Update on the Running in Hokkaido blog

 Hello runners! 

A bit of personal misfortune has made it so I can no longer run and not being able to run makes it hard to keep motivated to update this blog.  Over a year ago now, I suffered an obliterated disc that caused my legs to be somewhat paralyzed. My toes don't work very well and I cannot lift my toe with very much force.  This makes my ankles very unstable and also makes it hard to keep my balance and makes me more prone to tripping. There was no accident, just bad genes I guess.  Apparently I only have three discs that still look healthy.  The others are all  like ticking time-bombs.  I have had problems with my back and my neck for at least twenty years.  Regardless, it was a shock and it sucks.  

The Running in Hokkaido blog has not gotten much love for the last couple of years because of various things keeping me from it but it probably won't get any updates after this.  Much of the information may still be useful so I am not taking it down.  

If you find this blog and want some help with an event, I am still willing to offer my language skills to anyone in need.  Just leave a comment and I should notice it. 

Good luck and happy running!

Shikaoi Trail Run - report 2018

The kids and I, along with their grandmother, all went to the Shikaoi Trail Run again this year.  This was the 9th running of the event. The weather was great.  It was sunny cool, just perfect for running. It is a family friendly event and the kids enjoyed making and flying kites and playing with traditional Japanese tops called koma mawasi (こままわし）.

The course was different than how it had been in the past.  Typhoons have knocked down many trees and made it too difficult to run in the mountains so the course sticks close to the river and uses the river access roads.  I ran the 13 km distance and the first half was downhill on mostly graveled road with some horse trail mixed in.  The second half was dirt road or horse trail running along the river until the last 3 km or so, which took you through the forest and back uphill to the finish. There were about 4 river crossing and some deep mud in spots.

This year I volunteered as a translator and interpreter as they had a couple come from Malaysia.  They said that it was a nice change to run in such cold weather!  Us Hokkaido runners were all happy that the weather was so warm!

There were about 150 people at the event and there were about 45 men in the 13 km distance.  The organizers had prepared some gifts to give the winners and prepared enough items for everyone who stayed through the lucky drawing to be able to take something home.  Sports drink were given to runners at the finish and there was a small shop setup that was selling food and snacks.   The run itself is now based at the Shikaoi Geo Park.  It seems to be a place where you can learn about geology and enjoy the outdoors.  There is a Park Golf course there, a parking lot and a lot of nice well kept lawn.

The Shikaoi Trail Run does all (?) of its promotion on Face Book.  The town of Shikaoi is in Chinese characters but the title of the run is in hiragana and katakana.  So if you want to like their page to get updates, you'll best find it searching for it like this:  しかおいトレイルラン
Or, follow this link:
https://www.facebook.com/%E9%B9%BF%E8%BF%BD%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3-554384901282649/

Northern Ohotsuku 100km Ultra marathon

北オホーツク100kmマラソン
North Ohotsuku 100 km Ultra Marathon (The North 100)

• Where: Hamatonbetsu 浜頓別町
• When: July 22, 2018
• Distance: 100 km / 50 km
• Apply by: June 27
• Fee: 100 km / 17,000 yen  - 50 km / 12,000 yen.

100 km Starts at 5 am from in front of the Tamokuteki Arena

50 km Starts at 10 am  from in front of the Tamokuteki Arena
50k Route Map: http://latlonglab.yahoo.co.jp/route/watch?id=7bbe853afdff69cf781a3c0a7d13c1e5
100k Route Map: http://yj.pn/9XcKwA

Must be at least 18 years-old on day of the race.

Must be able to finish the 100 km in 14 hours

Must be able to finish the 50k in 9 hours.

Here is the table of times and distance athletes must pass in order to complete the race.
100 km Starts at 5:00 am.  Start and finish from in front of the Tamokuteki Arena
50 km Starts at 10:00 am.   Start and finish from in front of the Tamokuteki Arena

100 Km	30km	50km	60km	70km	80km	90km	Goal
	9:30	12:00	13:30	14:35	15:50	17:30	19:00
50 Km			10km	20km	30km	40km	Goal
			13:30	14:35	15:50	17:30	19:00

I really enjoyed the Saroma 100 km Ultra and I would love to do another one.

