A New Star at Meijo: Mao Kimura’s 28:50 Helps Bring the Crown Back
On October 25, 2026, Meijo University reclaimed the All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden title in a course-record 2:02:21, earning its ninth victory and first in three years. Freshman Mao Kimura delivered a standout performance on the longest leg, covering 9.2 kilometers in 28:50 to win the stage. Her run, the second-fastest by a Japanese athlete on that leg, helped secure Meijo’s return to the top.
■ The Return of the Ekiden Queens
On October 25, 2026, Meijo University reclaimed the All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden championship.
Meijo completed the six-leg, 38-kilometer race in a course-record 2:02:21, earning its ninth title and first in three years.
After a historic streak of seven consecutive championships, the university had finished fifth in 2024 and third in 2025.
This year marked a triumphant return. One of the decisive performances came from freshman Mao Kimura.
■ A Remarkable 28:50 on the Longest Leg
Kimura took on the fifth leg, the longest section of the race at 9.2 kilometers.
With her team leading, she faced the pressure of maintaining its advantage against strong rivals.
Instead of simply protecting the lead, Kimura extended it.
She clocked an outstanding 28:50, winning the leg and recording the second-fastest time ever by a Japanese athlete on this section.
Only three Japanese runners have broken 29 minutes on this leg.
Meijo’s lead increased from 42 seconds to 1 minute and 8 seconds.
It was a performance that brought the championship firmly within reach.
■ A Rising Star
Kimura graduated from Ibaraki Christian High School.
Although she competed at the National High School Ekiden, she had not qualified individually for the national inter-high championships.
After entering Meijo University, she began demonstrating particular strength over longer distances, establishing herself among Japan’s promising university distance runners.
Her performance in the All-Japan University Women’s Ekiden showed just how much potential she possesses.
■ A Victory Built by the Whole Team
Meijo's triumph was not the achievement of a single athlete.
A strong opening leg from Airi Mashiba was followed by Nozomi Kondo taking the lead on the second leg.
Kaede Rikimaru and Miku Muraoka extended the advantage before Kimura delivered her remarkable fifth-leg performance.
Wakana Hashimoto then brought the team home to victory.
Six runners, one baton, and a championship reclaimed.
Kimura’s performance stood out, but the victory belonged to the entire team.
■ Chappy’s Take
What makes this race particularly memorable is how Meijo’s return to the top coincided with the emergence of a new star.
Kimura is only a freshman, and one race cannot predict an entire career.
Still, 28:50 over 9.2 kilometers on such a major stage is an extraordinary achievement.
Her progress over the coming seasons will be fascinating to follow.
■ A Baton Passed to the Future
Ekiden is about teamwork, trust, and continuity.
Experienced runners build momentum. New athletes carry it forward.
Mao Kimura’s remarkable fifth leg represented both Meijo’s return to the summit and the promise of its next generation.
The queens are back, and a new chapter has begun.
