Sea to Summit
The last of Montbell’s popular outdoor series for the year concludes in Miyagi, Nagano and Mie prefectures. Take in the autumn landscape while canoeing, cycling, trekking and other means of human-powered movement. Participants can compete solo or as a team.
- When and where:
Oct. 8-9: Kamimachi, Miyagi
Oct. 15-16: Chikuma River, Nagano
Nov. 12-13: Kihoku, Mie - Web: seatosummit.jp
Altra Shinshu Tenku Trail Race
Head to northern Nagano for this 27-kilometer race that features trail and road courses. You’ll be running the Hijiriyama Trail with great views of the surrounding mountains, vineyards and koyo (autumn leaves). Celebrate after the race with a long soak in an onsen and delicious local cuisine.
- When: Oct. 23
- Where: Omi, Nagano
- Web: samuraisports.org
Kanazawa Marathon
Combine a trip to the scenic Kanazawa area with a marathon race. This course will pass Kanazawa’s iconic attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, the Ishikawa Gate of Kanazawa Castle, Higashiyama and temple towns.
- When: Oct. 30
- Where: Kanazawa, Ishikawa
- Web: kanazawa-marathon.jp
Osaka Yodo River Citizens Marathon
This race follows the riverbank and is a great entry into marathon running with its easy access and relatively minimal elevation gain. There is also a half-marathon which starts at 9 a.m.
- When: Nov. 6
- Where: Moriguchi, Osaka
- Web: osaka42195.com
OMM Japan
One of the toughest adventure events out there, the OMM is a mountain navigation race held in extreme environments. The OMM race is held in a different region across Japan every year.
- When: Nov. 12-13
- Where: Okumino, Gifu
- Web: theomm.jp
Spartan Race Stadion
The classic 20-obstacle, five-kilometer Stadion Race is a test of speed, strength and willpower—and great for beginners and experts alike. There will also be a kids’ race the same day.
- When: Dec. 3
- Where: Kurazushi Stadium, Osaka
- Web: spartanracejapan.jp
Oise-san Half Marathon
Tour the sacred region of Ise by participating in this half marathon. This unique race takes you past the famous Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, and Edo-period landscapes. Before or after the race, enjoy Mie’s famous seafood and cultural heritage. There is also a five-kilometer race held on the same day and a walking and barrier-free race the previous day.
- When: Dec. 4
- Where: Ise, Mie
- Web: city.ise.mie.jp/marathon
Nara Marathon
Run through Japan’s ancient capital in this race, which starts at Konoike Stadium and takes you through historic towns and impressive temples and past Nara’s famous inquisitive deer. There are also three-kilometer and ten-kilometer courses available.
- When: Dec. 11
- Where: Nara City, Nara
- Web: nara-marathon.jp
Mt. Mitake Trail Race
Experience a different side of Tokyo out west at Mt. Mitake. This race starts at the base of Mt. Mitake with a steep paved climb before the trail. Watch out for steep descents! Run through sleepy local neighborhoods, climb Mt. Nabewari (famous for its nabe hot pot served at the mountain hut) and traverse Okunoin. The race finishes at Musashi Mitake Shrine.
- When: Dec. 11
- Where: Mitake, Tokyo
- Web: samuraisports.org
