Races

Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail

JapanSeptember

Japan, September. 100 mi on 75% trail. +30,801 ft of climbing. 33 hours cutoff.

100 mi+30,801 ft-30,751 ft33 hours745 ft to 5,712 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierSeptember

Distances

100 mi68 mi
Distance100 mi
Gain+30,801 ft
Loss-30,751 ft
Altitude745 ft to 5,712 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start2,982 ft
  • High5,585 ft
  • Low782 ft
  • Finish3,031 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop1,529 ft-15.5% over 1.9 mi
Night miles44 misunset near 18:00 local
Longest climb2,287 ft64 mi at 0.7%

The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail runs 100 mi through Japan. +30,801 ft gain and -30,751 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 745 ft. September temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.

The Work

Train for 30,801 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 33 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

September in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 33 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. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain 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.

Train for your race

Train for Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail

Course-specific plan, fuel segments, gear kit, and race morning for Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail.

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Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail

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