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Challenge Taiwan (CT) is a three-day triathlon festival with a charity Super Sprint on Friday, 113 (middle/70.3) & 226 (full/IM) on Saturday, and an Olympic Distance (plus sprint for juniors) on Sunday. Their claim to fame is “Asia’s biggest triathlon” with about 10,000 participants across the weekend.
The main race for me was the 226 on Saturday - and my goal was sub-11. At my first IM in the Philippines (‘23), I finished with a 11:44; Roth (‘24) was an 11:15 with COVID. I knew CT presented a good PR opportunity because I know the course and had won the 113 women overall in 2023 with a 5:03 PR. Importantly, I also know that I tolerate heat and humidity well from experience.
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New year, new (triathlon) season! Maybe even a new age group for some of you!
We've compiled a comprehensive list of triathlons taking place in 2025 that range from T100-style distances to the full long course triathlon - and everything in between. If there's one thing about middle distance triathlon in Japan, it's that there are no rules regarding distance. What that means is that swims may range from 2k to 4k; bikes from 70-something to 190; and the run might be from 18 to the full marathon.
Take note that some races, especially those in the second half of the year have only announced a tentative date. As per usual, the season starts in Okinawa in April and ends in Okinawa in November. Triathlons are scarce in July and August due to the heat and humidity of summer in Japan - it's a lot of liability for race organizers to bear (and you don't want to race in that, trust us!).
Keep in mind that many (but not all) triathlons require Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) membership to sign up. JTU membership is only available to residents of Japan. In recent years, some races have began to offer one-day memberships for an additional fee (typically 2-3,000 JPY). Whatever your circumstances are, contact us if you'd like to learn more about racing in Japan.
(last updated Apr 24, 2025)
We've compiled a comprehensive list of triathlons taking place in 2025 that range from T100-style distances to the full long course triathlon - and everything in between. If there's one thing about middle distance triathlon in Japan, it's that there are no rules regarding distance. What that means is that swims may range from 2k to 4k; bikes from 70-something to 190; and the run might be from 18 to the full marathon.
Take note that some races, especially those in the second half of the year have only announced a tentative date. As per usual, the season starts in Okinawa in April and ends in Okinawa in November. Triathlons are scarce in July and August due to the heat and humidity of summer in Japan - it's a lot of liability for race organizers to bear (and you don't want to race in that, trust us!).
Keep in mind that many (but not all) triathlons require Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) membership to sign up. JTU membership is only available to residents of Japan. In recent years, some races have began to offer one-day memberships for an additional fee (typically 2-3,000 JPY). Whatever your circumstances are, contact us if you'd like to learn more about racing in Japan.
(last updated Apr 24, 2025)
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The most frequently asked questions at Japan Multisport centers on races and sports events. In particular, folks are very interested in the middle to long distance races in Japan. Below is the complete list of triathlons longer than Standard/Olympic Distance that took or will take place in Japan in 2024.
It might seem early but if you're pursuing triathlon in Japan, it's not too early to start planning your 2025 triathlon season. Generally, the season starts in Okinawa in April and ends in Okinawa in November. Triathlons are scarce in July and August due to the heat and humidity of summer in Japan - it's a lot of liability for race organizers to bear!
Keep in mind that many (but not all) triathlons require Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) membership to sign up. JTU membership is only available to residents of Japan. In recent years, some races have began to offer one-day memberships for an additional fee (typically 1-2,000 JPY). Whatever your circumstances are, contact us if you'd like to learn more about racing in Japan.
It might seem early but if you're pursuing triathlon in Japan, it's not too early to start planning your 2025 triathlon season. Generally, the season starts in Okinawa in April and ends in Okinawa in November. Triathlons are scarce in July and August due to the heat and humidity of summer in Japan - it's a lot of liability for race organizers to bear!
Keep in mind that many (but not all) triathlons require Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) membership to sign up. JTU membership is only available to residents of Japan. In recent years, some races have began to offer one-day memberships for an additional fee (typically 1-2,000 JPY). Whatever your circumstances are, contact us if you'd like to learn more about racing in Japan.
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After a long 4-year hiatus, IM 70.3 Bangsaen 2024 was the third edition of this middle distance triathlon, and my first time to return to the same triathlon. I had had a great time in early 2020 right before the pandemic, and despite the somewhat late notice for registration, I decided to pencil it in as my season opener. Full disclosure, I love Thailand and have spent an inordinate amount of time here since I also used to live in Malaysia and Singapore for over 13 years.
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My first Challenge Family race was a two-day triathlon festival in Taiwan featuring every distance from sprint to full. While the travel logistics were nerve-wracking, the race experience was fantastic and I would absolutely come back.
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Spring has sprung - and race registrations abound! We've been out of office for some time as we went to race IRONMAN New Zealand and IRONMAN 70.3 New Zealand at Lake Taupo. Big congratulations is in order as one of our athletes not only completed her first full distance...she snagged a slot to Kona in October!
Today, we're taking a look at three very different sports events around Kanto and in Hokkaido.
Today, we're taking a look at three very different sports events around Kanto and in Hokkaido.
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Ever since this race was announced, everybody has a lot of questions.
And for good reason.
The information provided on the IRONMAN website is limited - there's no real course map, the travel and logistics details are sparse, and at this point, race day is less than three months away.
Below, we've wrapped up what we know about the race:
And for good reason.
The information provided on the IRONMAN website is limited - there's no real course map, the travel and logistics details are sparse, and at this point, race day is less than three months away.
Below, we've wrapped up what we know about the race:
- Important Locations
- Schedule
- Race Venue Transportation & Logistics
- Accommodation
- Spectators, Supporters & Sherpas
- Background Details
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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:
Today, we're looking at the following races:
- Kaga Onsen-Kyou Marathon (Ishikawa)
- Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki)
- Goto Nagasaki International Triathlon (Niigata)
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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:
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
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Just like Mt. Fuji or the Great Wave off Kanagawa, sakura cherry blossoms in the spring are quintessentially Japanese. There's no better sign of spring than the soft hues of pink and white that mark the beginning of warmer temperatures and longer days. Perhaps one of the most popular times for visitors to Japan, March and April are also a fantastic time to put on your running shoes or get on the saddle.
Whether it's on your two feet or on two wheels, these three events around Japan are a good way to enjoy sakura season:
Whether it's on your two feet or on two wheels, these three events around Japan are a good way to enjoy sakura season:
- Hitachi Sakura Road Race (Ibaraki)
- Aomori Sakura Marathon (Aomori)
- Alps Azumino Century Ride - Sakura Group (Nagano)
