Nice to meet you, my name is Hiroki, a new staff member at OLENO.
In fact, I joined the OLENO staff on October 1, 2024, and I spend my days studying outdoor activities, including trail running.
As a member of OLENO, I am thinking about taking part in a trail running race next year, but I was having trouble deciding which one to enter, so I did some research and gathered information.
Since I have the opportunity, I thought I'd share it with everyone, so if you're like me and are thinking about taking up trail running, or if you're a beginner, please take a look at it!
・Kata Big Rock Trail (Osaka Prefecture)
This trail running race was started as a simple trail running (marathon) that anyone can enjoy, based on the concept of a mountain festival, and is easy for even beginners to participate in. The 360-degree panoramic view from Katanoyama, a popular spot in Katano City, is a spectacular sight. You can also enjoy trail running while taking in the many other fascinating natural sights, such as the Water Stage in Kurondo Forest, the terraced fields of Sojinosato, and Genji Falls in Kuraji.
As for nearby facilities, there is a convenience store about an 8-minute walk away, slightly in the opposite direction from the reception venue. Please note that there are no public baths or hot springs nearby.
Also, there is no parking lot at the reception venue, so you will need to walk about 8 minutes from the nearest station. If you absolutely must go by car, you can use the paid parking lot near Keihan Railway's Katano City Station, which is two stations away from Keihan Kisaichi Station.
| Tournament Name |
Katano Big Rock Trail |
| Official website | |
| Location |
"Kurondou Garden, Prefectural Forest" and "Katanoyama Forest Park, Living Creatures Village" in Katano City, Osaka Prefecture, "Hirakata City Outdoor Activities Center" in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, "Hojikoshi" and "Hoji Pass (Iwafune Pass)" in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture |
| Reception venue |
"Star Village Iwafune" Katano City Iwafune Natural Forest Sports and Culture Center (9-4-8, Iwafune, Katano City, Osaka Prefecture) |
| distance |
Double: Approx. 46km Total altitude: Approx. 2,760m |
| Time limit | Double: 6.5 hours (1 checkpoint on the way) Single: 6 hours (1 checkpoint on the way) |
| Participation Fee | Double: 10,000 yen Single: 9,000 yen |
| Eligibility | Participants must be high school students or older and confident that they can complete the entire course within the time limit without getting lost. |
| Event period |
Sunday, February 2, 2025 |
| Application period |
~ January 19, 2025 (Sun) |
・Kyoto Trail Run Kitayama Course (Kyoto)
This trail marathon race is held in the cool autumn weather when the leaves change colour and nature is beautiful, making it enjoyable even for beginner trail runners. The start is in Arashiyama, a famous tourist spot, and you can run past Rakushisha, Nison-in, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and other sights. Between the 20km and 30km mark, you'll come across a mountain path called "Nuzobitani," which features a steep descent down the mountainside and narrow wooden bridges, so you'll need to be careful when handling the trail. However, the cumulative elevation is low overall, and there are not many ups and downs, so it's a relatively enjoyable course even for inexperienced beginner trail runners.
Because the starting point and finish point are in different locations, you cannot drive to the venue. However, the starting point is relatively easy to access, just a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, and there is a shuttle bus to the nearest station to the finish point, so there is no need to worry.
| Tournament Name |
Kyoto Trail Run <Kitayama Course> |
| Official website | |
| Location |
Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
|
Starting point |
Kameyama area of Arashiyama Park (10 minutes walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station) |
|
Finish point |
Shizuhara Shrine (10 minutes by shuttle bus to Eizan Electric Railway Ichihara Station) |
| distance |
33km Total altitude: approx. 1360m |
| Time limit | 8 hours (including checkpoint) |
| Participation Fee | 9,500 yen |
| Eligibility | 1. Healthy men and women aged 20 or older 2. People who are confident that they can complete the entire race course without getting lost and within the time limit. 3. Those who can cooperate with local development by staying at the venue and using the shops (optional) |
| Event period |
Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Application period |
~ September 27, 2025 |
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・Ninja Trail Running Race (Mie Prefecture)
This trail marathon race is held in Iga, a land famous for ninjas, with the concept of "play seriously, have fun seriously." In addition to the trail run, there are many other attractive features, such as the opportunity to experience the training of former ninjas and experience the "travel feeling" that connects the mountains and villages.
There are three distance courses available: Short (22km), Long (48km), and IGAGOE (50km). For beginners, the short course is recommended. The course has a cumulative elevation difference of 1100m, and the relatively gentle terrain typical of the Aoyama-Nunobiki mountain range makes it easy for beginners to run, and there is ample course guidance, so even first-timers can participate with confidence. In addition, the views of Seikyozan and Ryozan, and the mirror-like Tashiro Pond are famous sightseeing spots.
