Fuji Mountain Race 富士登山競走

Insurmountable

On the starting line, between 3,500 and 4,000 runners . On arrival, much less. It is a fight that requires unfailing physical and mental strength.

This crazy race has existed for more than 70 years . From Fujiyoshida Town Hall to the top of Mount Fuji, there are 21 kilometers of running , a half-marathon. No question of going there in short strides, since those who do not reach the crossing points before the allotted time are dismissed from the competition unceremoniously.

Read: Fujiyoshida

Each registration is screened and only experienced runners have the right to participate. Despite this, some have attempted the course for several years in a row without ever reaching the top. The constant elevation, changing temperature and lack of oxygen make the experience a nightmare for participants. Only half of the competitors cross the finish line in time and the number of dropouts is enormous.

• 3,000 vertical meters without stopping, not a descent in sight to recover.
• At the start early in the morning, the temperature is around 20°C in the small town of Fujiyoshida. At the top, the mountain takes back its rights and imposes an icy wind which can bring down the mercury in the negatives.
• Finally, the oxygen level decreases by 70% as you climb, so you have to have strong lungs and not get altitude sickness.

See also: The Mikata Half Marathon & The Tokyo Marathon

Two routes

In general, the ascent of Mount Fuji is done from one of the 5 th stations located on the side of the sacred mountain, between 1,400 and 2,400 meters above sea level. Reaching the summit from one of these stations takes between five and seven hours of walking depending on the path taken, and even outside the framework of the race it is a grueling expedition that is not within everyone's reach. During the Fuji Mountain Race, runners who choose the 21 kilometer course have four and a half hours to cross the finish line . The first crossing point, at the 5th station of the Yoshida trail, must be passed within two hours and 15 minutes after the start of the race. Otherwise, it is elimination.

However, for those who fear not being able to reach the top, a second route is offered. His finish line is at the 5th station and the time allowed is three and a half hours. The opportunity for athletes to test their potential over 15 kilometers before tackling the big event and its height difference twice as high.

Note that a quota set at 50 people is reserved for foreigners who would like to participate in the competition.

Best times:

• 21km course: 2h27 (in 2011)
• 15km course: 1h19 (in 1982)

Our file "Expedition to Mount Fuji"

Useful information

Please note that terms and conditions may change from year to year.

Registration : in March

Date : end of July

Departure : Fujiyoshida City Hall

Arrival : 5th station of the Yoshida trail or summit of Mount Fuji

Hours :

• 21km course: 6:30 a.m. (departure at 7 a.m.)
• 15km course: 8h (departure at 8h30)
• closing ceremony: 2 p.m. at Fuji Hokuroku Park

Price :

• 21km course: 15,000 yen (116€)
• 15km course: 10,000 yen (77€)

For further :

• When to climb?
• 7 facts about Mount Fuji
• Budget to plan for the ascent
• Five onsen with views of Mount Fuji
• Three little-known caves at the foot of Mount Fuji
• Mount Fuji in numbers
• Climbing Mount Fuji, rules of good conduct
• Feature: Climbing Mount Fuji
• Mount Fuji Climbing Routes
• Mount Fuji in history, culture and art