Komazawa University, famous for its strong marathon team, has decided to strategically rest five key runners for the renowned Hakone Ekiden relay marathon in Japan. This surprising move is expected to incite curiosity and speculation amid the traditional running event's devoted fans. The university decided on this strategy to ensure the integral health and quality performance of these athletes in the future.

Hakone Ekiden, a significant annual relay marathon event held in Japan on the 2nd and 3rd of January, is watched by millions nationwide. In this context, university teams play a central role as youth development platforms for elite athletes. Resting key player signifies a long-term and health-centered approach, which is an increasingly important issue in professional sports in Japan, amid past criticisms of overly intense and sometimes hazardous training regimes.

In the U.S. or the EU, resting key players is a strategy often seen in team sports like basketball or football, respectively. This tactic provides athletes with necessary rest, reduces the risk of injuries and potentially improves their performance in crucial games. While Ekiden is a uniquely Japanese event, this strategy echoes the same principles used in other regions.