Event site: http://www.north100.jp/
Runnet: https://entry.dosports.yahoo-net.jp/tournaments/2123

Tobetsu Sweden (Half) Marathon

第1回当別スウェーデンマラソン

The first ever Tobetsu Sweden (Half) Marathon
(Tobetsu Suehden Marason)

Date: August 5, 2018
Place: Tobetsu-cho, Hokkaido
Tobetsu is a town near Sapporo, Hokkaido. There is a village in the town called Sweden Hills where the houses are built in a "Swedish Style."

Deadline: June 17, 2018
Fee: Half 5,000 yen, 3km 4,000 yen, Elementary aged children 2,000 yen.

On the guest list is Olympic gold medalist Takahashi Naoko!

Event website: http://www.tobetsu-sweden-marathon.com/
Runnet: https://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=187333&div=1

Course description: A tough hilly course taking you through the beautiful streets of Sweden Hills.

Otaru Canal Road Race

Otaru Unga Road Race

第30回おたる運河ロードレース大会
June, 17, 2018
(Every year on the third Sunday in June)

The 30th annual Otaru Unga Road Race is a half marathon that also has 10k, 5k and 2k distances which is run in the city of Otaru.  The "unga" in the title means "canal" as the race course takes you alongside the historic Otaru canal. 

Fee:
Half, 10k - 4,000 yen
5k, 2k - 3,500 yen.

Deadline: Apply by May 7, 2018

Site webpage: https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/simin/gakushu_sports/sports/unga_race/
Runnet : https://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=181813&div=1

There is a participation prize this year of a large memorial towel (60 cm x 120 cm).

Otaru is a great place to visit and there are various seafood and artisan shops near the canal.

Tsubetsu Koyo 10k Race Report

Hoa and Stephen, who were on a trip to Hokkaido, found a race on the blog and I helped them get registered for it. They sent in a race report. Its a race that I have never been to so I am grateful for their report.

Race report: Tsubetsu Marathon

Oct 1/2017

My husband and I booked a trip to Japan about a month ago. We did not intend to race, but stumbled across Clint's website on running in Hokkaido. There, we found a local race that happened to match our visit. Since we are foreigners from North America and don't read nor speak Japanese, race registration was a challenge. Luckily, Clint translated the information and liaised information to the race director on our behalf. We are so grateful for his kindness. 

It was clear skies, sunny, and a bit windy the morning of the race. Many runners and their families were there. It was a good mixture of school aged children and adults. We were warmly greeted by race officials. Package pickup was seamless. We received a race packet with information about the race, 2 race bibs, pins, number for draw prizes, and a voucher for lunch. The additional race bib was puzzling until we saw others pinning them to the front and back of their shirt. 

After package pickup, there was an opening ceremony to welcome runners and recognize race organizers. We were pleasantly surprised to be recognized as foreign runners and gifted Tsubetsu marathon towels! After a warm up, we were directed to buses that took runners to their designated start line. The race has several distances including 3k, 5k, 10k, and half marathon. We opted for the 10k. 

At the start line, some runners did strides/sprints to warm up, while others chatted with friends. Many of the school children ran in gym uniforms and/or team shirts. An interesting procedure was the roll call before the race. An official called each number sequentially and checked off who was "present". We had a good laugh knowing we didn't know the Japanese numbers being called out, so we looked for bib numbers close to ours and raised our hand on cue!

The race started on time at 10am. It was starting to warm up, but was breezy and the sun was on our back. Runners were instructed to stay on the left side of the road to allow traffic on the right. The route was supposedly a gradual downhill incline, but found it to be mostly flat with minor rolling hills. The backdrop was beautiful. We ran by farmland, surrounded by trees and mountains. Some leaves were starting to change colour.

There was 1 water station around the halfway point (5k). We were pleasantly surprised to see locals watching and cheering along the course! This was particularly encouraging the last stretch towards the finish line. The final 100 metres brought us back to the school grounds, the site of package pickup. A nice touch was the track marked by the various race distances. Upon crossing the finish line, we were given a cold, refreshing sports drink. It was perfect to restore electrolytes and to hydrate. The crowd cheered and some race officials offered their congratulation. 

There were lots of draw prizes. My husband won a food coupon. We chatted with a reporter and some locals as we enjoyed the post race meal of rice curry. Top finishers in each category received certificates and wooden plaques - very fitting as Tsubetsu is known as a leading producer of lumber. To my surprise, I placed in the race and achieved a PR. 

Overall we were very impressed with the race. It was clear to see that the organizers dedicated many hours to make the event run smoothly. We would recommend to locals as well as foreigners looking for something off the beaten path. We are grateful for this wonderful experience and the warm hospitality of this community. 

