I think there is a natural tendency to compare Japanese Ekiden results to the U.S. competitions. Using high schools as an example; there are over 2 dozen Japanese high schools with 5 kids who can average sub-15 in a 5k, while is the U.S. there is perhaps 1 or 2 capable of this. As amazing as the Japanese kids appear, the fact is, the Japanese system is optimized for the 5k distance, for peaking in just a few events and running fast time in distance events.

It is just not the same in the U.S.; kids are focused on XC, indoor and outdoor track, competing weekly and in multiple events. Also, in the U.S., there is a much greater focus on sprints and field events and there is almost no focus on long distance, the longest regularly contested event in U.S. high schools is the 2-mile, with the greatest focus being on the mile. While the Japanese depth among high schools athletes able to run sub-15 is amazing and while sub-15 is a very meaningful reference point; however, the U.S. had over 200 athletes who ran either a (4:15) mile and/or a (9:10) 2-mile, all of whom could probably run a sub-15 5k, but only a handful ever contested the event. Also, about 1/3 of the U.S. t&f athletes compete in other sports and activities.

This is not meant to take away from the Japanese Ekiden system and results, because it is incredible not matter you look at it, but it is helpful have some perspective when comparing it to the U.S. kids.