds behind him for 2nd. Last year's national champion Katsura J.H.S. of Kyoto was 3rd. source article: https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/athletics/news/2...

http://www.hokkoku.co.jp/subpage/LS20120920601.htm translated by Brett Larner 2012 Hakone Ekiden course record-setters Toyo University  arrived in Nanao, Ishikawa prefecture Sept. 19 for an intensive training camp.  Having lost Fifth Stage record setter Ryuji Kashiwabara  and three other members of this year's superb winning team to graduation, the remaining members are focused on bringing newfound strength to this year's university ekiden season and show their competitive spirit as they run fast workouts around the Nanao waterfront and on Noto Island. This year marks the eighth time that Toyo have trained in Nanao.  As the team's last major training camp before the start of the three major university ekidens this season, running repeatedly on the flatlands around the waterfront and the steep slopes of Noto Island is key in tempering their strength.  Asked about the candidates for the spot as the team's new ace member, head coach Toshiyuki Sakai  rai...