Races
SkyView Trail
Japan, September. 138 km on 75% trail. +31,926 ft of climbing. 38 hours cutoff.
- Start1,703 ft
- High6,891 ft
- Low1,670 ft
- Finish1,703 ft
- Japan at mile 0.0
- SkyView Trail mile 17 at mile 17, cutoff 7.6000000000000005 hours
- SkyView Trail mile 34 at mile 34, cutoff 15.200000000000001 hours
- SkyView Trail mile 52 at mile 52, cutoff 22.8 hours
- SkyView Trail mile 69 at mile 69, cutoff 30.400000000000002 hours
- Finish Japan at mile 86, cutoff 38 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 56)
Course DNA
The Course
SkyView Trail runs 138 km through Japan. +31,926 ft gain and -31,926 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 7,044 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 43.
The Work
Train for 31,926 feet of climbing across 138 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 38 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 56.
Kit
September in Japan: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 38 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 21. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 43.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 21. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 43. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 56 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 28 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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