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Hakone Ekiden that is different than usual: slight rule changes can greatly affect the whereabouts of the game. That’s “member change” in the day. Until last time, the number of people that could be replaced on the day was up to 4 people on the exit and entry routes, but this time it has been expanded to 6 people (however, the number of people that can be changed per day is 4).
“I honestly thought 6 spaces would not be necessary, but I made a section entry that made effective use of 6 spaces. I don’t know what kind of accident will happen in 3 days.” (Meidai) ・ Yuki Yamamoto Ekiden Director)
“In the past, we often cut up to 3 change slots in the day and we didn’t cut the remaining 1 in case of an emergency. This time, we can cut up to 5 people, so it’s pretty big. I think” (Director Yasuhiro Maeda , Kokugakuin University)
Although the number of seats itself is 6 people, which is the same as before, the fact that all 6 people can be completely replaced has a considerable impact on the tactics of each school.
Drama caused by “change in day”
Of course, changing members on the day is a measure against sudden accidents like illness and injury, but in the case of Hakone Ekiden, it has more tactical implications. After completing the section entry on December 29, the commanders of each school will decide the final order by observing the appearance of the rival schools.
After finishing the section entry and looking at the alternate members’ faces, it certainly looks more luxurious than usual. Since these 6 players can be replaced by the regular players currently entered in each section, I have the impression that it is more difficult to read in the hands of the opponent than ever.
By the way, in other Ekiden such as Nationwide High School Ekiden and New Year Ekiden, it is often not allowed to change members after submitting the final order (in principle, a medical certificate is required for Nationwide High School Ekiden). The rules for changing the All Japan University Ekiden that day were relaxed as of 2014, but it was not allowed before that (the presentation of a medical certificate was required), and each commander used to have exclusive Hakone Ekiden rules. It was also the highlight of his skill. For that reason, there were many dramas on Hakone Road caused by “changes in the day”.
