Part 1: Overview of the Race: From Entry to the Start Line
I participated in The 2nd Okumusashi Long Trail Race 2024, which was held from June 8 to 9, 2024.
This was my first overnight race, and while it was a highly valuable experience, I was unable to complete the course and had to withdraw at the 90-kilometer mark.
In recent years, there has been growing interest among international runners in races held in Japan.
With this in mind, I decided to write a brief English blog post to share my experience. I hope it will be helpful for those interested in participating in Japanese trail races, especially those over 100 kilometers long.
The entry was completed through the following site:
- RUNNET
https://runnet.jp/
The entry fees were as follows:
- 105K: ¥25,000
- 35K: ¥11,000
Race Overview
The 2nd Oku-Musashi Long Trail 105K/35K
This trail race, one of the premier events in the Kanto region, starts in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture.
Set in the Oku-Musashi area, which encompasses the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture and the Chichibu region, the race covers an impressive distance of 105 km (or 35 km) with a staggering total elevation gain of 8,300 meters (2,000 meters), making it a formidable challenge.
The ITRA points
- 105K: iTRA 5
- 35K: iTRA 2
The checkpoints, including aid stations, are as follows:
- 105K: 8 locations (excluding the finish line)
- 35K: 4 locations (excluding the finish line)
The time limits are:
- 105K: 36 hours
- 35K: 10 hours
Notably, the time limits have been shortened compared to the previous race, with the 105K limit reduced by 2 hours and the 35K by 1 hour. This may create an even tougher environment for runners who race close to the cut-off times.
The 105K race spans two days, while this year, the 35K race schedule has shifted from the first day to the second day.
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, may change before the event day. Be sure to check the official website for the most accurate and updated course information!
Official Website for the 2nd Oku-Musashi Long Trail
105K
35K
The official website provides course maps in both PDF and GPX formats, making this a very runner-friendly race.
The route maps are exceptionally well-designed and easy to read.
Additionally, an elevation profile is printed on the bottom part of the race bib. What’s more, the elevation profile is printed upside-down, allowing runners to easily view it by flipping up the bib while wearing it.
Mandatory Gear
It is essential for all trail runners to personally check the mandatory gear requirements.
Please make sure to carefully review the information provided on the official website before race day!
Official Website for the 2nd Oku-Musashi Long Trail: Race Regulations and Rules
Some races are now adopting a policy of not conducting gear checks on the race day.
In other words, it is increasingly assumed that participants will naturally carry all the required items.
Despite preparing an ample supply of provisions for the race, Kotoni was not yet aware that exhaustion would leave most of them unused…
Accommodation for the Day Before the Race
Lodging Options Around Hanno
Here are two accommodations I often use when participating in races near Hanno City.
Hanno Daiichi Hotel
Phone: 042-972-1212
Address: 12-15 Nakamachi, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, 357-0038
- 10-minute walk from Higashi-Hanno Station on the JR Hachiko Line
- 2-3 minute walk from Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- 30-minute drive from the Kawagoe Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- 10-minute drive from the Sayama-Hidaka Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway
Hanno Daiichi Hotel Website
In Japan, you can also book the Hanno Daiichi Hotel through Rakuten Travel. However, due to high demand, it is often fully booked. If you decide to participate in a race, it is highly recommended to make your reservation as early as possible.
The cleanliness of the hotel is comparable to a standard business hotel. The staff at the entrance are extremely courteous, leaving a very positive impression. For this reason, it is my top choice when staying in the area.
Additionally, the entrance on the first floor is connected to an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), where breakfast is available for an additional fee.
Okumusashi Ryokan
Room Type: All rooms are traditional Japanese-style.
Address: 24-8 Nakamachi, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, 357-0038
Toll-Free Number: 0120-096342
Phone Number: 042-973-2766
Okumusashi Ryokan Website
I have stayed at Okumusashi Ryokan several times in the past.
Like the Hanno Daiichi Hotel, it is within walking distance of the station. One standout feature of this ryokan is the presence of a communal bath, which adds to its appeal.
While it can also get fully booked, it might be slightly easier to secure a reservation here compared to the Hanno Daiichi Hotel.
As for the rooms, all are non-smoking. However, possibly because they were previously smoking rooms, there might be a faint trace of tobacco for those particularly sensitive to such odors—though it is barely noticeable.
The biggest highlight is definitely the communal bath, a very nice feature for relaxation.
The area around Hanno Station is well-equipped with convenience stores and restaurants, making it a highly convenient location for the day before a race.
Gymnasium Availability
On the day before the Okumusashi Long Trail, gymnasiums at schools near the starting point, Hanno Chuo Park, are opened to participants. Specifically:
- Hanno Daiichi Elementary School Gymnasium
- Hanno Nishi Junior High School Gymnasium
The gymnasiums are designated separately for men and women, providing a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.
Location Relationship: Event Venue, Hanno Station, Hanno Nishi Junior High School, and Hanno Daiichi Elementary School
This time, I spent the night before the race in the gymnasium.
The number of people using the facility was relatively small. Most participants set up their sleeping bags or mats along the walls of the gymnasium, preparing for the race or taking a light nap.
Please note that the lights remain on for a while, so don’t forget to bring an eye mask or anything else that might help you sleep!
Many of those using the gymnasium seemed accustomed to such environments, and everyone was considerate of others, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
While using a facility like this is a practical option if you can’t secure accommodation, I must admit—I’d still prefer staying at a proper hotel if possible.
What Should I Do with My Overnight Luggage?
On the day of the race, you can store your luggage at the designated area. For those participating in the 105K race, there is an additional option to send specific items to the A4 point for mid-race access.
To store your belongings, simply pack your overnight items into a plastic bag, attach a sticker with your bib number, and hand it over to the staff. From there, you can focus solely on the race!
This concludes a brief review of the pre-race setup and environment. Good luck!
In the next update, I’ll share my experience and observations from the actual start of the race to the aid stations, offering insights from the perspective of an amateur. Stay tuned!
