UONUMA 80km Participation Report
James Mallion's report on UONUMA 80km■James Mallion（International reporter living in Canada, living in Japan）
The anticipation had been building for months, June 23rd marked the date when my journey into the heart of Niigata and the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA began. With two divisions on offer, the DEEP JAPAN 100 course stretching across a formidable 160km, and the Uonuma course, my chosen path at 80km, I knew I was venturing into uncharted territory. These treacherous trails, adorned with daunting elevation gains and losses of around 10,000m and 4,000m respectively, were no place for the faint-hearted.
For half a year, since I signed up to the race, my mind had been consumed by this momentous undertaking. The allure of the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA captivated me, echoing the words of esteemed ultra running coach, Jason Koop. His wisdom echoed in my thoughts, emphasizing the significance of the "why" behind our chosen races, urging us to embrace events that evoked a visceral attraction—a blend of excitement, giddiness, and fear. DEEP ULTRA JAPAN embodied all these elements, captivating me from the moment I opened its website.
This race offered up a number of new challenges to me. The distance, a formidable 50 miles (80km), dwarfed any previous endeavors I had undertaken. With my longest race to date being a trail 50k in Canada the previous summer, the vast expanse of this challenge loomed before me. And the elevation gain and loss, a staggering 4,000m of relentless ascents and descents, beckoned me towards an untamed wilderness of physical and mental endurance. I knew all too well that my finishing time would stretch far beyond the five hours or so it took to conquer the relatively flat Canadian course.
To tackle this feat, I armed myself with an arsenal of gear—more than ever before. It would be my first time to race with trekking poles, faithful companions to conquer the trails, were allowed from the Futakuchi trail onwards, at around the 41km mark. As I pondered the magnitude of this undertaking, a surge of exhilaration coursed through my veins. The prospect of running further, for longer, and navigating the peaks and valleys of the Niigata mountains ignited a fire within me. It was time to test the limits of my body and spirit, to push beyond the boundaries of my past achievements. With every step, I would unravel the depths of my own resilience, pushing through layers of doubt and uncertainty.
DEEP JAPAN ULTRA?
Let me shed light on the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA for those not in the know. In 2023, the second edition of this event unfolded, driven by the vision of Matsunaga Hiroaki—an esteemed trail runner and the mastermind behind Trail Runners. Matsunaga, a dedicated organizer, manages an impressive portfolio of over 10 events each year while still finding time to compete worldwide. Yet, amidst this bustling schedule, DEEP ULTRA JAPAN holds a special place in his heart. It is clear that this race is a labor of love.
DEEP ULTRA JAPAN was designed to bring attention to the charming mountain villages along its course, providing an international spotlight for these hidden gems. Matsunaga himself speaks of the spiritual experience of running ultra-distances through the mountains, using trail and mountain running as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. These sentiments struck a chord within me, drawing me towards the event with an undeniable connection.
While the 2023 edition of the race may not have boasted the massive numbers of races closer to Tokyo or those with longer-established legacies, it marked a notable increase from the previous year. A quick glance at the race results reveals that this year 233 runners applied, with 199 taking part, compared to 96 applicants and 90 participants in 2022. Within the Uonuma division, the race I opted to join, there were over 100 applied runners, of which 92 embarked on the challenge.
A notion I was able to feel from Matsunaga was that the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA experience is more than just a race; it is an opportunity for self-discovery, a chance to connect with the authentic essence of Japan, and a platform for personal transformation. As we embark on this journey, we become part of a greater narrative, weaving our own stories of endurance and resilience.
Quick Facts
What: 2nd DEEP JAPAN ULTRA Trail Race
When: June 23 (Friday), 2023
Where: Uonuma City, Niigata
Who: 233 entrants; (104 in the 80km, 129 in the 160km)
Last Edition: June 24, 2022 (1st DEEP JAPAN ULTRA Trail Race)
Joining the Race
The promotion and registration for the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA began well over half a year before the race, catching my attention in September 2022 for the June 2023 event. This early launch served several purposes, aiming to generate early interest among potential participants and allow ample time for scheduling and preparation. It was clear that a 50-mile or 100-mile race through challenging mountain terrain, with substantial elevation gain, demanded careful planning and dedicated training. Starting the preparation well in advance provided a significant advantage for those aiming to conquer this feat.
