The 102nd Hakone Ekiden will be held on January 2–3, 2026. The level of competitors at the Hakone Ekiden keeps rising — this year the TOP 5 averages in the 5000m, 10,000m and half marathon naturally mark the favorites for the title. Will Chuo University, which dominates the 5000m and 10,000m lists, run away like in the past two years? How many legs will they maintain their lead? Will Kokugakuin come close to claiming the first Hakone Ekiden title in school history? Back in familiar territory, will Aoyama Gakuin find its rhythm again? How will Komazawa use its ace? Which leg will Richard, Tokyo International’s new-generation powerhouse, smash the leg record in? So many storylines — which one are you most excited about? #HakoneEkiden#running#RunWithTheWind#AoyamaGakuin#Komazawa#Kokugakuin#TrailRunningBoom