Looking Back on the 2024 Races② – The Second Half of the 63 km Race

Here’s the continuation of our race recap, focusing on the second half of the 63 km race.

After leaving Hakusan Sports Park in Ojiya City, the runners crossed the pass and returned to Oguni, reaching AS4 Seseragi Park Aid Station (about 37 km from the start, checkpoint included).

At this aid station, Gosyu Yakuhin from Toyama City generously provided and distributed hydration water. The distribution was done right in front of the checkpoint, ensuring that no one missed out—thank you so much for your support!

　At this aid station, the local Oguni Junior High School students were active participants, helping runners take a break and prepare for the challenging climb up Mount Hachikoku.

　The Echigo Country Trail is more of a hilly course, but Mount Hachikoku is a proper mountain, like a tough final boss in a video game that shows up right at the end.

　The entrance to Mount Hachikoku, AS5 Old Hachikoku Steak Aid Station (around 49 km from the start), is also located partway up the climb. The runners looked like they were struggling, but the cheering from the junior high students just before the aid station must have been a huge boost. By the way, the “Old” was added to the aid station’s name because the Hachikoku Steakhouse closed last season. 😢

The clouds began to gather around this point, and we started to worry about the weather.

　Mount Hachikoku is mostly a steep climb. Since it’s in the latter part of the race, some runners were using branches as makeshift walking sticks. Even so, most of the runners smiled back when we called out to them, and I’m sure the spectators along the route felt moved by those smiles, year after year.

　And here, we met one of our guest runners, Yuto Shirakawa. Despite having run this far, he stopped for a photo with a big smile—what an inspiring moment!

　After descending Mount Hachikoku, the runners reached AS6 Hachioji Aid Station (around 55 km from the start), the final aid station. Less than 10 km to the finish line—just a little bit further！

　In addition to the aid stations, there were about eight cheering spots along the 63 km course. At the Saruhashi cheering spot, cold water showers were set up for the runners. Since the final stretch runs through the open fields of Oguni, with little shade and rising afternoon temperatures, these cold showers must have been a relief for the runners. Passing by the thatched-roofed Ainohara Temple, they headed toward the finish line at the forest park.

　The top runner, Hiroyuki Matsuda from the Echigo Yuzawa Trail Club, returned to Oguni Forest Park at 12:24 PM, with a time of 6 hours, 24 minutes, and 25 seconds (9.7 km/h!). He finished more than 30 minutes ahead of the second-place runner. He was so fast that we didn’t catch the moment he crossed the finish line! Around 3 PM, the 63 km runners started to return one after another.

　Then, the rain we were hoping would hold off finally began to fall around 4 PM, turning into a downpour shortly after. In this rain, our other guest runner, Chizuru Ohuchi (right end of the photo), crossed the finish line with a nearby runner and staff. Great job!

　The rain stopped after about 30 minutes, and those who finished afterward were greeted by our two guest runners. As the time limit approached, the joy of families and friends waiting for their runners at the finish line grew even greater. The final runner crossing the finish line alongside the sweepers is always a moving moment.

　To all the runners, staff, and supporters, thank you for your hard work over this long day. And to our guest runners, who encouraged everyone with their smiles and welcomed the runners at the finish line, we can’t thank you enough. You truly brought the race to life!