Echigo Matsudai Harunojin Trail Race

Your entry fee doesn't buy a finisher T‑shirt — it buys school partnerships and forest conservation. Echigo Matsudai Harunojin is a non‑profit community development project where trail running meets regional revitalization. Sunday, June 14, 2026, from the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field's "No-Mai" center in Matsudai, Niigata. 25 km through satoyama farmland and forest, and a 2 km junior/family run.

What Your Entry Fee Supports:

• Educational partnerships with local schools.
• Satoyama (village‑forest) environmental conservation activities.
• Regional revitalization in Matsudai, part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field region.

Logistics & Schedule (Sunday, June 14, 2026):

• Start/finish: No‑Mai center, Matsudai, Tokamachi City, Niigata (3743-1 Matsudai).
• Bibs: Mailed in advance — no on‑site registration counter.
• Bag drop: 7:30–16:30 at No‑Mai center (no valuables).
• Parking: four free lots — Matsudai Branch Office, Matsudai General Gymnasium, Matsudai High School, Matsudai Yuai Center. No street parking.
• Train access: Hokuhoku Line, Matsudai Station — 90m to start (1 min walk).
• Shuttle bus for hot springs (onsen) — schedule available post‑race.

Mandatory Gear & Rules:

• Trail running shoes, personal cup (no cups at aid stations), minimum 1L water, mobile phone (number registered at entry).
• Recommended: backpack, personal food, first aid kit, insurance card (copy OK), course map (PDF/GPX), fully waterproof rain jacket with hood (taped seams).
• No headphones — you must hear warnings and greetings.
• No littering. Pick up trash if you see it. Greet hikers and villagers. When passing locals on the trail, walk — don't run past them (running spooks people).
• Do not run outside the marked course. Disqualification for environmental violations.

Finisher Awards & Recognition:

• 25 km: overall male/female 1st–3rd + student category 1st–3rd.
• 2 km: age groups (grades 1‑3, 4‑6, junior high) — 1st–3rd each.
• Participation prize: Echigo Matsudai soba + original hand towel (tenugui). Pickup only at event venue — no mailing.

Health, Safety & Withdrawal:

• Insurance included in entry fee (event liability only — does not cover all situations).
• Withdrawal only at aid stations. Course withdrawal must be reported to nearest staff — bib and timing chip will be collected. Lost chip charged at actual cost.
• Medical staff can DNF any runner for health reasons.
• No refunds for any reason after payment is completed (including weather cancellation, course changes, or termination of race).

Cancellation & Weather:

• Organizers may change the course, shorten distances, or cancel the race at any time due to bad weather (storms, heavy rain, snow, earthquakes, accidents, etc.). No refunds.

Sponsors & Partners (partial list): Kanasho Sangyo, Sekino Kosan, Carl Benks, Tokamachi Mokko, Shinwa Service, Santa Create, Taka Kenzō, and many local businesses. Supporting partners include Ijū Concierge and Unkai.