戸上電機製作所 staged a dramatic comeback from an accident at the Kyushu Corporate Teams Mainichi Ekiden, overcoming Hotta Akira’s (堀田晟礼) fade in Section 1 after he handed the sash to Ichida Takashi (市田孝), and rising to 9th, within the qualifying places for the main race, in the final Section 7.
戸上電機製作所 overcame a seemingly hopeless situation, recovering from an accident to move up to 9th and secure a place in the main race. Coach Tobimatsu Makoto (飛松誠) reflected that no one had given up and described the race as a sign of the team’s growth.
Hotta Akira (堀田晟礼) faded in Section 1 (12.8 km) after experiencing breathing difficulties, but summoned his remaining strength to connect the sash to Ichida Takashi (市田孝). Ichida, an accomplished Asahi Kasei runner who has experienced four consecutive New Year Ekiden victories, set off after receiving the sash.
In Section 7 (13.9 km), the 34-year-old athlete who joined in June conveyed his determination not to give up to the runners behind him, while Iwamuro Tenki (岩室天輝) helped complete the comeback by turning a 17-second deficit into a 1-minute 57-second lead. This demonstrated the team’s presence despite having been in a position where the runners ahead were out of sight.
The team’s highest-ever placing in the main race is 32nd. Ichida Takashi (市田孝) said the team was determined to rebuild itself into its best possible condition as it aims for a place in the 20s going forward.