Hello, this is Hiroki from OLENO.
We have introduced trail running races in each prefecture of the Kansai region, but now there are only two left (Wakayama and Mie prefectures).
However, since we couldn't find many trail races for beginners in either prefecture, please note that we will be introducing both of them together this time.
[2025 Edition] 5 trail races in Hyogo that are easy for beginners to participate in
[2025 Edition] 5 trail races in Kyoto that are easy for beginners to participate in
[2025 Edition] 5 trail races in Osaka Prefecture that are easy for beginners to participate in
[2025 Edition] 4 trail races in Nara Prefecture that are easy for beginners to participate in
● Mie Prefecture: 3
Taikicho Seaside Trail
This trail running event is held every February in Taiki Town, Mie Prefecture. The biggest attraction of this event is that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea and mountains at the same time. The course runs through the ria coast overlooking the deep blue sea of Kumano-Nada and lush mountains, allowing you to experience a wide variety of terrain and vegetation. There are three distance categories: long (23km, cumulative elevation 1700m), short (14km, cumulative elevation 900m), and kids (for elementary school students, 1.7km), and a wide range of participants from beginners to advanced runners can participate. The short course in particular is designed with a distance and difficulty that is easy for even beginners to try.
| Location | Taiki Town, Mie Prefecture |
| Date and time | Saturday, February 8, 2025 |
| distance |
Long 23km / Total elevation 1,700m Short 14km / Total elevation 900m Kids Elementary School 1st and 2nd graders 900m, 3rd graders and above 1.7km |
|
Number of applicants |
Long 23km: 600 people Short 14km: 300 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Monday, January 20, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://www.nature-scene.net/taiki/ |
The 2nd Matsusaka Kahada Gorge Trail Run
This trail running event is held in the rich nature and historical sites of Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. The course includes the legendary historic site "Mezurashi Pass," which is said to have separated Ise and Yamato, and "Tsubonegatake," the first of the Matsusaka Kahada Eleven, allowing participants to feel the history and culture of the region while running. There are long (23km), short (14km), and kids' jogging (1.3km) courses, and the courses are designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of runners, from beginners to experienced runners.
After reaching the finish line, you can soothe your tired body at the "Kahadakyo Onsen Iitaka no Yu" hot springs located at the nearby roadside station "Iitaka Station." There are also restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and souvenir shops, making it an attractive spot for sports tourism.
| Location | 1022 Miyamae, Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture (Matsusaka City Miyamae Elementary School) |
| Date and time | Sunday, February 23, 2025 |
| distance |
Long 23km / Total elevation 1,900m Trail rate 50% Short 14km / Total elevation 1,000m Trail rate 40% Kids jogging 1.3km (all paved roads) |
|
Number of applicants |
Long 23km: 175 people Short 14km: 175 people Kids Jogging Division: 50 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Friday, January 24, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://www.matsusakakahadakyotrail.com/ |
Tadoyama Trail Run
This trail running event is held at Mt. Tado in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. Although Mt. Tado is a low mountain with an elevation of only 403m, its summit offers a spectacular view of the Nobi Plain and the Kiso River. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, and runners are greeted by lush greenery in the new green season. There are two courses: the Challenge Course (23km) and the Enjoy Course (11km). The Enjoy Course has few ups and downs and a good balance of on-road and off-road, so even beginners to trail running can participate with confidence.
In terms of access, it is easily accessible from Nagoya, just a 10-minute walk from Tado Station on the Yoro Railway, making it a highly convenient location for participants.
| Location | Tado Tourist Parking Lot, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture (in front of the Tado Daruma Eel Main Store) |
| Date and time | Sunday, April 20, 2025 |
| distance |
Challenge course 23km Enjoy Course 11km |
|
Number of applicants |
Challenge course 23km: 600 people Enjoy Course 11km: 300 people |
| Entry Deadline | January 11, 2025 - February 14, 2025 23:59 |
| Tournament details | https://tadoyama-trail.jp/ |
●Wakayama: 1
Ume no Sato Trail Run
This trail running event will be held in Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Minabe Town is the number one producer of plums in Japan, known as "a million sights, ten miles of fragrance," and has also been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage site. The event course will take you through the magnificent plum groves and satoyama nature, and you can run among the plum blossoms in full bloom in early spring. There is a middle course (27km) and a short course (10km), so trail runners of all ages, from beginners to advanced runners, can enjoy it. There is also a parking lot, so access is relatively easy.
| Location | Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture (Takagi Junior High School) |
| Date and time | Sunday, February 16, 2025 |
| distance |
Middle course 27km Short 10km |
|
Number of applicants |
Middle course 27km: 200 people Short 10km: 200 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~January 24, 2025 (Friday) |
| Tournament details | https://umenosatotrail.wixsite.com/umenosatotrail |
The Ultimate Socks: Great grip, great breathability, great durability, and a fair price
Above, we have introduced the trail running races held in Mie and Wakayama prefectures. These are all trail races that make the most of the characteristics of each region, so we hope you will try participating at least once.