Considering the finish rate of around 68% in the previous edition, it seemed evident that Matsunaga and the Trailrunners team were eager to attract more participants and achieve a higher finishing rate by initiating the tournament early.
Registration for the race was made available through both the RUNNET Japanese site and the RUNNET Global platform. The inclusion of Runnet Global ensured that international entrants and English speakers within Japan could easily sign up for the race. This effort aligned with the long-term goal of making DEEP JAPAN ULTRA a truly international competition, expanding its reach and diversity.
The DEEP JAPAN ULTRA website served as an invaluable resource, offering extensive information in both Japanese and English. It featured comprehensive details on the rules and regulations of the tournament, venue accessibility information, profiles of the organizers, the tournament's philosophy, sustainability initiatives, blog entries, and more. The website's depth and thoroughness reflected the nature of the event, which spanned multiple days and traversed the picturesque mountains of Niigata Prefecture.
Something of note is that participating in this race required substantial and specific equipment, surpassing the gear I had previously carried during trail races. In the 80km and 160km divisions, various mandatory items had to be acquired within the six months between registration and the race start. These items included a rain jacket and rain pants, two headlamps, a bear bell, a COCOHELI receiver, containers to hold two liters of water, waterproof gloves, and more.
The meticulous planning, detailed information, and necessary equipment showcased the gravity of DEEP JAPAN ULTRA, emphasizing the importance of being thoroughly equipped to take on the challenges that awaited.
Getting Deep: A Journey to the Race Venue
Just as the race itself unfolded as a transformative journey, reaching the quaint town of Uonuma in Niigata and arriving at the Asakusa Sanso Inn, the race venue, proved to be an adventure in its own right. This unique experience began with a departure from the norm, as the race start time stood out as a first for me—it was scheduled for 12 noon on a Friday, with the 160km division commencing at 11 am on the same day.
Making my way to the venue from the Kanto area posed a considerable distance to cover. Hailing from northern Chiba Prefecture, the journey spanned approximately 300km, necessitating a train ride that included the shinkansen, extending the travel time to over four hours. Given the circumstances, it was practically impossible for me to arrive at the venue in time for racer check-in and registration without staying overnight the day prior. For participants traveling a significant distance to partake in the race, I would highly recommend considering this option to avoid the stress of an arduously long and early transit on the morning of the race. It's worth noting that for those who did drive, multiple parking lots were available to accommodate participants, and it appeared that a significant number of racers opted for this mode of transportation.
The Day Before the Race: Embracing Tranquility
As I had planned, I decided to spend the night in the vicinity, opting to take a shuttle bus to the race venue on the morning of the event. Thus, my journey began on Thursday morning, embarking on an adventure that would keep me away from home until Saturday afternoon. My final destination was the serene and unattended Oshirakawa Station on the JR Tadami Line.
To reach this quaint station, I embarked on a multi-leg journey. I boarded the Joetsu Shinkansen, making my way to Urasa, where I then transferred to the local Joetsu Line heading towards Koide. From Koide, I boarded the Tadami Line, a picturesque railway route that meanders through the mountainous regions of Fukushima and Niigata prefectures. It is worth noting that trains on this small line operate only a few times a day, which means that missing a connection could result in a wait of several hours for the next train, if one is available at all.
In my case, I had meticulously planned my itinerary, aiming to arrive at Oshirakawa Station in the early afternoon. Stepping off the small train amidst the lush greenery of forests and mountains, I was immediately struck by the crisp, clean scent that permeated the air—a refreshing departure from my usual urban surroundings. Collecting my bags, I made my way to Yasumiba, a delightful Japanese-style inn operated by a young couple. The name Yasumiba roughly translates to "resting place." I swiftly checked in and settled into my tatami room on the second floor, unpacking my belongings.
With the afternoon at my disposal, I decided to explore the immediate surroundings. I ventured along trails and roads, discovering sections of the DEEP JAPAN course and locating one of the aid stations. As I stood amidst the course, thoughts raced through my mind, contemplating the state I would be in when I encountered these sights again the following day. With the race course forming a loop that would lead me back to the starting point at Asakusa Inn, I pondered the hour of the night or early morning when I would once again lay eyes upon these familiar landmarks and course markers. Taking careful note of key turns and memorizing the appearance of the course markers, I eventually made my way back to Yasumiba, avoiding exhaustion and allowing myself time to unwind and prepare my running pack for the adventure that awaited me tomorrow.
