Run with the Wind is an anime series centered on Kakeru Kurahara, a gifted but troubled runner, who is drawn into a ragtag university track team assembled by the determined Haiji Kiyose to compete in the prestigious Hakone Ekiden relay marathon. It delves into profound themes of teamwork, personal growth, overcoming inner demons, and finding joy in perseverance through running.
This curated collection of 25 quotes highlights the series’ emotional depth, character evolution, and inspirational motifs, drawing from key moments across its arcs to inspire readers and fans alike.
Do you like running?
Episode 1 (The 10th Man)
Haiji Kiyose
Haiji’s inviting question to Kakeru ignites his passion, emphasizing self-discovery and the pure love of running amid early team formation doubts.
The mountains of Hakone are the steepest in the world!
Episode 2 (The Ogre’s Dwelling)
Haiji Kiyose
This rallying cry motivates the team, symbolizing perseverance against overwhelming odds and fostering unity in peaceful training moments.
If you give up, the competition is already over
Episode 19 (The Moment of Release)
Haiji Kiyose
During a tense race section, it underscores resilience, pushing character growth through high-stakes battle pressure and emotional fortitude.
All those who succeeded have worked hard
Episode 9 (Mismatched Runners)
Shindo
Reflects on training struggles, highlighting diligence and team support as keys to development in a reflective, peaceful arc moment.
I am… strong
Episode 23 (In the Wind)
Kakeru Kurahara
Kakeru’s affirming declaration marks his emotional breakthrough, connecting to themes of inner strength and self-acceptance in the finale’s climax.
Speed isn’t everything
Episode 11 (Overflowing Drops)
Haiji Kiyose
Challenges Kakeru’s fixation, promoting holistic growth and teamwork in a heated confrontation that deepens their bond mid-series.
The best compliment you can give a runner is that they are strong
Episode 13 (And Then Start Running)
Haiji Kiyose
Praises endurance over velocity, evoking pride and character maturation during a motivational team talk in a calmer arc phase.
No one here is running half-assed. Why won’t you try to acknowledge that everyone’s trying their best? Is it because they’re slower than you? Is speed all that matters to you? Then there’s no reason to run. Ride a bullet train. Ride a plane. They’re faster. WAKE UP, Kakeru. It’s not enough to just chase speed. It’s futile
Episode 11 (Overflowing Drops)
Haiji Kiyose
Haiji’s raw outburst confronts Kakeru’s arrogance, catalyzing his development and reinforcing themes of empathy in an intense peaceful clash.
Tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that. What you need to do won’t ever change. Reality will always be there in front of you. So instead of running from it, why not try running with reality?
Episode 23 (In the Wind)
Haiji Kiyose
Encourages embracing life’s challenges, evoking bittersweet resolve and growth as the team reflects on their journey’s end.
You’re right that it’s not an easy speed to achieve. But if you don’t know what your goals are, you can’t aim for them
Episode 2 (The Ogre’s Dwelling)
Haiji Kiyose
Sets the team’s vision, highlighting purpose and ambition in an early arc moment of quiet determination and group bonding.
Practice should be just as hard
Episode 9 (Mismatched Runners)
Yuki
Yuki’s pragmatic reminder during post-race analysis stresses discipline, aiding his arc of emerging leadership and team commitment.
You sound like a long distance runner
Episode 9 (Mismatched Runners)
Haiji Kiyose
Affirms Shindo’s insight, boosting his confidence and tying into themes of identity evolution through reflective training dialogue.
Support is really truly essential
Episode 9 (Mismatched Runners)
Musa Kamara
Acknowledges cheering’s impact, evoking gratitude and strengthening team bonds in a post-battle moment of peaceful realization.
Be like Prince and Nico-chan Senpai
Episode 9 (Mismatched Runners)
Haiji Kiyose
Advises Kakeru to emulate mental resilience, sparking his humility and connecting to broader growth amid mid-arc tensions.
Everyone’s good at something different
Episode 11 (Overflowing Drops)
Haiji Kiyose
Celebrates diversity, fostering inclusivity and individual development during a bathhouse talk in a serene, introspective scene.
What does running mean to you?
Episode 1 (The 10th Man)
Haiji Kiyose
Probes Kakeru’s motivations, initiating his emotional journey and themes of self-reflection in the series’ foundational peaceful encounter.
Running is freedom
Episode 15 (Place of Destiny)
Kakeru Kurahara
Expresses liberation during a solo run, marking his healing from past trauma and tying into personal redemption arcs.
We run together
Episode 20 (Even If I Break)
Haiji Kiyose
Unites the team in a race crisis, emphasizing solidarity and collective strength with high emotional stakes in a battle sequence.
Don’t look back, just run
Episode 21 (Goodbye, Beautiful World)
Shindo
Pushes forward amid exhaustion, highlighting perseverance and growth in a climactic arc moment of intense determination.
Strength isn’t just about speed
Episode 12 (Summer Prank)
Nico-chan Senpai
Advises during training, underscoring maturity and mentorship, connecting to themes of balanced development in a light-hearted phase.
The wind is strong today
Episode 23 (In the Wind)
Kakeru Kurahara
Symbolizes change and acceptance, evoking poignant closure and character fulfillment in the series’ emotional finale.
Let’s aim for the top
Episode 4 (Shadows That Don’t Fade)
Haiji Kiyose
Inspires ambition early on, fostering hope and team spirit in a motivational talk blending peaceful planning with aspiration.
Pain is proof you’re alive
Episode 16 (Running in a Dream)
Yuki
During injury recovery, it reflects resilience, aiding his arc of vulnerability and deeper commitment to the group.
Every step counts
Episode 18 (And Then, Morning Comes)
Musa Kamara
Encourages incremental progress, evoking optimism and cultural integration themes in a reflective pre-race moment.
We’ve come this far together
Episode 22 (Embrace Your Loneliness)
Haiji Kiyose
Celebrates shared struggles, culminating in emotional unity and profound development as the team faces their ultimate challenge.
