Akiyoshidai Karst Trail Run

The Akiyoshidai Karst Trail Run 2026 is a premier mountain racing event held in Japan’s largest karst plateau, a quasi-national park in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, the race takes runners through a unique limestone landscape featuring rolling green hills dotted with white rock formations. The event emphasizes "coexistence between people, nature, and the region," with a portion of entry fees dedicated to environmental conservation efforts.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Venue: The event hub is the Akiyoshidai Family Village (1237-553 Akiyoshi, Shuho-cho, Mine-shi, Yamaguchi).
• -- Status Update: As of March 31, 2026, all courses are fully booked. No further entries are being accepted.
• -- Mandatory Gear: Runners must carry specific safety equipment, including a hooded rain jacket (fully waterproof/seam-sealed), an emergency blanket (min. 130x200cm), a whistle, at least 1000ml of water, and a headlamp with spare batteries. For the 50km and 30km courses, a double-strap backpack is required.
• -- Sustainability & Manners: This is a "no-cup" event; participants must carry their own reusable cup (150cc+). Strict trail etiquette is enforced, including prioritizing hikers, strictly prohibiting littering, and remaining on marked trails to protect the fragile karst vegetation.
• -- Safety Requirements: All participants are required to watch a specific outdoor first aid lecture on YouTube prior to the race. Additionally, runners must carry their insurance card (or "My Number" health card) and a mobile phone.
• -- Registration/Check-in: Check-in is available on Saturday, May 23 (14:00–17:30) or on the morning of the race. There is no pre-race mailing; bibs and participation t-shirts are provided at the venue.
• -- ITRA Points: The 50km course is expected to provide 2 ITRA points, while the 30km course provides 1 point.
• -- Parking: Specific parking lots (Akiyoshidai Family Village, Kurotani Exit, etc.) are assigned to participants by the secretariat in advance to manage traffic flow.
• -- Retirement Policy: If a runner decides to retire, they must report to the nearest aid station or staff member and return their timing chip immediately. A fee of 4,400 yen applies for lost or unreturned chips.

The Akiyoshidai Karst Trail Run 2026 offers an otherworldly running experience across Japan's largest limestone plateau, demanding self-sufficiency and high environmental awareness from its participants.