During my stay at Yasumiba, I noticed a couple of fellow race participants sharing the inn with me. Despite their presence, the atmosphere remained tranquil, offering a serene and enjoyable experience. The highlight of my stay was undoubtedly the remarkable cuisine—skillfully prepared dishes showcasing the abundance of local ingredients from the area. Both dinner and breakfast at Yasumiba were extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression.
While it may have been more convenient to stay at the hotel attached to the race venue, Asakusa Sanso, the shuttle bus ride to the venue in the morning was a mere 10-minute journey, easily reserved and taken. I wholeheartedly recommend Yasumiba as an ideal place to stay for those considering entering the race next year. It truly lived up to its name, providing an idyllic resting spot characterized by tranquility, uncrowded surroundings, and attentive hosts who prepared incredible meals.
Arriving to the Venue
As previously mentioned, a paid shuttle bus service was provided for participants, offering a convenient means of transportation to the race venue. This service ensured that runners arrived with ample time to check in and prepare for the race. While my journey from the Yasumiba to the venue was relatively short, the shuttle bus catered to a wide range of locations in the surrounding area, extending all the way to Urasa Station, a stop on the Joetsu Shinkansen line.
For those in the Tokyo area, taking the shuttle from Urasa Station offered a viable option, allowing them to forgo staying in Niigata the night before and instead board an early morning train, followed by the shuttle bus, ensuring a timely arrival for check-in. The designated check-in time for the 160km event was between 08:00 and 09:30, while the 80km event allowed for check-in between 9:30 and 10:30.
All Checked In and Ready to Run: A Glimpse into Race Preparations
As we delve deeper into my race report, it's time to focus on my race experience. I'll skip some of the details about the check-in process, as it was straightforward and well-organized. Essentially, runners progressed through a series of tables, received their numbered bibs, provided proof of the required gear, dropped off their luggage, and were set to go. For the 160km runners, there was an additional option of drop bags, accessible at the IIYURATEI aid station located around the 77km and 124km marks along the course.
Since I was participating in the shorter 80km Uonuma course, I had one less thing to worry about throughout the day. However, my mind was occupied with thoughts about the quantity and variety of snacks, foods, gels, and drinks I would want to consume during the race, spanning both day and night. As previously mentioned, the organizers mandated that runners carry at least 2L of water, a decision made just a week before the race. This adjustment from the previous requirement of 1L was understandable considering the climatic conditions. June in Japan marks the rainy season, but it also brings about humid and hot weather, with recent temperatures reaching up to 30°C. Combined with the fact that some aid stations were spaced more than 20km apart, traversing mountainous terrain, I understood the necessity of carrying extra hydration. Although it was a new experience for me, I embraced the challenge. Equipped with my 12L running vest, I packed it with four 500ml soft flasks, all the required gear, and an assortment of food and candy.
In hindsight, I may have packed an excessive amount of food and snacks. However, considering it was my first true ultra race, I wanted to be prepared for various outcomes and experiences that awaited me during the journey. Anticipating the unpredictable nature of the race, I erred on the side of caution, ensuring I had sustenance to sustain me throughout the entire duration.
Let's Get to the Course: Navigating Uonuma's Terrain
While I can't provide direct insight into the 100-mile course, having participated in the 50-mile Uonuma course allowed me to experience a significant portion of it. The Uonuma course takes runners through various terrains, including roads, trails, forest paths, and more, spanning a substantial portion of the town of Uonuma. Additionally, it incorporates climbs and summits of two local mountains: Mt. Asakusa and Mt. Sumon, in that order. Reaching heights of approximately 1500 meters, these mountains demanded considerable climbing and focused attention during both the ascent and descent. Undoubtedly, these mountain traverses were physically demanding but also the most memorable parts of the race.
