Hello, this is Hiroki from OLENO.
We have introduced trail races held in the Kansai region so far, but this time we will introduce trail races held in the naturally rich Nara Prefecture. Basically, we have found races that are easy for beginners to participate in, so please use this as a reference if you are a beginner or are thinking of starting trail running.
[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
21st Ikoma Trail Run <Winter Mountain>
This trail running event takes place in the Ikoma mountain range, which straddles Osaka and Nara prefectures. From the Ikoma mountain range, you can see the Osaka plains, and the view is particularly spectacular in the clear air of winter. The course has a good balance of gentle and tough sections, and is designed to be easy for even beginners to participate in. In addition, the starting point, Kisaichi Waterfront Plaza, is easily accessible, just a five-minute walk from Keihan Kisaichi Station, making it a convenient location for participants.
| Location | Osaka Prefecture to Nara Prefecture ( Kisaichi Waterfront Plaza) |
| Date and time | Saturday, January 25, 2025 |
|
distance |
29km: Approximately 29km / Cumulative altitude 975m 22km: Approximately 22km / Cumulative altitude 700m |
| Number of applicants | 300 people each |
| Entry Deadline | Until Wednesday, December 25, 2024 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/ikoma-fuyuyama/ |
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World Heritage Kumano Kodo Kohechi Trail Journey in Totsukawa
This trail running event is held in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, and takes place on Kohechi, a part of the Kumano Kodo trail that is registered as a World Heritage Site. There are two courses available, the 28km Miura Course and the 4.3km Hatenashi Course, which runners can choose based on their experience and physical strength. You can enjoy the scenery of virgin forests and beautiful mountains, and the 360-degree panoramic view from the top of Obakodake is particularly impressive. At the finish point, Totsukawa Onsen Subaru no Sato, you can refresh yourself in the hot springs to soothe your fatigue after the run.
| Location | Nara Prefecture, Yoshino District, Totsukawa Village, Hiraya 909-4, Totsukawa Onsen Subaru no Sato |
| Date and time | March 2, 2025 (Sunday) |
|
distance |
28km (17.5km/62.5%) paved road / Total elevation gain 1,039m 4.3km / Total elevation gain approx. 360m |
| Number of applicants | 28km: 100 people (including villagers) 4.3km: 50 people (including villagers) |
| Entry Deadline | ~ Monday, February 3, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://kohechi-trail-j-totsukawa.com/about/ |
Trail Runners Cup Nara 2025
This special race opens the World Heritage site of Mount Wakakusa to runners only once a year, allowing them to enjoy the scenery of the ancient city of Nara. The course is designed to be easy to enjoy for those who want to start exercising or taking up outdoor activities, so it is suitable for a wide range of participants, from beginners to families, and parent-child participation is also encouraged.
| Location | Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park |
| Date and time | March 9, 2025 |
|
distance |
8km / Total elevation gain approx. 400m 4km / Total elevation gain approx. 200m |
| Number of applicants |
8km: 300 people 4km: 300 people |
| Entry Deadline | ~February 21, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://trailrunners.jp/event/nara-2025/ |
22nd Ikoma Trail Run <Summer Mountain>
This trail running event takes place in the Ikoma mountain range, which straddles Osaka and Nara prefectures. The course allows you to fully enjoy the rich nature of the Ikoma mountain range, and the exhilarating feeling of running through forests and mountainous areas is what makes it so appealing. Two courses, approximately 27km and approximately 20km, are available to suit the runner's level and purpose, and with moderate ups and downs, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of runners, from beginners to experienced runners. The starting point, Hoshida Park Wanpaku Square, is relatively easy to access, about a 30-minute walk from Keihan Kisaichi Station. (Please note that there is no parking lot.)
| Location | Osaka Prefecture to Nara Prefecture (Hoshida Park, Wanpaku Square) |
| Date and time | Saturday, July 26, 2025 |
|
distance |
27km: Approximately 27km / Cumulative altitude 975m+ 20km: Approximately 20km / Cumulative altitude 700m+ |
| Number of applicants | 400 people each |
| Entry Deadline | ~July 5, 2025 |
| Tournament details | https://www.actrep-sports.com/ikoma-natsuyama/ |
Above, we have introduced the trail running races that will be held in Nara Prefecture in 2025. There are many races that are easy for even beginners to participate in, and you will be able to enjoy the world-famous nature of Nara Prefecture. This only picks up races that have been announced, and it is expected that the number will increase in the future.
