Races

Okushinano

JapanJune

Japan, June. 100 km on 75% trail. +137 ft of climbing. 21 hours cutoff.

62 mi+137 ft-130 ft21 hours23 ft to 36 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierJune
Distance62 mi
Gain+137 ft
Loss-130 ft
Altitude23 ft to 36 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start23 ft
  • High36 ft
  • Low23 ft
  • Finish30 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop7 ft-0.1% over 2.2 mi
Night miles16 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 40)

Course DNA

The Course

Okushinano runs 100 km through Japan. +137 ft gain and -130 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 36 ft. Low near 23 ft. June temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.

The Work

Train for 137 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 21 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 40.

Kit

June in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 21 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 31.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 40 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 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Okushinano