CHICAGO – Loyola University Chicago's James Lawrence has been selected to represent the Ivy League alumni team at the Izumo Ekiden, one of Japan's most prestigious collegiate road relay races, on Oct. 13 in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.
The Izumo Ekiden marks the traditional start of Japan's collegiate ekiden season and is renowned for its intensity, often compared to the competitiveness of the NCAA Cross Country Championships. The race covers 43.1 kilometers across six stages (8k, 5.8k, 8.5k, 6.2k, 6.4k, 10.2k), with each runner passing a cloth sash called a tasuki to the next teammate.
Since its inception in 1990, the Ivy League select team has brought recent graduates to Japan to foster cultural exchange through sport. The trip offers an unparalleled racing opportunity against some of the best collegiate distance runners in the world while also creating bonds and lifelong friendships among team members and alumni, known in Japan as "Old Boys" or "OBs."
Lawrence, who transferred to Loyola after beginning his collegiate career at Dartmouth, will compete alongside an accomplished roster of Ivy League alumni, including reigning NCAA champion Graham Blanks (Harvard). In recent years, the Ivy squad has steadily climbed the standings, highlighted by a breakthrough fifth-place finish in 2024, its highest result to date.
"James's selection to the Ivy League alumni team for the Izumo Ekiden is a tremendous honor and a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence," said Loyola head coach Gavin Kennedy. "The opportunity to compete alongside athletes of the highest caliber, including NCAA champion Graham Blanks, speaks to the level of respect James has earned. His achievement brings pride not only to himself but also to the Loyola University cross country and track program."
Selection to the Ivy League squad is highly competitive, with six runners and two alternates chosen each August based on fitness and performances. Alternates also gain international racing experience with a 5k track event in Japan.
In addition to the Izumo Ekiden, Japan's collegiate racing calendar features several other renowned ekiden relays, culminating with the iconic Hakone Ekiden at the start of the new year, one of the country's most-watched sporting events.
"I'm extremely grateful to be selected to participate in the Izumo Ekiden race as a member of the Ivy Select team," Lawrence said. "Ekiden is the most popular collegiate sport in Japan, so I am humbled to take part in what is such a revered national event and to experience such a unique, special part of Japanese culture. As a Korean American, this opportunity holds special meaning—I will take pride in representing my heritage while also honoring Japan's rich sporting tradition and the cross-cultural connections that running creates."