The weather conditions throughout the day played a significant role in determining the approach to tackling the mountainous sections. The day began with a mix of clouds and humidity, followed by intermittent light rain that persisted for most of the day and into the night. In the lead-up to the event, rain had already soaked the trails, particularly in the mountainous regions, resulting in extremely wet, muddy, slick, and slippery conditions. Even world-renowned ultra trail running legend Gedimnus Grinus, who also participated in the race, attested to encountering some of the most technical downhill segments he had ever experienced. It would be highly improbable for someone to navigate the entire race without slipping at least once or twice due to the treacherous conditions in the mountains.
That said, romping through the wet mountains also brought a great deal of enjoyment. One of the primary reasons I signed up for this race was the opportunity to traverse mountains. I harbor a deep passion and love for the mountains, and reflecting on the event now, I realize that the wet and slightly cooler weather was perhaps more favorable than scorching heat and unrelenting sun throughout the entire course. Embracing the rugged and challenging nature of the mountains added an extra layer of excitement and fulfillment to the race experience.
More than Just Mountains: Exploring the Course Diversity
While the mountain sections left a lasting impression on my mind, they actually constituted only around 20% of the total course distance. Although they demanded a significant amount of time and effort due to their challenging conditions, steep inclines, and slippery surfaces, the course had much more to offer beyond the mountains.
In addition to the exhilarating mountain climbs, the course featured a diverse mix of smaller trails with both ascents and descents, as well as a substantial amount of road running. Runners traversed main streets, side streets, and mountain paths throughout the town of Uonuma, immersing themselves in the unique surroundings.
In reality, well over half of the course comprised roads, which I was aware of prior to the race. Consequently, I had chosen to wear shoes that provided ample support for road running. However, in retrospect, this decision may have been a slight misstep, as my shoes lacked sufficient grip and often left me slipping and sliding on the muddy trails.
Aid and Support in the DEEP
As a newcomer to the realm of ultra-distance running, I devised a strategy and set a goal to focus on reaching one aid station after another, taking short breaks at each stop, and then regaining my focus to continue on to the next milestone. Breaking down the race into smaller segments, rather than fixating on the daunting 80km ahead, made it easier for my mind to comprehend the magnitude of the challenge and move forward step by step.
The 80km Uonuma course featured four aid stations, although in reality, it was two aid stations that were revisited due to the loop course design. The Oshirakawa Gym aid station greeted runners at approximately the 20km and 70km marks, while the Herb Park aid station provided respite around the 35km and 57km points. Each arrival at these aid stations felt like a significant milestone, signifying progress and offering a brief moment to rest and replenish. Hot foods such as miso soup and ramen noodles provided much-needed nourishment, and the local volunteers and staff who manned these stations were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. Throughout my travels in Niigata and during the race, I noticed that the people in the region exuded genuine warmth, helpfulness, and sociability. It was heartening to see the owners of Yasumiba, where I stayed, actively volunteering and assisting in the preparation of food at the Oshirakawa aid station.
Volunteers played a crucial role in other sections of the course as well, including the rain-soaked mountain peaks. They took their time to guide runners and offer support. I must extend a special mention to a volunteer named Heidi, who traveled from Gunma prefecture to lend a helping hand. Being the only native English speaker among the volunteers, she went above and beyond to ensure that all English-speaking participants were well taken care of and swiftly resolved any issues that arose. Since the race attracted participants from overseas, including the Philippines, Singapore, and India, the presence of dedicated volunteers and event staff truly elevated the race experience.
I would also be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the race director, Hiroaki Matsunaga, at this juncture. It seemed like he hardly slept throughout the entire three-day event. He tirelessly traversed the course, greeting, supporting, engaging in conversations, and lending a helping hand wherever needed. I encountered him at the start of my race, at two aid station stops, and finally at the finish line. Matsunaga made it a point to make every participant feel special, exhibiting an impressive ability to remember everyone's name. When runners crossed the finish line, he proudly held up the finish line tape and conducted interviews, adding an extra touch of personal connection to the race experience.
Navigating the DEEP: A Well-Marked and Prepared Course
Participating in this race marked the longest distance and duration I had ever experienced. It took me a little over 17 and a half hours to complete the 80km course, starting at twelve noon on Friday, June 22nd, and crossing the finish line at approximately 05:40 am on Saturday morning. This placed me in 39th position among the male participants.