Hoa & Stephen 

School Grounds

Buses taking runners to their start lines

Lanes running to the goal on the school grounds, one for each distance.

The 10k start line

The locals

A lunch of curry and rice was provided and everyone ate together.

Winners received a wood plaque. 

Sapporo Half Marathon

Sapporo Half Marathon

札幌マラソン

(Sapporo marason)

Date: October 1, 2017
Place: Sapporo, Toyohira Riverside
Application period: 6/12 to 7/12.  Very early!
http://www.shsf.jp/satumara/

Half
10km , 5km , 3km , 2km , 1km


Website: http://www.shsf.jp/satumara/

Tsubetsu Koyo Half Marathon

Enjoy the fall colors of Tsubetsu-cho!

Half marathon

10k, 5k, 3k (children)

Website: http://www.town.tsubetsu.hokkaido.jp/01news/10oshirase/2017-0726-1913-3.html

Date: October 1, 2017

Apply by: September 1, 2017

Enjoy the wonderful fall colors of Tsubetsu.  Koyo means "fall colors" in Japanese and is written as 紅葉, or "red leaves".  Buses will take participants to the start and then it is a downhill run from there. This could be the place to get a PB! Buses leave from the Tsubetsu Elementary School play ground.  

Reception from 8:00 to 8:30 am.

Opening ceremony held at the Tsubetsu elementary school play ground at 8:40 am

After the opening ceremony, buses take runners to the start points of each distance.

Lunch is provided (curry) and you can enjoy having the hot meal with the other runners.

Fee:

1,500 for adults

1,000 for high school and junior high school

700 for elementary school aged participants

You need to fill out the application and take the application fee to the 

Tsubetsu-cho Chuo Kominkan to apply for the race.  

You can bring it to them directly, or you can send it by Genkin Kakitome (現金書留) or Kawase (為替). You should be able to get these at a post office or a bank.

I added text boxes of English to the application form and am attaching the link to this post.

Link: https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/030643ee-35e3-4bf8-8a1c-2149188355ed

If you do this today, it should arrive on time by Friday, September 1.

Here is the address to send it to.

You can print it out and bring it with you when you mail your application.  

〒092-0224
北海道網走郡津別町字豊永５番地１ 津別町中央公民館内
つべつ紅葉マラソン大会実行委員会事務局
TEL:0152-76-2713 FAX:0152-76-2477

Zip 092-0224

Hokkaido, Abashiri-gun, Tsubetsu-cho, Aza Toyonaga 5-banchi 1

Tsubetsu-cho Chuo Kominkan nai

Tsubetsu Koyo Marathon Taikai Jikoiinkai Jimukyoku

You can figure out your birth year in Japanese dates online.  Here is a good link I found.

http://www.ewc.co.jp/Pages/Information/CalendarEN.aspx

Bunches of events in September and October!

Month/Day  Event Name  Deadline

9/10 Furano Trail Run and Picnic Deadline 8/18
Site link
10k, 30k

9/10 NAC Trail Run Deadline 8/28
http://www.nacadventures.jp/en/events/nac-trail-run-in-niseko
30k, 10k 5k

9/10 Sweet Girl Run Deadline 8/18
For girls only! Looks like a lot of fun!
http://sweetgirlrun.com/
3k, 5.5k, 10k

9/17 Ohotsuku Half Marathon - Deadline 8/21
https://www.shibetsutown.jp/education/sogotaiikukan/marathon/
3k, 5k, 10k, half

9/17 Mt. Shari Road Race Deadline 8/15
http://www.town.kiyosato.hokkaido.jp/soshiki_shigoto/kyouikuiinkai/sports/2014sharidakeroadrace.html
Lots of ups and downs.
1k, 2k, 3k, 5k, half

9/23 Pipaoi Road Race Deadline 8/10
http://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=154974&div=1
2k, 3k, 5k, 10k, half

9/23  Hokkaido Outdoor Festival in Rusutsu Deadline 8/25
Various trail runs, rogaining, and orienteering events.
50 mile, 60k, 30k, 15k, 5k
http://www.o-hokkaido.com/hokkaidooutdoorfestival/2017/index.html

9/24 Ohotsuku - Abashiri Full Marathon Deadline 8/31
http://www.abashiri-marathon.jp/
Course runs along the seaside.
3k, 5k, full marathon

