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Izumo Ekiden Cancelled Due to Typhoon #19

by Brett Larner

After an initial announcement at 8:00 a.m. that the 26th running of the Izumo Ekiden, the first major race of the university men's ekiden season, would go ahead as scheduled in the face of the approaching Typhoon #19 with the possibility of later cancellation in the event of worsening conditions, the IUAU issued a statement at 10:15 a.m. that the race had been cancelled.
Because rapidly changing weather conditions mean that we cannot guarantee the safety of athletes and volunteers, we hereby cancel the 26th running of the Izumo National University Invitational Ekiden.
The cancellation was the first in Izumo's history and the first time that one of the Big Three University Ekidens, Izumo, the National University Men's Ekiden and the Hakone Ekiden, have been cancelled since Hakone was suspended during World War II.  Last year Izumo narrowly escaped the same fate when a large typhoon hit Japan the day after the race.

Comments

Anna said…
did they at least get to mingle with the Ivy League team(s)?
Brett Larner said…
Yes, they still did the post-race banquet but without the usual team performances.
Anonymous said…
Hey Brett -
Kind of random...But as a NESCAC alum yourself, how do you think a team of NESCAC runners would fare in a race such as the Izumo Ediken? Obviously, the Ivy League is DI and their alumni tend to be at a higher level than NESCAC Alums. Though, there are still some talented NESCAC alums currently running post collegiately. Would love to know your thoughts! Thanks!

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