Races

Mt. Fuji 100

JapanApril

Japan, April. 100 mi on 75% trail. +21,696 ft of climbing. 46 hours cutoff.

167 km+21,696 ft-21,696 ft45:301,614 ft to 5,364 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierApril
Distance167 km
Gain+21,696 ft
Loss-21,696 ft
Altitude1,614 ft to 5,364 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start2,723 ft
  • High5,176 ft
  • Low1,630 ft
  • Finish3,274 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Japan at mile 0.0
  2. Mt. Fuji 100 mile 20 at mile 20, cutoff 9.200000000000001 hours
  3. Mt. Fuji 100 mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 18.400000000000002 hours
  4. Mt. Fuji 100 mile 60 at mile 60, cutoff 27.599999999999998 hours
  5. Mt. Fuji 100 mile 80 at mile 80, cutoff 36.800000000000004 hours
  6. Finish Japan at mile 100, cutoff 46 hours

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop1,932 ft-19.5% over 1.9 mi
Night miles42 misunset near 18:00 local
Longest climb1,667 ft85 mi at 0.4%

The cruxFive lakes loops and the long paved connectors at altitude (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Mt. Fuji 100 runs 100 mi through Japan. +21,696 ft gain and -21,696 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Five lakes loops and the long paved connectors at altitude. High point near 5,364 ft. Low near 1,614 ft. April temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for 21,696 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 46 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 65.

Kit

April in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 46 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Five lakes loops and the long paved connectors at altitude near mile 65 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 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Mt. Fuji 100