9/24 Mt. Kozan Green Race Deadline 9/6
http://npo-momonga.org/2017kgr/kgr.html
1k, 3k, 5k, 10k, 20k (two loops of the 10k course)


10/1 Tsubetsu Koyo Half marathon Deadline 9/1
http://www.town.tsubetsu.hokkaido.jp/01news/10oshirase/2017-0726-1913-3.html3k, 5k, 10k, half

10/8 Kitami Half Marathon  Deadline 9/8
http://www.kitami-halfmarathon.jp/2.5k, 5k, 10k, half

10/29  Mokotoyama Fukioroshi Downhill Half Marathon Deadline 9/29
https://sites.google.com/site/fukioroshi/
5k, 10k, half

10/29 Food Valley Tokachi Half Marathon Deadline 9/19
http://www.foodvalley-marathon.com/

2.5k, 5k, half

This event has filled up but it looks like fun.

10/1 Higashikagura BBQ 15k Run

https://www.town.higashikagura.lg.jp/docs/5322.html

Event brochure

3k, 8k, 15k

Bekkai Pilot Marathon

Bekkai Pilot Marathon
別海パイロットマラソン

October 1st
Deadline this year is August 7th on Runnet.jp
(The first Sunday of October every year)
Bekkai-cho
北海道別海町

Full, 5k

Run down the Pilot Road lined with rolling hills and contented cows. Famous for dairy products, you get milk, ice cream and other complementary dairy products at the party the night before. You can also watch the two mascot cows take off at the start of the marathon.

There are only two distances, the full 42.195k and a 5k. At the end of the full, finishers get an extra large beach towel and a whole salmon as their reward. The towel and the salmon are almost worth the 5000 yen entry fee! Not much to do in Bekkai but enjoy the views and the food. It's a beautiful place to run.

You can get all of the details, in detail from this page.
http://betsukai-marathon.jp/


Full Starts 10:00
5k Starts 10:45
Time limit for the full is 5 hours 20 minutes.

Reception:
Oct. 1st
8:00-9:00
(2pm to 6pm on the night before.)
Bekkai Choei Rikujyo Kyogijo (The Town Track)

Last call for the full: 9:30-9:45

Time limits:
10k: 11:10(70 min)
20k: 12:20 (70 min)
30k: 13:30 (70 min)
40k: 14:50 (80 min)
Goal: 15:20
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes

Fee:
Full 5000
5k 2,000

Access: There is bus service from Kushiro to the Race site. Apply by 9/15 to use the bus.
See: Bus Info (Japanese)

Participation prize: Dairy products from Bekkai, certificate of completion, 5k split times for those who completed at least 20km.

Finisher's Prize: Original Extra Large Bath Towel, 1 Bekkai Salmon.
Sorry, 5k finishers don't get a salmon.  If you want the fish, you gotta finish the full!

There are also several nice prizes for the top placers in each category (mens, womens, age).
Add it to your calendar?
Click here to add it to your Google Calendar 

Shikaoi Trail Run

Shikaoi Trail Run

しかおいトレイルラン

Registration is open!

Date: October 15

Apply by: September 30

30k Adventure, 

13k Challenge, 

5k Enjoy and a 2k Picnic course. 

The staff will keep the bears at bay. Just come with bells on and enjoy the run.

8:30 am Adventure course start and opening ceremony

9:30 Challenge

10:00 Enjoy

10:00 Picnic

13:30 Closing Ceremony

Fee: 

Adventure 3,500, 

Challenge 2,500, 

Enjoy: 1,500 for  adults,  1,000 for Junior High, 800 for Elementary 

Picnic: 500 

Send in your application by fax, email, snail mail, or hand delivery.

Send in your application fee to their bank account below.

Name: 

しかおいトレイルラン事務局

Bank: 

帯広信用金庫

Branch: 

鹿追支店

Branch number: 

店番００６

Account type and number: 

普通口座　番号1047907

Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/%E9%B9%BF%E8%BF%BD%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3-554384901282649/

Nemuro Seaside Half Marathon

Nemuro Seaside Half Marathon
第1回最東端ねむろシーサイドマラソン ～北方領土を望む～

(dai ikkai saitotan Nemuro shiisaido marason ~ hopporyodo wo nozomu)

A "new" half marathon in Nemuro, home of delicious Hanasaki crab.  This event was originally the Nosappu Cape Half marathon which took runners from the cape on a one way course into the town.  The Nemuro Seaside Half Marathon starts on the edge of town and goes out along the west coast of the cape and back.

