today's three: second round RACES

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)

​On the surface, it's great to have the opportunity to register to races later than expected. After all, some of us simply forget to register while for others, it's a chance to slide in last minute. But there is also reason to be concerned. The reality is that the vast majority of events in Japan are struggling to meet the minimum numbers. In part, the combined effects of COVID and recent inflation mean that race entry fees are increasing at the same time many households tighten their purse strings. At the same time, interests in sports (especially endurance sports) ebbs and flows, while varying generations opt to pursue different life experiences.

It's no surprise then to see a recent uptick in the number of races postponed, e.g. Naha Marathon, announcing the last edition, e.g.  Miyajima Triathlon, or shuttering quietly, e.g. SPA Trail. But with literally thousands of sports events and races throughout Japan annually, perhaps it's inevitable. Everything good must come to an end, eventually.

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Kaga Onsen-Kyou Marathon (Ishikawa)

• Sunday, April 16
• General Entry: Oct 3, 2022-Jan 31, 2023 | extended to Feb 14
• 10k, Full Marathon (JAAF certified)​
• Full Marathon has 18 aid stations on a challenging course featuring rolling hills and three climbs, including one to the finish

Souvenir towel req. add'l fee

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Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki)

• Sunday, April 16
• General Entry: Dec 7, 2022-Jan 18, 2023 | Second Round: Feb 3-26, 2023
• 5k, 10 mile, Full Marathon (World Para Athletics Approved Event)
• Course is relatively flat, running through Tsuchiura and alongside Lake Kasumigaura. 
• Easily accessible by train from central Tokyo and other parts of Kanto

• Officially titled the Kasumigaura Marathon & International Blind Marathon, many athletes with vision impairment or low vision will be participating with or without guides. ​
• Offers the rare 10 mile (16km) category.

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Baramon King: Goto Nagasaki International Triathlon (Niigata)

• Sunday, June 18
  
• General Entry: from 1200 on Jan 15, 2023 (FCFS) | extended to Feb 28
• Priority Entry: Dec 26, 2022-Jan 13, 2023
• A Type: S 3k, B 154.8k, R 42.2k | B Type: S1.6k, B 101.7k, R 21.1k
• General Entry has about 300 slots for A Type and 120 slots for B Type​

• Once the home of IRONMAN Japan from 2001-2009, the Goto Nagasaki International Triathlon (also called Baramon King) is a regular on the domestic long-distance triathlon race circuit. Read more about the history of IRONMAN Japan.
• The A Type has changed from a 3.8k swim to 3k and the bike from 180.2 to 154.8, but the run remains the same at 42.2k for a total of 200k this year compared to 226.2 in previous years. 
• Similarly, the B type has shortened to a 1.6k swim from 2k, 101.7k bike instead of 124k, and the run remains a half marathon. Overall, the original 147.1k is modified to 124.4k. 
• In addition, the race now ends at 2030 instead of 2200 - start time at 0700 remains the same.

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Don't forget! You can browse for more sports events on our race calendar.