Hakone Long-distance relay road race

Did you watch "The 85th Hokone Long-distance relay road race"? It is one of popular sports event in Japan. It has been held on 2nd and 3rd January in Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture since 1920. Only university's male runner run this race. This two day race from Otemochi to Hokone and turning back was separated into five section each day. Each runner runs one section, so each university's team has ten runners. They run with their university's ' sashes, and at a station they alternate with the next runner, handing over the sash to him. First day distance is 108.0km while the distance on the second day is 109.9km

The first half , on January 2
The first section (21.4km) From Otemachi, Tokyo to Tsurumi, Yokohama

This is one of the most important sections because the first runner’s rank affects how the team performs in this marathon relay. So every team makes strong runner run in this section. The whole course is flat, but there are some ups and downs.

The second section (23.2km) From Tsurumi to Totsuka
Traditionally, the fastest runner in each team usually runs on this course. This course is very severe because there are two long and steep slopes. Every year, some runners overtake others in this section, so we can expect exciting race.

The third section (21.5km) From Totsuka to Hiratsuka

In this section, strong sea wind troubles runners, but they can enjoy beautiful scenery such as Mt.Fuji. A lot of spectators come to this section to cheer runners.
The fourth section (18.5km) From Hiratsuka to Odawara
This section is the shortest of all sections. There are many ups and downs, so it is difficult for runners to keep their pace.
The fifth section (23.4km) From Odawara to Lake Ashi, Hakone

This section is the longest one. Runners must run up steep slopes, which is about 800m high. And after climbing, they have to go down. So this is the most severe section.

The second half, on January 3
The sixth section (20.8km) From Lake Ashi, Hakone to Odawara
At first runners run up a little, then they run down steep slopes. These slopes are very hard on runners' legs, so a lot of them slow down just before goal. They start running at about 8 o’clock. To protect themselves against the cold, many of them wear uniforms with long sleeves.
The seventh section (21.3km) From Odawara to Hiratsuka
The difference of temperature between the start and the goal is larger than any other section. This course is almost flat until 9km, but after that there are some ups and downs. The record of this section is the oldest of all section.
The eighth section (21.5km) From Hiratsuka to Totsuka
The first half of this section is almost flat, but second one has a slope so-called Yugyōji-no-saka which causes runners severe difficulties. Some teams which run around the 10th place start to worry whether they are seeded or not.
The ninth section (23.2km) From Totsuka to Tsurumi
This section is the longest in the second day’s sections. There are many downs, so runners must control their speed. At this section, many teams reverse their places.
The tenth section (23.1km) From Tsurumi to Otemachi, Tokyo
This is the last section of Hakone marathon race. This course is almost flat, but sometimes a strong wind blows among the very tall building. There are goal tape, and teams above 10th place get seeded and can participate in the Hakone Ekiden the next year.

23 university participated in Hokone Ekiden this time. It was most numbers in the past. In this race, ToyoUniversity（東洋大学） won the synthetic victory. They got it the first time. They were watched wonderful running. Other universities also were watched wonderful running. When I was watching the Ekiden, my heart was touched with their running. I thought every runner was wonderful. I want to clap for everyone and say "I appreciate your wonderful running". (635words)