Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail 100 Mile

The Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail 100 Mile is a point-to-point race linking five sacred peaks along the Niigata-Nagano prefectural border in central Honshu. Beginning with an evening start from Madarao Kogen ski resort, runners traverse the volcanic flanks of Mt. Myoko (2,454m), the rolling Sasagamine plateau, ancient cedar forests descending from Kurohime, the shrine approach below Togakushi's dramatic cliffs, and a final highland ridge to the finish at Iizuna Resort. The course weaves through farming communities, hot spring villages, and alpine terrain that has defined this region since ancient times. Producer Hiroki Ishikawa's distinctive race format integrates runners deeply with local communities: accommodation at partner inns is mandatory, assistant points are family-friendly gatherings, and a portion of entry fees funds ongoing trail maintenance across the highlands.