Furthermore, it is easily accessible, taking only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and other areas. There are plenty of parking options available, including the Sarubino Onsen Parking Lot at the starting point, the Awa District Civic Center (approximately 3km from the venue), and the Seseragi Sports Park (approximately 10km from the venue).
| Tournament Name |
NINJA TRAIL RUN |
| Official website | |
| Location |
Oyamada, Iga City, Mie Prefecture |
|
Starting point |
Sarubino Onsen |
|
Finish point |
Sarubino Onsen |
| distance |
Short: 22km |
| Time limit | Short: 5 hours (with checkpoints) Long: 10 hours (with checkpoints) IGAGOE: 11 hours (with checkpoint) |
| Participation Fee | Short: 8,000 yen Long: 13,000 yen IGAGOE: 25,000 yen (total price for 2 people) |
| Eligibility | 1. You are fully aware of the distance of the race and the characteristics of running in mountainous terrain, and have completed the necessary training. 2. Have the ability to deal with any problems that may arise in this type of race. 3. You will be able to deal with troubles and bad weather that can occur in mountainous areas (low temperatures, strong winds, rain, and snow) without relying on others. 4. I fully understand that issues 1 to 3 are something I must overcome on my own and that the Organizing Committee is not responsible for them. 5. When faced with a safety issue while engaging in natural activities, each participant must respond according to their own capabilities. 6. Please observe traffic regulations on the public roads that serve as the race course, as there are generally no traffic restrictions. 7. For the Long and IGAGOE races, participants must be high school students or older. For the Short races, participants must be junior high school students or older. They must be confident that they can complete the entire course without getting lost and within the time limit. (If you are under 18 years old, parental consent is required.) 8. Eligibility to participate in the Long Division and IGAGOE Division is for participants who have completed a trail running race of 30km or more within the past four years. (If you have never completed the entire race, you can be waived this requirement by participating in a practice run held by the organizers before the race.) 9. In addition to the above, for the IGAGOE division, there will be no markings on the course, so participants must be able to read and navigate maps using a map app based on the GPX data provided by the organizers, and each participant must have mountain insurance. |
| Event period |
Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
| Application period |
to be decided |
・FAIRY TRAIL Biwako Takashima Trail Running in Kuchiki
This trail running race was started with the desire to let people feel the charm of Takashima Kutsuki Forest. The name of the race, "FAIRY," is an emotion that the race producer, Tsuyoshi Kaburagi, actually felt, and you can feel the vitality of the vibrant Takashima Kutsuki Forest.
Compared to other trail runs for beginners, there are certain conditions you need to meet to participate, but anyone who regularly participates in marathons can participate. Enjoy this trail race that represents Shiga, where you can experience the grandeur of Lake Biwa.
To access the venue, parking is available for those who come by car on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if you are unable to make a reservation, there are shuttle buses available from each JR station (JR Kyoto-Hachijo Station, JR Omi-Imazu Station, JR Azumigawa Station, etc.).
*Please check the official website for details.
The starting point, Green Park Omoide no Mori, has accommodation and a day spa, so you can relax after the race.
| Tournament Name |
FAIRY TRAIL Takashima Kutsuki Trail Run Race |
| Official website | |
| Location |
341-3 Kutsuki Kashiwa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture |
|
Starting point |
Green Park Omoide no Mori *For short courses, the tour will be in the Tochio area. (Free shuttle bus available) |
|
Finish point |
Green Park Omoide no Mori |
| distance |
Short course: Approximately 20km (capacity 300 people, total elevation 1,070m) |
| Time limit | Short course: 7 hours 30 minutes Long course: 9 hours 30 minutes Super long course: 12 hours 30 minutes |
| Participation Fee | Short course: 10,000 yen / U22 discount 5,000 yen Long course: 10,000 yen / U22 discount 5,000 yen Super long course: 20,000 yen / U22 discount 10,000 yen |
| Eligibility | Short course: 1. Those who have completed a half marathon or a trail running race of 15km or more. 2. Those who can run the entire course without getting lost. Long course: Those who have completed a full marathon or a trail run of 35km or more |
| Entry Period |
No membership in 2025 |
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・Kumano Kodo Trail Running Race (Mie Prefecture)
A popular trail running race held on the Kumano Kodo trails in Mie Prefecture. The trails include the Kumano Kodo trails, which are named after the race, Maruyama Senmaida terraces, Akagi Castle ruins,
There are many attractions, such as the sea of clouds at Tsuenomine, Doro Gorge, and Nunobiki Falls, and you can enjoy it as if you were on a little trip. There are three distances available: short (10.5km), middle (30.2km), and long (51.5km). The short course is relatively easy with an elevation difference of 550m, making it the perfect distance for beginners in trail running. The participation conditions are also relaxed, so if you are considering a race for beginners in trail running, please give it a try.
The official website has photos of the trail marathon race, so be sure to check it out and you may be able to get an idea of the course outline.
The venue also has a parking lot, which is free on the day of the event. However, since the number of spaces is limited, it is probably safer for those staying at nearby accommodation to use the accommodation's parking lot.
