January 2026 | Five Athletics Stories to Watch This Week (Hakone Ekiden, Aoyama Gakuin’s Three-Peat and More)

January 2026 | Five Athletics Stories to Watch This Week

① Hakone Ekiden | Aoyama Gakuin Claim Historic Second Triple Crown with New Course Records

At the 102nd Tokyo–Hakone Round-Trip University Ekiden (Hakone Ekiden), Aoyama Gakuin University won the outward leg, return leg and overall title all in new course-record times,
and achieved a historic “second” three-peat by the same university, taking their ninth overall victory.
They showed their speed on both days and reasserted their dominance over the university ekiden scene.

• A dramatic comeback and section record on Stage 5 was one of the keys to victory
• Both the outward leg (5:18:08) and return leg (5:19:26) were new course records
• The result will reshape the power balance in university ekiden from next season onward

② New Year Ekiden | GMO Internet Group Take First Corporate Ekiden Title

At the 70th All-Japan Corporate Ekiden Championships (New Year Ekiden) held on 1 January 2026,
the GMO Internet Group track & field team claimed their first-ever victory in a new course-record time.

• Long-awaited first title in the team’s 10th year
• Multiple stages were run in section-record times
• One of the highlights of Japan’s winter long-distance season

③ Beppu–Oita Mainichi Marathon | Star-Studded Elite Field Announced

The invited athletes for the 74th Beppu–Oita Mainichi Marathon, scheduled for 1 February 2026, have been officially announced.
The field features a high-profile line-up including Aoyama Gakuin star Asahi Kuroda and top finishers from the MGC series.

• Student record holder Asahi Kuroda makes his Beppu–Oita debut
• Proven performers from the MGC series, such as Yuya Yoshida, will also be on the start line
• A key race for athletes aiming to secure a spot in the next MGC

④ Middle-Distance Talent Rin Kubo Joins Corporate Powerhouse Sekisui Chemical

Middle-distance runner Rin Kubo has announced that she will join the prestigious corporate team Sekisui Chemical.
It is unusual for an athlete to turn pro directly after high school. She will be affiliated with the middle-distance–focused club TWOLAPS TC and embark on a new chapter in her career.

• More structured development opportunities within a corporate team environment
• Increased presence in the women’s middle- and long-distance scene
• Her upcoming race schedule and event focus will be closely watched

⑤ Asian Indoor Athletics Championships | Japan Names National Team

The Japanese national team for the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, a key winter international event, has been officially announced.
Top domestic athletes have been selected as the indoor season kicks into high gear.

• High-level international competition continues even in the winter months
• An important stepping stone toward the World Championships
• Japan’s indoor results will be an interesting indicator of current form

*This article is based on announcements and competition results published by official websites and social media.
For the latest information, please refer to each event’s official page.