Races

SkyView Trail

JapanSeptember

Japan, September. 110 km on 75% trail. +26,627 ft of climbing. 30 hours cutoff.

68 mi+26,627 ft-25,325 ft30 hours1,614 ft to 7,047 fttech 5/106 stationsWSER qualifierSeptember

Distances

Distance68 mi
Gain+26,627 ft
Loss-25,325 ft
Altitude1,614 ft to 7,047 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileDistance variant from parent course
  • Start1,703 ft
  • High7,037 ft
  • Low1,657 ft
  • Finish3,005 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Japan at mile 0.0
  2. SkyView Trail mile 14 at mile 14, cutoff 6 hours
  3. SkyView Trail mile 27 at mile 27, cutoff 12 hours
  4. SkyView Trail mile 41 at mile 41, cutoff 18 hours
  5. SkyView Trail mile 54 at mile 54, cutoff 24 hours
  6. Finish Japan at mile 68, cutoff 30 hours

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop2,457 ft-24.8% over 1.9 mi
Night miles26 misunset near 18:00 local

The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 44)

Course DNA

The Course

SkyView Trail runs 110 km through Japan. +26,627 ft gain and -25,325 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 7,047 ft. Low near 1,614 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 26,627 feet of climbing across 110 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 30 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 30 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.

SkyView Trail