Toyota, YKK, and Chugoku Denryoku Win Regional Ekiden Qualifiers — image accompanying Japan Running News's report. Image accompanying Japan Running News’ report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Toyota won the Chubu and Hokuriku Region ekiden in Tahara, Aichi, after two years of losses. They completed the 80.5 km race in 3:53:54, with Takuma Yamakawa securing a significant lead in the fourth stage.
YKK claimed the Hokuriku Region title, extending their winning streak to 35 races. They finished in 3:59:24, maintaining a strong lead throughout the event. Read more racing coverage.
Chugoku Denryoku won the Chugoku Region Corporate Ekiden in Sera, Hiroshima, with a time of 3:54:24. Their lead runner, Shunya Kikuchi, set a new course record for the first stage. Related: Asahi Kasei Wins Final Kyushu Corporate Ekiden.
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.
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Questions about this report
What should runners know about Toyota, YKK, and Chugoku Denryoku Win Regional Ekiden Qualifiers?
Final regional qualifiers for the New Year Ekiden saw Toyota, YKK, and Chugoku Denryoku secure victories. Toyota won the Chubu and Hokuriku Region ekiden in Tahara, Aichi, after two years of losses. They completed the 80.5 km race in 3:53:54, with Takuma Yamakawa securing a significant lead in the fourth stage.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on November 8, 2026. The underlying Japan Running News report was dated November 8, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Japan Running News. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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