As we mentioned in November 2022, entries to races are down nationwide across most sports, including road races, trail races, triathlons, and cycling events. That means that more and more races are extending registration dates or opening up a second round of entry shortly after the deadline.

​ Today, we're looking at the following races: 

• Kaga Onsen-Kyou Marathon (Ishikawa)
• Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki)
• Goto Nagasaki International Triathlon (Niigata)

This one's just for the ladies! 
There's something magical about being at a made-for-women race. It's a different vibe with the opportunity to celebrate female runners and experience the value of empowering women to run (and pursue fitness). After all, it wasn't too long ago that running was considered a "men's sport"; before the 1980s, there were no women's distance races in the Olympics.

Now, we'd be the first to admit that some events lean towards cringeworthy conventional ideas of what women should be and reinforces gender stereotypes...but women-only races are not only crucial for new runners by providing a "safe space" (literally and metaphorically) for taking on new challenges, they highlight the strength of women - many of who've overcome barriers to entry. 

Whether you've just started running or you're a veteran in the sport, learn about these women's races in Japan: 

• Nagoya Women's Marathon
• Shibuya Omotesando Women's Run
• Fujisan-rokku Women's Trail Run
• Osaka Women's Marathon