From the Day Before the Race to Race Day
On August 24, 2024, I participated in the trail race “The 11th Tsukuba Renzan Tenku Road & Trail Run in Ishioka 2024,” held in Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. I competed in the long course, which consists of two distinct sections: the first 35 km on asphalt roads and the remaining 40 km on mixed terrain, including trails and forest roads.
This race demands strategic training to adapt to its diverse environments, which made it particularly appealing to me. In this three-part series, I will review my experience in detail.
Race Information
Information about The 11th Tsukuba Renzan Tenku Road & Trail Run in Ishioka
- Race Name: The 11th Tsukuba Renzan Tenku Road & Trail Run in Ishioka
- Location: Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Kanto Region)
- Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
- iTRA Points: LONG 75K (iTRA 3); MIDDLE 48K (iTRA 2); SHORT 25K (no iTRA)
- Entry Method: Website
- Entry Fee: 75K: ¥16,000; 48K: ¥12,000; 25K: ¥10,000
Participant Requirements
Long Course:
- Must be able to complete pre-race registration the day before.
- Must have completed a trail run race of at least 30 km in the past (no certification required).
Middle Course:
- Must have participated in a trail run race before (no certification required).
Course Map
This year’s race course map is available below.
Please note that the course for the next race, or even the final course for this race, is subject to change before the event day. Be sure to check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date course information!
Long Course
Middle Course
Short Course
Elevation profile
Official Website for the The 11th Tsukuba Renzan Tenku Road & Trail Run in Ishioka
Recommended gear
- Silicone cup
- Venom extractor
The sign on the right reads: “Bees hate the smell of peppermint!!
Peppermint oil is highly recommended to keep insects away and refresh your mood.
Consider bringing some with you for added comfort!!
From the day before the race to race day, trail gear was being sold at the tents. Peppermint spray, which works as an insect repellent, was also available for purchase.
Travel and Accommodation Details
General Schedule
- Day Before the Race: Take a train from Tokyo to Ishioka Station. From there, take the free shuttle bus to the starting point to complete your race registration. Afterward, return to Ishioka Station by shuttle bus before heading to your hotel.
- Race Day: Take the free shuttle bus from Ishioka Station to the starting point.
- After the Race: Use the free shuttle bus to return to Ishioka Station and then travel back to Tokyo.
- Day Before the Race
After finishing work in Tokyo, I traveled from Gotokuji Station to Ishioka Station by train, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (Gotokuji Station → Shinagawa Station → Ishioka Station).
Although traveling from Tokyo to Ibaraki may seem far, with almost no train transfers, it’s actually quite close.
Race Registration
For the long course, participants must complete pre-race registration the day before, even if they registered for the event earlier. Registration is conducted at the starting point, which is accessible via a free shuttle bus provided by the event organizers from Ishioka Station. Registration hours are from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Allow enough time for smooth travel.
This race involves running on asphalt for the first 35 km. At the 35 km point, participants can take advantage of a shoe-changing service. Shoes and trail-running gear can be packed into a provided 45L bag and handed over during registration. I used this service and changed my shoes and gear at the 35 km checkpoint.
HOTEL Information
I stayed at HOTEL ROUTE-INN ISHIOKA, located about 1 km from Ishioka Station, where buses to the starting point depart. I purchased dinner and breakfast for race day at a nearby convenience store.
HOTEL ROUTE-INN ISHIOKA
- Address: 1-1-10 Ishioka, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture 315-0001
- Check-In/Check-Out: 3:00 PM / 10:00 AM
- Access: A 10-minute walk from JR Joban Line Ishioka Station. About 10 minutes by car from Chiyoda Ishioka IC (Joban Expressway) and 20 minutes from Iwama IC.
The hotel features a large public bath, making it an excellent option for relaxing and preparing for the race.
Official Website for the The 11th Tsukuba Renzan Tenku Road & Trail Run in Ishioka
HOTEL ROUTE-INN ISHIOKA
Race Day Schedule and Public Transport
I walked from the hotel to Ishioka Station and took the event’s free shuttle bus to the starting point. The trip from Ishioka Station to the starting area took about 40 minutes.
Upon arrival, I immediately went to the same location as the previous day’s registration to deposit my bag containing clothes used at the hotel.
I reached the starting point at 4:00 AM. The scene was dark, and the illuminated balloons at the starting line created a memorable atmosphere.
In the next post, I will review the road race section (from the start to the 35 km point).
