Hello. I'm Hiroki from OLENO.
This is the third time we are introducing trail running races in the Kansai region. This time, we will introduce five trail races (2025 edition) held in Hyogo Prefecture that are easy for even beginners to participate in. We hope this information will be useful for those who have just started trail running or are looking for trail running races in Hyogo Prefecture. (Please note that this information is only publicly available online.)
[2025 Edition] 5 trail races in Kyoto that are easy for beginners to participate in
The 14th Rokko Traverse Trail Run 2025
This trail running course traverses the famous Rokko mountain range in the Kansai region. The Rokko mountain range is adjacent to the city, but is also rich in nature, allowing you to enjoy the contrast between the city and nature. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kobe and Rokko in early spring, and the course is designed to be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to veterans.
| Location | The Rokko mountain range from Suma Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture to Takarazuka City |
| Date and time | Saturday, March 8, 2025 |
| distance | 38km (there is also a 24km short course) |
| Number of applicants | 500 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Sunday, February 16, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/rokko-trailrun/ |
TAMBA Round 5 -Sanda Senjoji Lake Trail Running-
This trail course is surrounded by nature and has a distance and elevation difference that is easy for even beginners to tackle. Senjoji Lake is beautiful in every season, and you can run while enjoying the lakeside scenery.
| Location | Around Lake Senjoji, Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Date and time | Sunday, March 16, 2025 |
| distance | 30km |
| Number of applicants | not clear |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Sunday, February 23, 2025 |
| Tournament details |
TAMBA Round 6 -Ashida Castle Cherry Blossom Trail-
This race is held during the cherry blossom season, and you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom-lined streets while running. The course is designed to be beginner-friendly. The area around Ashida Castle is a blend of historical atmosphere and nature, and the cherry blossoms are especially beautiful in spring.
| Location | Around Ashida Castle, Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Date and time | Saturday, April 5, 2025 |
| distance | 22km |
| Number of applicants | not clear |
| Entry Deadline | ~ March 15, 2025 (Sat) |
| Tournament details | https://trailrun-tamba.com/ |
KOBE TRAIL 2025
This trail running course allows you to enjoy both Kobe's cityscape and nature at the same time, and beginners can take on the challenge with short distances. It is said to be Japan's first urban trail race, and is held in an easily accessible location within Kobe City, featuring a unique course that allows you to enjoy both the city and mountain areas.
| Location | Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture (Race venue: Mount Maya Kikuseidai) |
| Date and time | Saturday, April 19, 2025 - Sunday, April 20, 2025 Saturday, March 29, 2025 |
| distance | 21km (April 19th), 15km/4km (April 20th) |
| Number of applicants | Please check the official website as it varies depending on the race. |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Monday, March 17, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://www.kobe-trail.com/ |
Mt. Rokko Trail Run Summer Picnic
This is a trail running event that you can participate in with a picnic mood, set on Mt. Rokko in the summer. Short courses for beginners are also available. Mt. Rokko is a symbol of Kobe City, and it is relatively cool even in summer, where you can enjoy the rich nature and views.
| Location | Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Rokko Mountains |
| Date and time | August 11, 2025 (Monday/Holiday) |
| distance | Approximately 28km / Approximately 10km |
| Number of applicants | Total 400 people ■28km 200 people ■10km 200 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Sunday, July 21, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/mt-rokko-picnic/ |
Above, we have introduced trail races in Hyogo Prefecture that are easy for even beginners to participate in.
There are many races centered around Tamba and Rokko, but the KOBE TRAIL, which takes you through the center of Kobe, is a race you can't experience anywhere else. Be sure to check it out and try it out!
