In the Ageo City Half Marathon held on November 16, 2025, Kokugakuin University (KGU) first-year runnerAkitoshi Nodafinished in 1:01:29, placing sixth and setting a new Japanese U20 half marathon record. 

The Ageo Half Marathon has long featured deep fields and serves as an important race for many teams preparing for the Hakone Ekiden and university ekiden to select and fine-tune athletes.

The 2025 field was exceptionally strong, with Kokugakuin University and Komazawa University both sending formidable teams. In the end, Kokugakuin’sAoki Ruiwon in a course record of 1:00:45, while Komazawa’sShunsuke Kuwatawas second in 1:00:48.

The deep field also pushed the result depth of the Ageo Half Marathon to new heights: this year there were 2 runners sub-61, 10 sub-62, and as many as 49 sub-63.

野田顕臣 shone in his half marathon debut. He boldly followed the lead group formed by Kuwata and seniors such as Aoki; although he was dropped after 13 km, he steadied himself, persevered to the finish, and crossed the line with joy.

野田's 1:01:29 easily bettered the U20 Japanese record of 1:01:38 held by last year's Ageo champion, 棟方一楽 of Daito Bunka University, who had held 1:01:38.

野田顕臣 was born in Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. He is 19 years old and is a first-year student in the Faculty of Human Development at Kokugakuin University.

After setting a new U20 Japanese national record, he said: “I hope to carry this confidence forward.” He also said: “If I become complacent because of this, I might trip myself up. I want to keep working hard for a while.”

This result also made Noda noticeable in the competition for places on the Hakone Ekiden team. He said：“I just want to give my all, to show what I can within my limits, and be ready to run any (Hakone Ekiden leg).”

At Kokugakuin University, which has a very deep roster of athletes, this newcomer will continue to challenge himself.