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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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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)
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Some of us like to go full throttle all the way while others seek feats of endurance...If you're looking for ultras to fill your calendar with, Japan has a wide variety to choose from. That is, if you know where to look.
For those seeking to go the extra mile(s), here are three ultra-distance road and trail races worth taking a look at this spring:
For those seeking to go the extra mile(s), here are three ultra-distance road and trail races worth taking a look at this spring:
- Challenge Fuji 5 Lakes (Yamanashi)
- Michikusa Ultra Marathon (Kanagawa)
- Deep Japan Ultra (Niigata)
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With the first week of January behind us, it's starting to feel like we're breaking out of the holiday phase and...having to do real work. Ugh.
Brighten up your first full week of the year with a look at some races - ranging from 1.4k to 84k, there's something for everyone, all over Japan. Here's what's on tap today:
Brighten up your first full week of the year with a look at some races - ranging from 1.4k to 84k, there's something for everyone, all over Japan. Here's what's on tap today:
- Boost Running Festa (Tokyo)
- Sponichi Yamanakako Road Race (Yamanashi)
- Mukatsuku Double Marathon (Yamaguchi)
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Welcome to 2023 - it's gonna be a good year for races in Japan!
Whether you hit the pavement, traverse the trails, or pursue multiple sports, we're in the known - and you're in the right place.
Event organizers are busy announcing registration dates and race days - here are three that pique our curiosity right now:
Whether you hit the pavement, traverse the trails, or pursue multiple sports, we're in the known - and you're in the right place.
Event organizers are busy announcing registration dates and race days - here are three that pique our curiosity right now:
- Sweets Marathon (Yamanashi)
- Miura Peninsula Trail Run (Kanagawa)
- Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki)
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With a Japanese public holiday coming up (Nov 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day) and American Thanksgiving just around the corner, we know some of you will be mindlessly scrolling your phone...
So how about signing up for a race to give you that extra boost of motivation to finish this year strong!? But seriously, everything from 10k to full marathon - all around Japan.
Kasai Rinkai Park Night Half Marathon (Tokyo)
Dec 10 | May 28-Nov 27
Half Marathon, 10k
Running starts from 1800. Laps around 5k course.
sportswiz.jp/kasaiharf/index.html
So how about signing up for a race to give you that extra boost of motivation to finish this year strong!? But seriously, everything from 10k to full marathon - all around Japan.
Kasai Rinkai Park Night Half Marathon (Tokyo)
Dec 10 | May 28-Nov 27
Half Marathon, 10k
Running starts from 1800. Laps around 5k course.
sportswiz.jp/kasaiharf/index.html
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It's a new week! Are y'all ready to S L A Y.
No, we aren't about that kind of Monday energy either.
P.S. We got a little busy last week, so it's been a hot minute since our last entry - sorry!
Check out what's on tap this week with our selection of triathlons and marathons in Japan that might pique your curiosity.
No, we aren't about that kind of Monday energy either.
P.S. We got a little busy last week, so it's been a hot minute since our last entry - sorry!
Check out what's on tap this week with our selection of triathlons and marathons in Japan that might pique your curiosity.
ISHIGAKI TRIATHLON: Opening Soon
Registration (first come, first served) opens Tuesday, November 15 at 1200. Last year, it sold out very quickly - as in about 24 hours. It's worth noting that the COVID-19 situation was significantly different back in late 2021. In recent years prior to the pandemic, registration typically stayed open for several days, if not weeks. Considering "races are back", Ishigaki seems unlikely to be an instant sell-out. Still, if you're interested, it'd be wise to register early.
Registration (first come, first served) opens Tuesday, November 15 at 1200. Last year, it sold out very quickly - as in about 24 hours. It's worth noting that the COVID-19 situation was significantly different back in late 2021. In recent years prior to the pandemic, registration typically stayed open for several days, if not weeks. Considering "races are back", Ishigaki seems unlikely to be an instant sell-out. Still, if you're interested, it'd be wise to register early.
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With the pandemic seemingly 'under control', Japan has been intent on life "with Corona". Restrictions on activities have lifted and race organizers are eagerly (or warily?) shaking off the dust on their dormant events. But it appears many runners have not yet come out of hibernation. Like Punxsutawney Phil who's just seen his shadow, they're biding their time - and with tightened purse strings.
Recently, there has been a significant uptick in marathons around Japan opening for registration. But something unexpected is happening - the number of registrations have decreased significantly compared to previous years. Also in related news, entry fees for many races, especially large-scale course certified marathons - have noticeably increased.
Recently, there has been a significant uptick in marathons around Japan opening for registration. But something unexpected is happening - the number of registrations have decreased significantly compared to previous years. Also in related news, entry fees for many races, especially large-scale course certified marathons - have noticeably increased.