63km Race Report NEW

　A total of 205 runners (179 men and 26 women) started the 63km race this year, and 161 runners (142 men and 19 women) successfully reached the finish line.
　The overall finish rate was 78.5%, with 79% for men and 73% for women.
　Although the weather was sunny, temperatures climbed to nearly 30°C (86°F) with high humidity, making it a demanding and challenging race for all participants.

Category	START	FINISH	Finish Rate
Men’s age 16 to 49 result	107	89	83.2％
Men’s age 50 and over result	72	53	73.6％
Women’s age 16 to 49 result	21	16	76.2％
Women’s age 50 and over result	5	3	60％
63km overall	205	161	78.5％

Registration & Start

　Registration opened early in the morning and was managed by local volunteers from the Oguni community. Our guest runner, Yuto Shirakawa, who later joined the 22km race, was also there from 5:00 a.m. to welcome participants with a smile.

　After the pre-race briefing at 5:45 a.m., runners reviewed the race rules before the race started on schedule at 6:00 a.m.
The overall male and female winners of the 63km race each received a handcrafted wooden trophy, carefully made by one of our race staff members. Every trophy is one of a kind.

For the first few kilometers, runners make their way through the peaceful countryside, surrounded by rice fields.

Hosse Aid Station (AS1)

Hosse Aid Station is located approximately 12 km from the start.　By the time runners arrived, many were already soaked with sweat in the hot and humid conditions. Some took the opportunity to cool themselves by pouring water over their heads before continuing the race.

　Between AS1 and AS2 lies Jyoyama, one of the most scenic viewpoints on the first half of the course. Runners were cheered on not only by volunteers but also by hikers who happened to be enjoying the mountain that day.

Tokimizu Aid Station (AS2)

　Tokimizu Aid Station is located beside Baba Shimizu Spring, one of Niigata’s most famous natural springs. Runners enjoyed well-chilled drinks and fresh cucumbers—perfect refreshments on a hot summer day.

　Throughout the course, runners were encouraged by enthusiastic cheers from local residents.
　At Kirisawa Pass, the only point where the course crosses itself, race staff guided runners and offered words of encouragement as they continued their journey.

Hakusan Sports Park Aid Station (AS3)

　At Hakusan Sports Park Aid Station (AS3), runners were welcomed with shari-dama (bite-sized rice balls), a popular energy-boosting aid station snack. As the temperature continued to rise, this became one of the most demanding sections of the race, making both hydration and nutrition especially important.

Seseragi Park Aid Station (AS4)

　After returning to Kirisawa Pass, runners reached Seseragi Park Aid Station (AS4) in Oguni. One of the highlights of this aid station was the enthusiastic support from students of Oguni Junior High School, who volunteered to help serve the runners.
　The featured local specialty here was soy sauce-flavored sticky rice (shoyu okowa), a favorite among many participants. Staff from Goshu Yakuhin personally handed each runner a bottle of Active Supply to help them stay hydrated and energized.
As this section passes through several local villages, runners were surrounded by warm cheers and encouragement from residents along the course.

Former Hachikoku Steak House Aid Station (AS5)

　This is where the real challenge begins.　After refueling at the Former Hachikoku Steak House Aid Station (AS5), runners set off toward the final and toughest climb of the day—Mt. Hachikoku.
　The long, steep ascent is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the summit, making every step worthwhile.

Hachioji Aid Station (AS6)

　With just 8 km remaining to the finish, runners made one final stop at Hachioji Aid Station (AS6).　The finish line was now within reach, leaving only one last push to complete the journey.

Finish

At the finish line, every runner was welcomed by our MC and greeted with warm applause and congratulations from volunteers and staff.
Congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge of the 63km race—and thank you for making Echigo Country Trail 2026 such a memorable event!

Congratulations to this year’s champions!
The results are as follows:

This report captures only a small part of the many smiles, unforgettable moments, and inspiring stories shared along the course.　Thank you very much to everyone who took part in Echigo Country Trail 2026.

We look forward to seeing you again in Oguni someday.