Running throughout the night had been a slight concern for me leading up to the race. While I had briefly practiced using my headlamp during nighttime training runs, I had never done so in a race situation, particularly while navigating muddy mountains in remote areas. Fortunately, I was relieved to find that the course markings were clear and easy to follow throughout the entire 80km distance. Major turns were typically accompanied by volunteers or prominent signage to ensure runners didn't miss them. In the absence of volunteers, bright lights or large signs were strategically placed to guide participants. All course flags and markers were reflective, making them highly visible when illuminated by our headlamps in the darkness.
One of the race requirements was to have the course map accessible on either a smartphone or watch. I had loaded the provided GPX file onto both my phone and watch, which provided an added sense of security against getting lost. Throughout the race, I frequently glanced at my watch to confirm that I was still on the designated course and to anticipate what lay ahead. However, my watch battery eventually died after about 13 hours into the race. Thankfully, by that point, I was running alongside a couple of other participants and had become accustomed to checking the course markers every few minutes to ensure we stayed on track. Overall, the course was better designed in terms of route navigation than I had initially anticipated. There was only one minor incident when engrossed in conversation with the other runners where we inadvertently missed a turn and didn't realize we had deviated from the course until a few minutes had passed without seeing a course flag. Fortunately, it was a brief detour, and with the aid of our smartphones, we backtracked about a kilometer to regain the correct path.
For any trail race, I would recommend thoroughly studying the course well in advance. However, for ultra-distance races that involve traversing trails and mountains, this preparation becomes even more crucial. The course map, available in PDF and GPX files, was provided long before the race. With the help of tools like Google Maps and Google Earth, it was possible to familiarize oneself with every detail of the course. Additionally, there were a couple of YouTube videos that proved helpful in getting to know the course. While these videos were entirely in Japanese, the visual content was sufficient for non-Japanese speakers to understand. The first video featured race director Matsunaga providing a detailed explanation of the course, while the second video showcased a YouTuber's personal experience running the race in 2022. Although the course had undergone slight modifications this year, watching this footage provided a valuable preview of what to expect.
Do YOU want to dig DEEP?
It's challenging to put into words the profound impact this race had on me and what it signified during my participation. I embarked on this race without knowing if I would be able to complete it. Yet, upon crossing the finish line, it instilled a profound sense of confidence in me, showcasing what I am capable of achieving when I set my mind to it. Many have described ultra-distance trail races as predominantly mental endeavors, even amidst the rigorous physical training required. Undoubtedly, substantial preparation is necessary for a race of this nature. The 80km division, for instance, also required prior completion of a 30km or longer trail race, which I had accomplished in a few instances, all within a range of 3-5 hours. However, this race demanded far more. It necessitated delving deep within oneself when faced with challenges, reflecting on our motivations, what propels us forward, and what will continue to drive us onward.
The Uonuma course, spanning 80km, provided a generous overall cutoff time of 24 hours, averaging out to 18 minutes per kilometer—an ample allowance for the average runner. Nevertheless, I can assure you that large portions of this course cannot be run, and personally, towards the end, I was almost unable to run due to minor foot ailments. Despite these setbacks, I never felt the desire to quit or doubted my ability to finish. Instead, I joined the ranks of the 90% of Uonuma entrants who completed the course, marking an increase from the 75% completion rate in 2022.
So, would I recommend you to participate in the 2024 edition of the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA, and would I do it again? The answer to both these questions is a resounding YES! Like many fellow participants with whom I conversed during and after the race, this event offers an opportunity to experience a profound side of Japan, both during daylight and in the encompassing darkness. It invites you to delve deep within yourself, to connect with an inner essence, and to persevere through the mud, rain, and untamed mountains that are slowly fading from the Japanese landscape and beyond.
Don't expect this race to be swift or effortless. Don't anticipate perfect weather during the rainy season. Instead, relish the moment, embrace your surroundings, absorb the experience, and breathe in the invigorating mountain air. Take your time, indulge your love for nature and mountains, smile, and express gratitude for the privilege of partaking in this event. Extend your appreciation to the volunteers and staff who bring this event to life. Then return to your life, transformed in ways that may be difficult to articulate but will leave you yearning for more. These are the sentiments I have taken away from my DEEP JAPAN ULTRA Uonuma 80km experience, and I can only imagine the profound impact one would derive from the full 160km version of the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA.