When: August 20th, 2017 (Sunday)

Where: Nemuro-shi
Reception and packet pickup held at the Seishonen Center (青少年センター) the evening before from 3 pm to 5 pm  and from 8:00 am to 8:40 am on the day of the event.

Address: Nemuro-shi, Makunouchi 146 banchi 16 (根室市牧の内146番地16; 43.332680, 145.608801)

Start Times:
Half   10:20 am
10k    10:40 am
5k, 3k, 1k  9:30 am

Must finish the half marathon within 2 hours and 50 minutes of the start.
5 km - 37 minutes, 10 km - 1:15 ,  15 km - 1:53,  20 km - 2:40,  Gaol 2:50.

10:57  - 5 km
11:25  - 10 km
12:13  - 15 km
13:00  - 20 km

Due to serious connectivity issues, I have been having a hard time making updates.

Event Website: http://www.nemuroseaside-marathon.jp/

If you are in the Obihiro area, you can take a bus to the event and back the day before the event.  A group of runners, many from different local clubs, ride together to the event and most all of them stay together at a Ryokan in Nemuro the night before.  It is a long drive to Nemuro from the Tokachi area so it is nice to have someone else do the driving.  If you are interested in taking advantage of the bus to Nemuro, please let me know by commenting on this post.

Upcoming Deadlines

How is your running life going?  Mine has not been so well these last couple of years.  Let me give you some advice, stretch and strength train!  Do it!  Don't be lazy.  You won't save time by just running if you get hurt and then can't run at all.

First I'd like to introduce the Hokkaido Runners group on Facebook.  People are starting to introduce running events in Hokkaido in this group.  Join if you can.  It might provide you with timely information not on this blog.  By the way, the group is not affiliated with this blog in any way.
Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422424961260353/
Or search for "Hokkaido Runners" on Facebook.

June 11, 2017

Oka no Machi Biei Healthy Marathon 2017

http://www.biei-healthymarathon.jp/
For the 30th anniversary of this event they have added a 30 km option however, the 30 km event is already filled up. Entry for the half is open until April 10.

A few notes.  This is a one-way course.  They bus you up to the Shirogane ski slope and you run downhill from there.  They give you a big plastic bag to put your jacket etc in before the start.  You have to give that bag to the staff who are loading them into a truck to take down to the finish.  If you give them your bag, you can't get it back.  Just remember that.  It is a good event and one that I have always enjoyed.  The plastic bags are branded and reusable and you usually get a towel as a participation prize.


August 27, 2017

Hokkaido Marathon 2017

http://hokkaido-marathon.com/2017/

Application for this popular full-marathon opens on April 2 at 6 pm and closes a few hours later when all the slots fill up.  There is a full marathon and a 11.5 km event. There is also some related family running events the day before.  
This is one of the hottest races in Hokkaido.  I mean, it is always really hot on the day of the event.  It is also the most famous and well-known marathon in Hokkaido.  There is a generous 5-hour time limit to finish the race but don't attempt it unless you are well prepared for running 42.195 km in the heat.  It is definitely worth the experience.


That is all that is on my radar now.  I won't be running in any events until, if I'm lucky, November. I need to do my stretching and strength training and try to get my bod fixed, healthy and strong.  Good luck to you!

Tokachi Trail Running (canceled)

Hokkaido - Tokachi Trail Running
北海道・十勝トレイルランニング

I know, it is a strange title for an event.

When: Oct 9, 2016
Where: Honbetsu Park 本別公園
Apply by:  September 2, 2016 (Mail in by August 31?)
Type: Trail
Distances: 15.7km, 13km, 3.7km
Selling points: Fall colors.  Good  JumboYoshitsune Nabe soup.
Requirements: Bring your own drinks, must have a hat and gloves.
Race start time: 10:00am
Cost: 2000 yen for the 3.7k, 4000 yen for the others.

Last year 183 people ran.

The website has not been updated since last year but here it is:
http://tokachi.co.jp/trarun/

Facebook page is being updated:
https://www.facebook.com/%E5%8C%97%E6%B5%B7%E9%81%93%E5%8D%81%E5%8B%9D%E3%83%88%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8B%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0-234327319929867/

Last year's course map:
http://tokachi.co.jp/trarun/pdf/course2015.pdf

Entry via Runnet:
http://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=124298&div=1


Here is an update from the event organizers.


