More Choices Than Ever – Trail Races in Niigata NEW

　Here in Nagaoka City, Niigata, we’ve been dealing with a severe cold wave for the past ten days or so, and every day has been a battle with snow.
　How have you all been?

　Recently, the number of trail runners has been growing, and so have the number of races. It feels like runners now have more choices than ever when deciding where to run.In June especially, three trail races — including Echigo Country Trail — are held in the Niigata area.
　So this time, we’ve put together a simple guide to help runners choose a race that best fits their own style and goals.

🌲 Echigo Country Trail (Nagaoka City)

　Set in the Oguni area of Nagaoka City, this course connects expansive mountains with small local communities.
Runners and local residents share the same paths as companions. We aim to create an event where everyone — those who run and those who support — plays a leading role.

Echigo Matsudai “Spring Campaign” Trail Run Race (Tokamachi City）

This unique satoyama trail race takes place among art installations from the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale and beautiful terraced rice fields recognized as part of Japan’s “Tsunagu Tanada Heritage.”
Aid stations offer traditional countryside dishes rooted in the food culture of this heavy-snow region.
Enjoy the deep fresh greenery of Echigo Matsudai in spring — a season that can only be appreciated after enduring the harsh winter — and the timeless landscapes of rural Japan.
(Source: RUNNET)

DEEP JAPAN ULTRA ～NIIGATA～（Uonuma City）

　“Enter the untouched nature of ‘Deep Japan,’ look inward to discover your own depths, and reflect on why you live — an experience designed to help you draw your own map of life. We invite you to take part in this profound journey.”
(Source: RUNNET)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Recommended for Families

　Junior & Family Run (Echigo Matsudai Spring Campaign)

　Distance: 2 km　　Elevation Gain: 80 m

　A course around the Nobutai Field Museum area where you can fully enjoy a blend of art and trail running.

　2.5 km Race (Echigo Country Trail)

　Distance: 2.5 km　　Elevation Gain: 100 m

　This course runs within Oguni Forest Park. There is even a section where participants climb using a rope, adding a bit of adventure — a fun experience for families to enjoy together!

　🏃 Recommended for Beginner–Intermediate Runners

　22 km Race (Echigo Country Trail)

　Distance: 22 km　　Elevation Gain: 700 m
　This course passes through local villages, so the road sections are relatively frequent. However, along the ridge between Oguni (Nagaoka City) and Ojiya City, runners face a series of short but surprisingly steep climbs and descents.
A great course for runners who are new to trail running and looking to build experience.

　Satoyama Trail Journey (Echigo Matsudai Spring Campaign)

　Distance: 25 km　　Elevation Gain: 1,300 m
　Starting from “Nobutai,” a central art installation of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, this course travels through ten small villages scattered across the Matsudai area, offering a rich satoyama trail experience.

🏔 Recommended for Intermediate–Advanced Runners Who Want a True Mountain Challenge

　SUMON (DEEP JAPAN ULTRA ~NIIGATA~)

　Distance: 30 km　　Elevation Gain: 1,700 m
　This course starts from Irihirose Sports Center and climbs to Mt. Sumon Odake before returning. Runners experience a true mountain environment with sustained elevation.

　63 km Race (Echigo Country Trail)

　Distance: 63 km　　Elevation Gain: 2,350 m
　A tough course that traverses the typical rolling satoyama landscapes of Echigo. Runners repeatedly climb and descend a series of small mountains, at times dropping down toward the Ojiya side before heading back into the hills. A demanding route that tests both endurance and trail skills.

⛰ For Highly Experienced Advanced Runners Seeking an Extreme Personal Challenge

　UONUMA（DEEP JAPAN URTLA～NIIGATA～）

　Distance: 80 km　　Elevation Gain: 4,000 m
　Starting from Irihirose Sports Center, this course climbs both Maedake and Mt. Sumon Odake.
Long sustained climbs, technical terrain, and extended time in remote mountain areas require strong endurance, solid trail experience, and confident self-management skills.

　DEEP JAPAN（DEEP JAPAN URTLA～NIIGATA～）

　Distance: 160 km　　Elevation Gain: 10,000 m
　Beginning at Irihirose Sports Center (Uonuma City), this long journey traverses four municipalities — Uonuma, Nagaoka, Sanjo, and Kamo.

　This event is not simply a race, but an extended mountain journey. Participants must be capable of managing pace, nutrition, weather conditions, night running, and equipment over many hours in mountainous terrain. Previous ultra-distance trail experience is strongly recommended.

　As more races are held, it can be easy for us as organizers to see it negatively — as “more rivals” or the idea that participants might choose other events. However, when we look at them side by side, we see that each race has its own level, character, and concept.

　We hope to continue sharing clear and detailed information about Echigo Country Trail so that runners can choose races that best match their experience, preferences, and goals.

Suggested addition

Beyond Niigata, there are also attractive trail races in neighboring regions around the same season, such as:

• Asahi Trail ZERO to ZERO (Toyama Prefecture) – a unique race starting and finishing at sea level along the Jade Coast.
• Kaga Spa Endurance 100 by UTMB (Ishikawa Prefecture) – a challenging mountain course through historic hot spring landscapes and classic Japanese satoyama terrain.

　For international runners planning a trip to Japan, these events may also be worth exploring depending on your schedule and interests.