Meijo University dominated the 44th Morinomiyako Ekiden, securing their 7th win in 8 years. They set a new course record of 2:02:21 over the 38.0 km course. Nozomi Kondo led with a 12:36 second stage time, and Mao Kimura outpaced Wanjiru in the fifth stage. Wakana Hashimoto anchored with a strong finish.

Daito Bunka University finished second, 1:10 behind Meijo. Despite strong performances, they remain winless at Morinomiyako and Mt. Fuji. Josai University, the defending champion, finished third, showing improvement but still trailing Meijo. Tohoku Fukushi University secured fourth, with Hikari Kobayashi's strong anchor leg. Read more racing coverage.

Juntendo University made the podium for the first time, finishing fifth. Teikyo Kagaku University achieved a notable first-stage win with Sayo Imanishi. Ritsumeikan University, the 2024 winner, finished ninth, their worst result since 1997. The Mt. Fuji Women's Ekiden is next, scheduled for December 30. Related: Waseda University Wins Izumo Ekiden, Sets New Course Record.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Japan Running News. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.