Soka University delivered a stunning performance to finish atop the standings on the first day of the Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race on Saturday.
The Hachioji-based school captured the Day 1 crown for the first time, crossing the finish line in 5 hours, 28 minutes, 8 seconds. Toyo University was second and Komazawa University finished third.
“We didn’t expect to win the first day, but our runners did a great job,” said Soka head coach Kazutaka Enoki, whose team is making just its fourth appearance in the Hakone ekiden.