Races

OSJ Ontake

JapanJuly

Japan, July. 100 km on 75% trail. +18,947 ft of climbing. 20 hours cutoff.

62 mi+18,947 ft-18,947 ft20 hours2,844 ft to 5,591 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierJuly

Distances

100 mi62 mi
Distance62 mi
Gain+18,947 ft
Loss-18,947 ft
Altitude2,844 ft to 5,591 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start2,969 ft
  • High5,533 ft
  • Low2,881 ft
  • Finish2,969 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop1,066 ft-10.4% over 1.9 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

OSJ Ontake runs 100 km through Japan. +18,947 ft gain and -18,947 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 5,591 ft. Low near 2,844 ft. July temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.

The Work

Train for 18,947 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 20 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

July in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 20 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.

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Train for OSJ Ontake

Course-specific plan, fuel segments, gear kit, and race morning for OSJ Ontake.

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OSJ Ontake

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