Races

Fun Trails Chichibu & Okumusashi

JapanNovember

Japan, November. 105 km on 75% trail. +2,003 ft of climbing. 30 hours cutoff.

65 mi+2,003 ft-1,947 ft30 hours59 ft to 121 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierNovember
Distance65 mi
Gain+2,003 ft
Loss-1,947 ft
Altitude59 ft to 121 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start66 ft
  • High121 ft
  • Low59 ft
  • Finish121 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop56 ft-0.5% over 2.3 mi
Night miles31 misunset near 17:00 local

Weather at the cruxderived

At hour 8 of race, feels like 20 C (66 F).Sample of 7 race days, medium confidence.At hour 8 of race, apparent temperature P90 is 20 C / 68 F.

The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 42)

Course DNA

The Course

Fun Trails Chichibu & Okumusashi runs 105 km through Japan. +2,003 ft gain and -1,947 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 121 ft. Low near 59 ft. November temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 33.

The Work

Train for 2,003 feet of climbing across 105 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 30 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 42.

Kit

November in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 30 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 33.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 33. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 42 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 22 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Fun Trails Chichibu & Okumusashi