Sports · Running & Athletics · 2 hrs ago
Waseda wins Izumo Ekiden as comedian Gotō appears in broadcast
Waseda University won the 38th Izumo Ekiden in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, on October 12.
It finished in a record two hours, five minutes and 56 seconds, earning its third title and first win in 16 years.
Kokugakuin University came second, the Ivy League Select team third, and defending Hakone Ekiden champion Aoyama Gakuin University finished 11th.
During Fuji TV’s live coverage, comedian Takumi Gotō of the group Yonsentōshin appeared on camera at a timing point on the third leg, clapping and cheering runners.
Viewers reacted on social media, surprised to see him in the broadcast.
Gotō later said he had gone to the race in place of his comedy partner Ryōdai Ishibashi and was using a microphone to document his visit, not for another purpose.
The pair had appeared in a drama-style promotional video for the race, and Gotō’s appearance helped draw attention to the event.
Waseda University won the 38th Izumo Ekiden in a record time of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds.
The victory was Waseda’s third and its first in 16 years.
Comedian Takumi Gotō of the group Yonshū Tōshin appeared in Fuji TV’s broadcast while cheering beside the course.
Gotō later said he had gone to Izumo in place of his group member Ryōta Ishibashi and had only been using his microphone as proof that he was there.
Kokugakuin University finished second, the Ivy League Select team was third, and Hakone Ekiden champion Aoyama Gakuin University placed 11th.
- Who
- Waseda University won; comedian Takumi Gotō was also seen in the broadcast.
- What
- Waseda won the 38th Izumo Ekiden in a course-record time. Gotō appeared on the broadcast cheering for runners.
- When
- October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Izumo Ekiden started.
Waseda University won the race in a record time of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds.
Gotō posted on Instagram and explained why he was at the course.
- Winner
- Waseda University
- Winning time
- 2 hours, 5 minutes and 56 seconds
- Victory
- Waseda’s third; first in 16 years
- Second place
- Kokugakuin University
- Third place
- Ivy League Select team
- Gotō’s location
- Nishidai Bridge, the third stage’s measurement point
What people are saying
I really came in place of Ishibashi, so I was just turning the microphone around as proof that I had actually come.
Sources
Related news
Eliud Kipchoge wins Melbourne Marathon in course-record time
Akitaka Akasaki runs a personal best at the Chicago Marathon
Adidas Shoes Win Both Divisions at the 2026 Chicago Marathon
runDisney Lists 2027 Race Dates at Walt Disney World
Flooding strands about 70 runners at Utah ultramarathon before evacuation
At 58, Sue Redding Sets a Marathon Personal Best Using Cadence Training
Izzi Batt-Doyle breaks Australian marathon record in Chicago
Boston Marathon’s 2027 cutoff is the fastest in race history
Patrick Clancy finishes Chicago Marathon weeks after ex-wife's trial ends in mistrial
Waseda wins Izumo university relay for first time in 16 years
Amateur runner dies after collapsing near finish of Seoul half-marathon
