For Those Considering Echigo Country Trail NEW
We have received a message from Chizuru Obuchi,the guest runner of Echigo Country Trail 2026, for everyone who is considering taking part in the race.
Her message is filled with love for Echigo Country Trail. Please be sure to read it through to the end!
To Everyone Considering the Race
Echigo Country Trail is a warm and welcoming trail race that connects the mountains and villages of Oguni, Nagaoka City, and Ojiya City. Local residents come out in full force to cheer for the runners, pushing them forward and creating an incredible atmosphere.
The highlight of the 63km course is, without a doubt, the final boss: Mt. Hachikoku⛰️ On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, and in the rain, the course turns muddy and slippery — which somehow makes it even more fun 😆
Let’s run together, enjoy the experience, and create unforgettable summer memories.
If you see me at the venue, please don’t hesitate to say hello. I look forward to seeing you on June 14!
Mt. Hachikoku is one of the highlights of the course.
I’ve heard so many runners say, “You’ve got to be kidding — this at the end?!” But the view from the summit is absolutely worth it!
What part of Echigo Country Trail felt the toughest?
When it rains, the course gets really slippery and muddy! But when everyone gets muddy together, it somehow becomes a lot of fun.
Even when it feels tough, the cheers from the people of Oguni and Ojiya push you forward and keep you going!!
“Getting muddy together makes it fun!” — words you’d expect from a 100-mile runner.
And honestly, even covered in mud, everyone really does look like they’re enjoying themselves.
Even so, what makes you think, “I love this race” or “I want to come back”?
Definitely the support from the local community!!
People cheer us on by banging pots and frying pans 🍲🍳,shouting things like “Go!” and “You’ve got this!”
Sometimes I feel it might be the most enthusiastic cheering in all of Japan — and perhaps the most community-based race as well.
Because the local residents truly understand and support the event, everyone in the community comes together to make the race exciting.
It really feels like the locals are looking forward to this race just as much as the runners are.
At the same time, the runners’ energy fuels the cheering, making it even more powerful. It feels like a cycle of energy constantly flowing back and forth.
Do you have a message for runners who did not finish (DNF)?
Even if you couldn’t reach the finish line due to unexpected trouble, the moment you stood on the starting line, you had already taken on a wonderful challenge.
What matters most is that you dared to try — so please be proud of yourself.
You can come back for revenge next time,or you can come just to cheer and enjoy the race.
And if you get another chance to challenge it again,I would love to run together with you once more 😊
Every word of her message reflects Chizuru’s bright, kind, and genuinely joyful personality.
She’s the kind of person you’d naturally want to say hello to if you happened to see her somewhere along the course or at the venue on race day.
Thank you very much for this wonderful message!
🌏 For our international runners
We may not speak perfect English, but we will welcome you with open hearts.
With the help of our volunteers and translation apps, we’ll do everything we can to support you.
We would truly love to see you at Echigo Country Trail.