This is an announcement from the organizer that the event is canceled.
"We were preparing for the event to be held on October 9 but the Yoshitsune Park and the forest course in Honbetsu, Hokkaido have sustained heavy damage from large mudslides caused by the landing in Hokkaido of Typhoons number 7, 11 and 9.
As a result of consultation the town of Honbetsu, the co-organizers, because there is not yet a date for when the course can be restored, we have decided to cancel the event.
To those who have already applied for the event or who were planning to apply for the event, we are sorry and thank you for your understanding.
If you had already applied for the event through RUNNET we will be contacting you."

2016 Nosappu Cape Half Marathon

第35回北方領土ノサップ岬マラソン　 ハーフ　10km ほか

Where: Nemuro City
When: August 21, 2016
Apply by: July 8, 2016
Last year 706 people participated.

From Runnet：
【開催日】 2016年8月21日（日）
【エントリー】 受付中
【前回参加者数】706名　※先着順


太平洋と北方領土の島影を眺めながら海沿いのワンウェイコースを走る、日本最東端のマラソン大会。全種目スタート時間は10:50（前日受付あり）、参加者は根室市役所から会場までバス移動。参加賞は特産・サンマの缶詰、昆布製品（※ハーフ・10km参加者）。5kmごとにしっかりある給水と、フィニッシュ地点での温かい花咲ガニの鉄砲汁が選手をサポート！

Running: half, 10k

Run from the Northern most point of Hokkaido into Memuro.

This is a race to raise awareness of the Northern Territories dispute.

Past participation prizes include T-shirts, towels and baseball caps.

Various prizes given for other things and a lucky drawing during the closing ceremony. Drinks and soup and some food after the race (rice balls, candy etc). See the ocean as you run.

I don't have time to do this justice, but I really enjoy this race. The views of the ocean are great and the soup at the end is delicious. We always go a day early and enjoy a crab dinner the night before the race.

The event website:

http://www.hoppouryoudo-nosappumisaki-marathon.jp/

Direct link to the event on Runnet:

http://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=123363&div=1

Yunotai Hotsprings

Yunotai Hotsprings Run
湯ノ岱温泉マラソン大会
Running
10k, 5k, 3k, 2k

10:00 Start
3,000 yen for adults
1,000 yen for children
Application period: May 18 to June 17

Where: In the land of gods.  Kaminokuni!  Near Hakodate and Okushiri.  A long way away from where I'm at here in Tokachi.

Event URLs:
http://yunotaionsenmarason.wix.com/yunotai
https://www.facebook.com/yunotai/


It looks like they have used Sportsentry in the past.
See: http://www.sportsentry.ne.jp/event/t/22297

You can download the event PDF from their website.

Since this event is past already, I'll have to  keep an eye out for the information for next year's event.

Overseas Entry for Abashiri - Ohotsuku Marathon

It looks like JTB has started a service to allow people to apply for races from overseas.  I did a search on their site and only found the Abashiri marathon for races in Hokkaido.  Hopefully more races will hook up with this service in the near future.

You can find the page for the Abashiri - Ohotsuku marathon (Sept 25) here:
https://jtbsports.jp/en/events/events-detail.php?id=4810


2016-09-26 Update:  Please check the comments on this post for more information about the event.
Supernova has provided us with a link to the English guide for the race.
https://jtbsports.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/e88bb1e8aa9e1.pdf

If for some reason that file gets taken down, here is a backup:
https://app.box.com/s/1fkpyq6mhtf7x7btw2d7s0ye8ahk1h59

2016 Season has started!

Last weekend, the first race of the season, the Shiranuka Road Race, was held and my social network feeds were flooded with pictures and race reports.

Note: Most races can be applied for through Runnet.  You can also contact the race organizers and get apply-by-mail application forms.  You usually need to have an address in Japan to apply.  Most races cannot be entered on race day.  (Although some, run by running clubs, can.)

For more information on entering races in Japan, head on over to the Japan Running News blog at http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.jp .
Their specific page on entering races in Japan is here: Race Entries.

Now for a short list of races that you may be able to apply for in Hokkaido.

