CONCEPT Concept

When I produce a race course, the most important thing I think about is creating a course with a story. I run every trail (and road) I can think of on my own two feet, and incorporate a plot that has an opening, a development, a twist, and a conclusion into the 100 miles. I also set it up so that Mt. Fuji can be seen from various places.

The early part of the race involves gentle ups and downs in the lush forests between the first and second stations of Mt. Fuji. After running through the deep forest and getting used to the air at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the race progresses into the mountain area.

In the middle of the race, the course will connect various landscapes, such as the long and narrow Tenshi Mountains on the western foot of Mt. Fuji, Aokigahara Jukai, the Satoyama on the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, and the roads in the city where old and new things coexist beautifully. The mountains you will cross are beautiful Satoyama with lush virgin forests. Among them, Aokigahara Jukai is particularly noteworthy. Jukai is often spoken of negatively, but it is one of the most beautiful forests in the world. Until about 1200 years ago, there was a large lake called Senoumi on the northwest foot of Mt. Fuji. In 864 AD (Jogan 6, Heian period), a large amount of lava flowed out from the eruption of Mt. Fuji, and most of Senoumi was buried. Aokigahara Jukai was formed when the thick and vast lava cooled, and over the years soil accumulated and trees grew thick. The landscape, created by the diverse vegetation, moss-covered lava and sunlight filtering through the trees, is so beautiful it seems like something from another world.

After passing the Lake Yamanaka Kirara aid station in the second half of the race, the course changes completely. The mountains in the early to middle parts of the race were gentle rural mountains at around 1200-1400m above sea level, but from here on the course becomes a long and rugged mountain area. Myojinyama, Takasashiyama, Yamabushi Pass, and Ishiwariyama continue without a moment's rest, and then the final boss, Shakushiyama, awaits. After clambering over rocks and climbing the endless trail, you will reach the summit of Shakushiyama, the highest point on the course (1597m). Ring the "Bell of the Sky" while looking up at Mt. Fuji in front of you.

The section from Fujiyoshida aid station to the finish is called the winning run section, but another final boss (Mt. Shimoyama) awaits. The undulating trail that you climb with your body exhausted from running 150km up to this point can be depressing at times. After climbing up to the ridgeline, release your mind and run. After gazing at Mt. Fuji and the glittering cityscape at its base from the top of Tenjo Mountain, you will descend straight into the city and your 100-mile journey will come to an end.

The first half of the course is relatively peaceful, passing through urban areas, rural areas, and streamside roads, but after passing the Kirara Yamanakako aid station at the 25km mark, the course is swarmed with high, deep, and rugged mountains, including Mt. Myojin, Mt. Takasashi, Mt. Yamabushi Pass, Mt. Ishiwari, and Mt. Shakushi. Although these mountain ranges are steep, they are protected by beautiful and lush Japanese virgin forests, and you can see the majestic Mt. Fuji here and there.

After eating the famous Yoshida udon at the Fujiyoshida aid station, we will tackle the final boss, Mt. Shimoyama. Once you reach the top of the undulating mountain path, the rest of the trail continues to run smoothly to the finish line. Let your mind run free while looking down at the city of Fujiyoshida spread out below you.

The race course is a shortcut of the "KAI 70k" course. After starting, the course runs through the city, crosses Mt. Oshibukusa and then separates from the FUJI and KAI courses at Toriiji Pass, traverses the foothills of Mt. Takasashi and Mt. Shakushi, and joins the Mt. Shakushi and descent route of the latter half of FUJI and KAI. After resupplying at the Fujiyoshida aid station (Lake Asumi), the course crosses Mt. Shimoyama and Mt. Tenjoyama to finish.

The name of the lace, ASUMI, comes from the Asumi district in the northeast of Fujiyoshida City. It is a beautiful and quiet area reminiscent of the original Japanese landscape, with a small lake called Lake Asumi in the middle of a rural area and many traditional weaving factories still remaining.