Looking Back on the 2024 Races ①: The First Half of the 63km Race
The Echigo Country Trail 2024, held on Saturday, June 16th, was a great success, thanks to all the participants, the local community, and everyone involved. We’re happy to report that the event concluded without any accidents or injuries.
Participants: 151 (136 men, 15 women)
Finishers: 123 (109 men, 14 women), with an 81% finish rate
As we look back on this year’s event, we hope that many of you will join us again and that new participants will be inspired to take part!
Let’s start with the 63km race, held for the first time in two years. In this post, we’ll cover the first half, from the start to the Hakusan Sports Park Aid Station.
Excitement was already in the air at the Forest Park before 5 AM as everyone prepared for the 6 AM start. The Tokimingo team managed the event this year as well, and the runners were all smiles, clearly enjoying themselves!
Right on schedule, the race kicked off at 6 AM! The first stretch of the course led through the picturesque fields of Oguni, a perfect start to the day.A big thank you to all the local uncles and aunts for cheering us on so early in the morning!
After about 8km, the route led into the mountains, reaching the Housue Aid Station (AS1) at around 12km. The photo shows the spot just before the aid station, where the runners emerged from the mountains. The morning sun was dazzling and refreshing.
At AS1 Housue Aid Station, the top runners arrived just after 7 AM. The aid station was more than ready, with the sound of drums and bells welcoming the runners from early in the morning. A big shoutout to the local uncles for bringing so much energy that early in the day!
After leaving Housue Aid Station, the course runs along the ridgeline between Oguni and Ojiya cities, before descending into Ojiya. At AS2 Tokimizu Aid Station (around 19 km from the start), you’ll find “Baba Shimizu,” a famous Niigata spring. In the old days, it was said that drinking from this spring could cure illnesses. Did a sip of Baba Shimizu help you feel a bit more refreshed?
Some families gathered in front of their homes to cheer us on as we passed. The Echigo Country Trail is truly loved by the local community!
From Tokimizu Aid Station, the route returns to the mountain trails, leading down to AS3 Hakusan Sports Park (around 28 km from the start). After 9 AM, the sun was so intense that running through the shaded mountain paths felt easier than running through the open areas in the park.
Hakusan Sports Park marks the halfway point of the race. Many runners took a short break here to prepare for the second half. It might be expected in trail running, but the constant ups and downs seemed really challenging.
Now, from here, the course heads back to Oguni and towards the final boss: Mount Hachikoku. We’ve got plenty of photos, so let’s pause here for now. Stay tuned for the second half, coming soon!
