Introduction
A colourful event in Japan's countryside of Niigata, Northwest of Tokyo, which got redesigned in 2020 by well-known elite runner Yuta Matsuyama. Echigo Country Trail receives full support from the local communities around Oguni Forest Park and Nagaoka City. All participants are invited to take part in the welcoming party on Saturday afternoon, and enjoy dinner with local delicacies, music and dance. It is also possible to stay overnight in traditional Japanese homestays.
The main race is 63 km in length and generally quite runable, but some of the climbs are really steep, too. Pacing is of the essence. Total elevation of 2200 hm is not nothing for 63 km.
Event website
Check the official event webite for details and fine print
International gateway
Fly into Tokyo is probably what most runners from abroad will do. From Tokyo, you can take a convenient 2,5 hour shinkansen train to Nagaoka, where you could also stay in a hotel. However, many international runners prefer to spend the night at one of the hospitable local guesthouses nearby the Echigo park.
There is also a small Niigata airport near Nagaoka, but international connections are limited unless you are in South Korea.
Race course & profile
Running back in time
