39-Year-Old Runner Returns to Race in Japan's Hakone Qualifier
Listen to the story
A 39-year-old runner named Saki Makino has drawn attention for his unusual story at the Hakone Ekiden qualifying race.
The Hakone Ekiden is a famous university relay race in Japan. Before teams can join the main event, they must compete in a qualifying race.
Makino currently studies at Saitama University, making him much older than most of the other competitors.
Years ago, Makino left a strong, well-known running team, often called an ekiden powerhouse in Japan.
Since then, he has followed a very demanding daily schedule. He runs 20 kilometers starting at 6 a.m.
After his morning run, Makino works during the day at his job.
In the evening, he attends classes at university, balancing study with work and training.
This busy routine has made him stand out among the younger runners in the qualifying race.
His story highlights dedication to running, even while managing a full-time job and studies.
The Hakone Ekiden remains one of Japan's most popular sporting events, watched by many fans each year.
Although specific race results were not mentioned, Makino's participation itself has become a notable story.
Vocabulary8 words
- Hakone Ekiden
- a very famous long relay race for Japanese university teams
- relay race
- a race where each team member runs one part
- qualifying race
- a race held to choose which teams can join a bigger event
- Saitama University
- a university in Japan where Makino currently studies
- ekiden powerhouse
- a team that is very strong and successful in ekiden races
- routine
- a set way of doing things every day
- dedication
- strong effort and commitment to something
- competitor
- a person who takes part in a race or contest
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Quiz
Answer key
1. His age 2. He runs in the morning, works during the day, and studies at night 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A 39-year-old runner named Saki Makino has drawn attention for his unusual story at the Hakone Ekiden _____ race.
The Hakone Ekiden is a famous university relay race in Japan. Before teams can join the main event, they must compete in a _____ race.
Makino currently _____ at Saitama University, making him much older than most of the other competitors.
Years ago, Makino left a strong, well-known running team, often called an ekiden _____ in Japan.
Since then, he has followed a very demanding daily _____. He runs 20 kilometers starting at 6 a.m.
After his morning run, Makino _____ during the day at his job.
In the evening, he attends _____ at university, balancing study with work and training.
This busy routine has made him _____ out among the younger runners in the qualifying race.
His story highlights _____ to running, even while managing a full-time job and studies.
The Hakone Ekiden remains one of Japan's most popular sporting _____, watched by many fans each year.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Makino's story has attracted public attention?
- What challenges might come from combining running, work, and studies?
- Do you think age should matter in competitive sports? Why or why not?
- What qualities do you think Makino needs to maintain his routine?
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