Beijing International Women’s Ekiden
K. Ken Nakamura
18 February 2001 - The Japanese team made up of M. Kawashima, Kotorida, Yamamoto, Suzuki, Yokota and A. Kawashima won the six stage 42.195km Beijing International Ekiden on Sunday. It was the first time since 1995 that a Japanese team won this event.
Makiko Kawashima kept Japan close with Ethiopia and three-time defending champion China after the first stage. Takako Kotorida passed both Ethiopia and China in the second stage to give Japan a commanding lead, covering the 10km second stage in 31.44. The Japanese team then ran alone until the finish, winning this Ekiden for the second time.
1) Japan (Makiko Kawashima, Takako Kotorida, Yamamoto, Suzuki, Yokota, Akiko Kawashima)
2:16.43
2) Ethiopia 2:18.12
3) China 2:18.35
4) Russia 2:19.45
5) North Korea 2:21.33
6) Ukraine 2:24.15