Today's Three: Spring for Ultras

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: 

• Challenge Fuji 5 Lakes (Yamanashi) 
• Michikusa Ultra Marathon (Kanagawa)
• Deep Japan Ultra (Niigata)

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Challenge Fuji 5 Lakes (Yamanashi) | Apr 16
General Entry: until Feb 15 (closes once full) 

• Choose from the 62k (Fuji 3 Lakes), 100k (Fuji 4 Lakes), or the 118k (Fuji 5 Lakes) 
• No need to submit proof of previous ultra race experience 
• Entitlements include a North Face race tee and a finisher medal, downloadable finisher certificate
• English registration for international residents available via Runnet Global

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Yokosuka Miura Michikusa Ultra Marathon (Kanagawa) | May 27
​General Entry: until Mar 21 (closes once full)

• Choose from a leisurely 63k or the metric century (100k). This is not a competitive race, there are no prizes or awards.
• The 100k starts at 0455, so plan transportation and lodging wisely. Only about 5km of the course (between kilometers 29-34) is off-road. 
• Purportedly the only ultra marathon in Kanagawa Prefecture, the Michikusa Ultra Marathon is certainly the only one that traverses through Yokosuka and Miura cities on the Miura Peninsula. 

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Deep Japan Ultra (Niigata) | Jun 23-25
​General Entry: until Mar 3 (close once full)

• Choose from 80k (50mi, +4,000m), 160k (100mi, +10,000m)​
• Participation requirements for both events are outlined in English. For the 100mi, requirements include possessing ITRA points earned between September 30, 2018 and September 29, 2022. Either 10 or more points from a maximum of 3 races, or 6 or more points from 1 race required. ​
• English registration available via Runnet Global