Nikkan Sports Toyohira-gawa Half Marathon (Sapporo)

May 5 (Children's Day)
Dist: Half, 10k, 5k, 3k
Application: Feb 1, through March 31
http://www.toyomara.com/

Hokkaido Marathon - 30th Anniversary (Sapporo)

August 28
Application starts April 3 at 18:00pm and closes shortly thereafter (usually, within two hours!)
If you want to try and get into this race, and it is worth it, visit it's Runnet site at
https://entry.runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=123074&div=1
Or their homepage for more information.  Also, if you are registering online you need to create an account with Runnet. You will need a credit card and an address in Japan. The marathon also has a multi-language website with information.

http://hokkaido-marathon.com/2016/overview-en/

Ohotsuku - Abashiri Marathon

September 25
This is a new marathon started in 2015 and is one I am eager to try.
Application starts April 1 and runs through June 30.
http://www.abashiri-marathon.jp

Northern Horse Park Half marathon and Ekiden (Chitose / Sapporo area)

May 14 and 15

Dist: Half, 7km Trail + Half, 2.5km 

Application until March 31

http://www.nhp-marathon.com/

Karikachi Trail Running (Shintoku / Tokachi area)

May 22

Apply by April 25

http://www.karikachi.org/trailrun/

20km, 12km, 4km Trail Run

Apply on Runnet: http://runnet.jp/entry/runtes/user/pc/competitionDetailAction.do?raceId=120793&div=1

There are many more events coming up, especially in June.  Check the archives to get an idea of where and when races are!

2015 Fall races

A lot of the races are on the calendar, especially those with a fixed repeating date or day like the last Sunday of October. (Apply by deadlines are in parenthesis.)

1. 9/27 Hokkaido Trail Running in Rusutsu (8/25)
2. 9/27 Kozan Green Race 20K (9/16) (Trail)
3. 10/4 Okoppe Chichi no Sato Half Marathon (8/31)
4. 10/4 Santa Land Ogon Road Half Marathon
5. 10/4 Sapporo Half Marathon (Mid July)
6. 10/4 Betsukai Pilot Marathon (7/31)
7. 10/11 Tokachi Trail Running in Honbetsu (8/31)
8. 10/11 Tomakomai Half Marathon (8/21) 
9. 10/11 Kitami Half Marathon (9/11)
10. 10/11 Terry Fox Run & Walk　
11. 10/12 Kenko Matsuri Furubira Road Race (Mid September)
12. 10/12 Kenko (Half) Marathon in Sapporo
13. 10/18 Shikaoi Trail Run (30k, 12, 5k) (9/24)
14. 10/18 Hokkaido Onuma Great Run & Walk (August)
15. 10/18 Urakawa Pisukari Half Marathon (Mid September)
16. 10/25 Nissan Cup Rikubetsu Kogarashi Half Marathon (until early October)
17. 10/25 Gokibiru Trail 30k　（Application starts 8/1 on Runtes)
18. 11/1 Foodvalley Tokachi Half Marathon (9/30)
19. 11/8 Sapporo Sayonara Half Marathon

There are some Ekiden and possibly other races that I have missed.  If you know of one, let me know in the comments!

Foodvalley Tokachi Half Marathon

Foodvalley Tokachi Half Marathon

フードバレーとかちマラソン

What: Half marathon, 5k, 2.5k

Where: Obihiro

Date: 11/1

Deadline: 9/30

Fee: 5200 for adults

Time restrictions: Yes, 2:30 for the half, 50 minutes for the 5k.

THE biggest, most popular, and arguably most delicious half marathon in the sub-prefecture of Tokachi.  Starting in downtown Obihiro with a very slight climb out to the Obihiro no Mori Sports park for the turn-around and then a slight downhill for the second half.  The course is always lined with spectators and volunteer groups cheering you on and providing sweets, refreshment and entertainment to help take your mind of the pain! High school volunteers, adult volunteer groups, staff, local cake shops and banks, all provide support for runners along the course.  You might not want to slow down as you try to get your best time but it will be hard to pass up all the sweets along the course.  The famous cake and confectionery shop Rokkatei had not an aid station but a "Sweets Station" set up along the course where they offered chocolates and bite-sized pieces of cake for runners in 2014. Runners have received "Manpuku tickets" worth 1000 yen that can be used at outside food stalls and some type of sporting goods.  I have received a running pouch, a small duffle bag, and last year an over-the-shoulder one strap bag. I don't use the running pouch much but I do sometimes, It has a bottle holder.  I do use the other bags all the time.

http://hokkaido-run.jp/obihiro/

If you need help getting registered, let me know in the comments.