Races
Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail
Japan, September. 110 km on 75% trail. +21,736 ft of climbing. 22 hours cutoff.
- Start2,982 ft
- High5,704 ft
- Low1,641 ft
- Finish3,031 ft
- Japan at mile 0.0
- Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail mile 14 at mile 14, cutoff 4.4 hours
- Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail mile 27 at mile 27, cutoff 8.8 hours
- Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail mile 41 at mile 41, cutoff 13.2 hours
- Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail mile 54 at mile 54, cutoff 17.6 hours
- Finish Japan at mile 68, cutoff 22 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 44)
Course DNA
The Course
Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail runs 110 km through Japan. +21,736 ft gain and -21,686 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 5,712 ft. Low near 1,640 ft. September temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 34.
The Work
Train for 21,736 feet of climbing across 110 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 22 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 44.
Kit
September in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 22 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 17. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 34.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 17. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 34. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 44 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 23 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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