Run with the Wind

Disgraced high-school track prodigy Kakeru Kurahara steals bread one night and gets chased down by injured senior Haiji Kiyose, who tricks Kakeru and eight unsuspecting Kansei University dorm mates into training for the 217-kilometer Hakone Ekiden marathon relay. Features rare college-aged protagonists juggling job-hunting anxiety, chain-smoking habits, bar exams, and out-of-shape lungs. Tells a completely finished novel adaptation in twenty-three episodes culminating in all ten legs of the Hakone Ekiden. Elevates every runner's solitary internal monologue during the final seven race episodes with Yuki Hayashi's soaring score. Examines the tension between elite talent (Kakeru) and recreational runners (Prince, Nico-chan, King) without demeaning either.