Run with the Wind

"Run with the Wind" (Japanese: 風が強く吹いている, Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru) is a Japanese novel written by Shion Miura, first published in 2006. The story revolves around a group of university students striving to participate in the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon. Former track elite Kakeru Kurahara, after being caught shoplifting, meets Haiji Kiyose and is invited to live in a dilapidated apartment called "Chikusei-sou." Haiji reveals the apartment's secret: it's the dormitory for the Kansei University Track Club, and his goal is to lead these running novices in the Hakone Ekiden, one of Japan's most prestigious university marathon relay races. Despite the majority of the residents having no interest in running, Haiji strives to convince them and lead them toward their dream. The novel has been adapted into manga, a live-action film, and an anime series. The anime adaptation, produced by Production I.G, aired from October 2018 to March 2019, consisting of 23 episodes. It showcases not only the athletic spirit of the protagonists but also delves into themes of friendship, teamwork, and personal growth.