Also, please note that although there are convenience stores in the area, there are no facilities such as public baths nearby.
| Tournament Name |
Kumano Kodo Trail Running Race |
| Official website | |
| Location |
Kiwacho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture |
|
Starting point |
Kumano City Kiwa B&G Marine Center |
|
Finish point |
Kumano City Kiwa B&G Marine Center |
| distance |
Short: 10.5 km (120 people) |
| Time limit | Short: Set for each checkpoint. *Please see the official website for details. Middle: Set for each checkpoint. *Please see the official website for details. Long: Set for each checkpoint. *Please see the official website for details. |
| Participation Fee | Short: 6,500 yen 22 years old and under: 4,000 yen Middle: 11,000 yen 22 years old and under: 7,000 yen Long: 14,000 yen 22 years old and under: 9,000 yen |
| Eligibility | ⑴ Those who are able to comply with, agree to, and cooperate with the Tournament Guidelines as well as the separately specified "Tournament Terms and Conditions," "Competition Rules," "Infection Prevention Measures," "Notes," and "Participation Pledges." ⑵ Healthy men and women aged high school or older who are confident that they can complete the entire course without getting lost and within the time limit. *If you are under 18 years old, you will need a parental consent seal. 3) Long Course Participation Criteria (This is at your own discretion, and the organizers will not check whether you meet the participation criteria.) *Those who have completed a trail running race of 40km or more within the past two years. *Those who have basic mountain climbing skills such as rappelling and three-point support, and are confident that they will return safely without getting lost. |
| Event period |
to be decided |
| Application period |
to be decided |
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・LUMBERJACKTRAIL (Nara Prefecture)
The LUMBERJACK TRAIL held in Mitsue Village, Nara Prefecture, is also a race that is easy for beginner trail runners to participate in. The word "Lumberjack" in the name of the race means "lumberjack" in English, making it a perfect name for Mitsue, a small village dedicated to forestry and agriculture.
This trail event runs through the Mitsue mountains, and two courses were prepared for 2024. There is a long course of about 17 km that goes around Mt. Mitake twice to the summit, and a short course of about 11 km that goes around once. The long course has a cumulative elevation of about 1.3 km and has quite a few ups and downs, but even beginners can easily participate in the short course. Since the scale itself is not that large, the distance between participants is very close, and I think that one of the attractions is that they can deepen their communication by hanging out together after the race.
We recommend driving to the venue. There is a parking lot called the Mitakeyama Trailhead Parking Lot, and since there aren't many participants, it probably won't be too crowded. Of course, you can also go by bus, but it's a bit complicated as you have to transfer. (Don't worry, they'll let you know in advance.)
Also, there are no convenience stores in Mitsue Village, so please prepare snacks, drinks, etc. in advance.
| Tournament Name |
LUMBERJACKTRAIL |
| Official social media | |
| Location |
1790, Komue, Mitsue Village, Uda County, Nara Prefecture |
|
Starting point |
Mitsue Youth Travel Village |
|
Finish point |
Mitsue Youth Travel Village |
| distance |
Short: 11km |
| Time limit | Short * Set for each checkpoint Long * Set for each checkpoint |
| Participation Fee | Short: 4,000 yen Long: 5,000 yen |
| Eligibility | None |
| Event period |
to be decided |
| Application period |
to be decided |
・Ikoma Trail Run (Summer Mountain)
This trail running race is held on Mt. Ikoma, the most familiar mountain in Osaka. It is a trail run where you can enjoy the scenery of the Osaka plains, but it is said to be quite tough, and it is a course that can be enjoyed by trail running beginners and veterans alike. However, participants say that it is an easy course to run on because the elevation gain is not that high.
(You may also get a better idea of what the race will be like if you take a look at the participant reports in advance: https://runnet.jp/report/race.do?raceId=346434 )
There is no parking available, so you will need to take public transportation to the reception area. To get to the venue, Hoshida Park Wanpaku Square, take the Keihan Katano Line to Kisaichi Station, and then it's a 30-minute walk from there. It's about 2km away, so it's best to allow yourself plenty of time.
As for nearby facilities, there is a convenience store about an 8-minute walk away, slightly in the opposite direction from the reception venue. Please note that there are no public baths or hot springs nearby.
| Tournament Name |
Ikoma Trail Run (Summer Mountain) |
| Official website | |
| Location |
Osaka Prefecture (Katano City) |
|
Starting point |
Hoshida Park Naughty Square |
|
Finish point |
21km: Narukawa Park Kozudake Community Square (about 20 minutes walk from Kintetsu Hiraoka Station) |
| distance |
21km/Cumulative altitude 700m+ |
| Time limit |
21km: 6 hours 28km: 8 hours |
| Participation Fee | 21km: General 7,500 yen 28km: General 9,500 yen |
| Eligibility | 1. ■28km: Healthy men and women aged 20 and over ■21km: Healthy men and women aged 20 and over 2. People who are confident that they can complete the entire race course without getting lost and within the time limit. 3. Those who can cooperate with local development by staying at the venue and using the shops (optional) |
| Event period |
Saturday, July 26, 2025 |
| Application period |
~July 5, 2025 |
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The above is just information I have researched, but I have introduced seven trail marathon races in the Kansai region that even beginners can participate in.
Although this is a race for beginners, I am not yet at the level where I can participate in a trail running race, so I will continue to practice for a while. However, I don't know any recommended trail running courses, so I will look into it again and write an article about it when I can.
Or maybe I should ask a great senior OLENO staff member.
If you are a beginner to trail running, come join us and have fun!
