Races

SkyView Trail

JapanSeptember

Japan, September. 138 km on 75% trail. +154 ft of climbing. 38 hours cutoff.

86 mi+154 ft-144 ft38 hours23 ft to 34 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierSeptember
Distance86 mi
Gain+154 ft
Loss-144 ft
Altitude23 ft to 34 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start23 ft
  • High34 ft
  • Low23 ft
  • Finish33 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop7 ft0.0% over 3.0 mi
Night miles44 misunset near 18:00 local

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. +154 ft gain and -144 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 34 ft. Low near 23 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 154 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.

SkyView Trail