Let the Trail Community Shine!
Let the Trail Community Shine!
Features of the Echigo Country Trail
Echigo Country Trail — A Journey Through Villages and Mountains
Set in the peaceful hills of Oguni, Nagaoka, this trail connects small villages along paths once used in everyday life.
The 63 km main course combines roads and forest trails with an elevation gain of 2,350 m — a challenging yet rewarding route through beautiful landscapes.
Shorter 22 km and 2.5 km courses are also available for beginners and families.
Every year, local volunteers maintain the trails and cheer on runners with warm hospitality and homemade aid food.
Expect humid weather and muddy trails if it rains — a memorable challenge that rewards runners who come prepared with good trail shoes and rain gear.
Here, everyone shines — runners, supporters, and the local community alike.
Read more about the race details
Travel Through the Trails of Oguni
Located in the rural hills of Oguni, Nagaoka, the Echigo Country Trail offers a racecourse that links small mountain villages through traditional paths once used in daily life. Starting and finishing at Oguni Forest Park, the 63 km route weaves through expansive landscapes of forests, ridgelines, and settlements, featuring countless short climbs and a total elevation gain of 2,350 m.
A well-balanced mix of road and trail allows runners to manage their pace according to their ability, making the course both challenging and highly enjoyable for its scenic and geographic variety.
Tracing the footsteps of those who once relied on these mountain paths, runners head east over Oguni Pass and Mount Shiroyama toward Ojiya, and west across the summit of Mt. Hasshoku — the highest peak in Oguni.
Local volunteers maintain and prepare the trails every year after the snowmelt, ensuring that the course is carefully marked and safe to run.
Climate and Course Conditions in Late June
Although the race takes place just before the rainy season, humidity is typically high.
On sunny days, temperatures can exceed 30°C, while rainy weather can feel surprisingly chilly.
When wet, the clay-rich soil becomes extremely slippery, turning the course into a “mud festival” — a memorable challenge that rewards runners who come prepared with trail shoes that provide good grip and proper gear for the rain.
Supportive Aid Stations and Local Food
Aid stations feature warm hospitality from local residents along with foods made from regional ingredients.
After crossing the finish line, runners are welcomed with hearty dishes such as tonjiru (pork miso soup) and curry rice, lovingly prepared by the community.
Shorter Courses for All Runners
For those looking for shorter adventures, we also offer a 22 km village-to-village journey through the heart of Oguni, as well as a friendly 2.5 km loop within Oguni Forest Park.
Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced trail runner, or participating with family, we welcome you to join the experience.
A Race Where Everyone Shines
Participants often tell us:
“The cheering is unbelievable!”
“Just when I was about to walk, someone shouted ‘You’ve got this!’ and I could run again.”
“The support here makes me feel like a hero.”
This strong culture of hospitality — deeply rooted in the Oguni community — fuels the heartfelt encouragement given to runners throughout the course.
Our goal is to create an event where everyone plays a role, and everyone becomes a hero.
Travel Through the Trails of Oguni
Located in the rural hills of Oguni, Nagaoka, the Echigo Country Trail offers a racecourse that links small mountain villages through traditional paths once used in daily life. Starting and finishing at Oguni Forest Park, the 63 km route weaves through expansive landscapes of forests, ridgelines, and settlements, featuring countless short climbs and a total elevation gain of 2,350 m.
A well-balanced mix of road and trail allows runners to manage their pace according to their ability, making the course both challenging and highly enjoyable for its scenic and geographic variety.
Tracing the footsteps of those who once relied on these mountain paths, runners head east over Oguni Pass and Mount Shiroyama toward Ojiya, and west across the summit of Mt. Hasshoku — the highest peak in Oguni.
Local volunteers maintain and prepare the trails every year after the snowmelt, ensuring that the course is carefully marked and safe to run.
Climate and Course Conditions in Late June
Although the race takes place just before the rainy season, humidity is typically high.
On sunny days, temperatures can exceed 30°C, while rainy weather can feel surprisingly chilly.
When wet, the clay-rich soil becomes extremely slippery, turning the course into a “mud festival” — a memorable challenge that rewards runners who come prepared with trail shoes that provide good grip and proper gear for the rain.
Supportive Aid Stations and Local Food
Aid stations feature warm hospitality from local residents along with foods made from regional ingredients.
After crossing the finish line, runners are welcomed with hearty dishes such as tonjiru (pork miso soup) and curry rice, lovingly prepared by the community.
Shorter Courses for All Runners
For those looking for shorter adventures, we also offer a 22 km village-to-village journey through the heart of Oguni, as well as a friendly 2.5 km loop within Oguni Forest Park.
Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced trail runner, or participating with family, we welcome you to join the experience.
A Race Where Everyone Shines
Participants often tell us:
“The cheering is unbelievable!”
“Just when I was about to walk, someone shouted ‘You’ve got this!’ and I could run again.”
“The support here makes me feel like a hero.”
This strong culture of hospitality — deeply rooted in the Oguni community — fuels the heartfelt encouragement given to runners throughout the course.
Our goal is to create an event where everyone plays a role, and everyone becomes a hero.
