駅伝監督物語

Reach the pinnacle of the Hakone Ekiden. Create the history of university ekiden with the athletes you've nurtured.

"Ekiden Coach Story" is a university ekiden club management simulation game where you can enjoy athlete development, scouting, racing, and club management.

You become the coach of a university ekiden club, responsible for everything from weekly training plans and section orders to sponsorship contracts and financial management. Your goal is to participate in the Hakone Ekiden, secure a seeded position, and win the overall championship.

Which section should you use your ace runner in? How much money should you invest in promising high school students? Should you train or rest before the big race?

The growth of each individual and the coach's decisions will change the future of the team.

[Challenge from a weak school or lead a strong school]
Choose your coach name and university name, and select the school environment from three options: strong, mid-level, or weak. Because the strength and financial resources differ, the enjoyment of team building changes depending on the school you choose.

・Weak School
Develop athletes over time with limited funds and resources. First, aim to qualify for the Hakone Ekiden and lead an unknown school to the national stage.

* Mid-tier school: Start with training and strengthening, aiming for the Hakone Ekiden itself. Deciding who to allocate the limited budget to and how to use it will test your sense of balance as a coach.

* Top-tier school: With talented athletes and ample funding, you have the environment to aim for the top of Hakone from the first year. Effective section placement that utilizes the team's strengths and training with the next generation in mind are crucial.

[Developing athletes through team practice and individual settings]
Weekly practice can be selected from "Balance," "Speed," "Endurance," "Long," and "Conditioning." Not only can you determine the overall team strategy, but you can also set training content for each athlete.

Develop an ace by increasing speed. Hone endurance to entrust them with longer sections. Adjust fatigued athletes to prepare for the competition.

Focus not only on ability but also on recovery and mental strength, and bring out the best in each individual. Dealing with fatigue and injuries caused by excessive training is also an important part of the coach's job.

First-year students gain experience, support the team as upperclassmen, and eventually graduate. You can enjoy the growth and generational shift throughout the four years of university.

[Scouting in February: Discovering Future Aces]
Compare the abilities, potential, and records of high school students to find new talent for next year.
In admission negotiations, you choose between "General Admission," "Recommendation," and "Scholarship." Depending on the candidate, there may be competition with other schools, and you cannot guarantee acquiring the player you want.
The negotiation results are decided the following week. There are limits to the annual acquisition slots, weekly negotiation slots, and funds. Should you invest in immediate contributors, or hope for future growth? While filling the gaps left by graduating players, build a team that looks several years into the future.

[Towards Izumo, All-Japan, and Hakone: Competing with Section Orders]
Challenge the Izumo Ekiden, All-Japan University Ekiden, Hakone Ekiden Qualifying Round, and Hakone Ekiden. Consider the participating players and running order according to the distance and section structure of each competition.

A runner to carry the team in the early stages, an ace to change the momentum, a runner to carry the mountain section, and an anchor to finish the race. Not only is individual ability important, but also suitability, fatigue, and the overall team combination are crucial for victory.

On the race screen, you can check the rankings, time differences, and progress of each leg alongside the runners. You can switch between a perspective following your own team and a perspective of the leader, and pause to watch the race unfold.

Your trained runners compete against rivals and pass the baton. Each run reflects the results of daily training and the coach's strategy.

[Confirming Growth at Time Trials]

Participate in time trials for 5000m, 10000m, and half marathons. Aim to improve your personal best through events such as the Kanaguri Memorial Time Trial, Golden Games, Hachioji Long Distance, and Marugame International Half Marathon.

Growth that isn't visible in ekiden rankings can be felt through times. Review your records and use them to inform future training and runner selection.

[Supporting Development: Managing the Ekiden Team]
From sponsorship deals and facility investments to training camps, scouting investments, and budget management, managing the team is also the coach's role.
Equipment requires maintenance costs. Will you use it for immediate reinforcement, or for creating a long-lasting development environment? While monitoring income and expenses, build a foundation for a team that can consistently compete.
[Passing the Coachship and Continuing the School's History]
After your term ends, you can continue playing by handing over the same school to a new coach. Take the team you've nurtured and the history you've built up, and move towards the challenges of the next generation.
Will you rebuild trust as the new coach and protect the tradition of a prestigious school? Or will you aim for even higher goals? Enjoy managing an ekiden team across generations.
For those who love Hakone Ekiden and university ekiden, those who love track and field and long-distance running, and those who want to thoroughly enjoy athlete development, sports management, and business simulation.
From qualifying for the first time to an unforgettable overall victory.
Start your own ekiden team story here.