Event Overview
| Event Name | ECHIGO COUNTRY TRAIL 2026 |
| 📅 Date | June 14, 2026 (Sunday) |
| 📍 Location | Oguni, Nagaoka City & Ojiya City (Start & Finish: Oguni Forest Park, Nagaoka City) |
| Race Categories | 63km, 22km, 2.5km |
| 🕒 Time Limit | ●63 km: 11 hours 30 minutes (6 checkpoints) ●22 km: 5 hours (1 checkpoint) ●2.5 km: No time limit Note: Runners who fail to pass a checkpoint before the designated cut-off time will be disqualified at that point. If disqualified, please return your timing chip to a nearby staff member after a short rest. You will then be transported back to the venue by the sweep vehicle. Running the course after disqualification is prohibited for safety reasons. |
| 👟 Entry Limit Eligibility | ●63 km: 500 runners Open to men and women of high school age or older who are confident in completing the entire course within the time limit without getting lost. (Parental consent required for participants under 18.) ●22 km: 500 runners Open to men and women of junior high school age or older who are confident in completing the entire course within the time limit without getting lost. (Parental consent required for participants under 18.) ●2.5 km: 200 runners Open to anyone aged 3 or older who is interested in trail running. Preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian (free of charge). For elementary school 1st–2nd graders, guardian accompaniment is optional (free). For 3rd graders and older, guardians must register as regular participants. |
| 💰 Entry Fee | ●63 km: ¥14,000 ●22 km: ¥8,000 ●2.5 km: Ages 3–12: ¥1,000 Ages 13 and older: ¥3,000 Includes participation gift, insurance, and finisher’s certificate. Same-day entry is available for the 22 km and 2.5 km races (an additional ¥1,000 will be charged). |
| 🏆 Categories & Awards | 63 km (Men/Women) Under 50 50 and over 22 km (Men/Women) Under 50 50 and over 2.5 km (Men/Women) Elementary school & under Junior high school & older Top three finishers in each category will receive awards. A finisher’s certificate showing your official time and ranking will be issued after the race. |
🏁 Rules and Guidelines
Race Rules
- Each race has a designated time limit. Runners who exceed the limit must stop racing and follow staff instructions.
- If you decide to withdraw from the race, please inform a course marshal and follow their directions.
- Race officials may stop a runner if they judge that continuing would be unsafe or unreasonable.
- The following violations will result in disqualification:
- Ignoring official instructions or event regulations.
- Providing false information to gain entry.
- Failing to wear your bib number visibly.
- Behaving in a way that harms the natural environment.
Trail Running Etiquette
Trail running is about more than speed — it’s about respecting nature, other people, and the trails themselves.
Please keep the following in mind to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant race experience.
- Walk when approaching or passing hikers — keep at least 10 meters of distance before and after.
- Avoid congested times or narrow sections whenever possible.
- Show gratitude and respect to everyone who helps protect the trails, the land, and the community that makes this event possible.
🏃♀️ Featured Runner
Chizuru Ōbuchi (“Chi-chan”)
Born in neighboring Ojiya City, Chizuru joined her very first trail running race right here at the Echigo Country Trail — and she has returned as a featured runner every year since 2023.
she’s known for her love of long-distance challenges, from 100-mile ultras to 300 km journey runs, always running with a smile and a deep appreciation for the adventure.
🏆Major Achievements:
●Winner, OSJ KOUMI 100 (Women’s Division, 2021 & 2022)
●2nd place, Yarikan 12-Hour & 100 Mile Endurance Race (2022)
●Winner, Tsunan Ultra Triathlon (2022)
●2nd place, Uonuma Sky Run – Normal Course (2022)
●3rd place, ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI “FUJI” (2023) – New Hero Award
●3rd place, Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail 100 Mile (2023)
Yuto Shirakawa
Yuto joined the Echigo Country Trail as a featured runner in 2024, sharing his passion for supporting small, local races and bringing energy to the entire field.
Rather than racing for a podium spot, Yuto calls himself a “cheering runner.” He starts from the very back of the pack, offering words of encouragement to runners along the way — then, after finishing, he stays at the goal to welcome every last participant. His motto:
“Let’s fill every local race with runners and smiles.”
🏆Major Achievements:
●2nd place, GONTEX Minakami 121K (2022)
●2nd place, OSJ KOUMI 100 (175 km) (2021)
●Winner, OSJ KOUMI 100 (175 km) (2020)
🎒Mandatory Gear
Runners participating in the 63 km and 22 km races must carry the following items at all times during the race:
- Personal cup (for use at aid stations – no disposable cups provided)
- Rain jacket with hood
- First aid kit (including adhesive bandages, disinfectant, etc.)
- Bottles or hydration pack with a total capacity of at least 1 liter
Notes:
Gear checks will not be conducted at registration, but compliance may be monitored during the race.
All mandatory gear must be carried throughout the entire race.
Failure to carry any of the required items may result in disqualification, regardless of the reason.
🗓Race Schedule
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Race Check-in (Day Before): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, June 14, 2026
| 63km | 22km | 2.5km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00～5:45 | Check-in | ||
| 5:45～ | Opening Ceremony, Course Briefing & Race Instructions | ||
| 6:00 | Race Start | ||
| 8:00～10:00 | Check-in | Check-in | |
| 10:00 | Opening Ceremony | Opening Ceremony | |
| 10:30 | Race Star | ||
| 11:00 | Race Star | ||
| 13:30 | Awards Ceremony | ||
| 15:30 | Finish Cut-off Time | ||
| Awards Ceremony held after each race category is finalized | Awards Ceremony held after each race category is finalized | ||
| 17:30 | Finish Cut-off Time |
Video Highlights from the Echigo Country Trail
Videos of the Echigo Country Trail are featured on Yuto Shirakawa’s YouTube channel, showing the 63 km course in different conditions — sunny in 2024 and rainy in 2025.
These videos offer a great look at the trail and atmosphere of the race, especially for runners considering joining in the future.
◎2024 Race (Sunny)
◎2025 Race (Rainy)