Mt.Hiei International Trail Run

The 12th Hieizan International Trail Run is a high-difficulty mountain race held at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the event is produced by renowned trail runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki and is known for its steep vertical gains and technical terrain.

The event is divided into three distances, all starting and finishing at the Enryakuji Temple Parking Lot 3. The courses utilize ancient pilgrimage paths with extreme elevation changes.

Registration fees vary by category and age. Early bird discounts are available for the longer distances until January 31, 2026. The participation fee includes race insurance and the mandatory Enryaku-ji Temple pilgrimage fee.

The 50-mile and 50-km categories have strict qualification standards. 50-mile entrants must have completed a 100km trail race or a sub-3-hour marathon. 50-km entrants must have completed a 40km trail run or a sub-4.5-hour marathon. All participants must be capable of navigating the course independently without getting lost.

Mount Hiei straddles the border of Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures. The terrain is characterized by dense cedar forests and steep ridgelines overlooking Lake Biwa. Runners should expect significant humidity and vertical climbs that average nearly 70 meters of gain per kilometer in the 50-mile race. High-traffic areas, including the sacred temple grounds, are designated as mandatory walking sections to respect the religious site. In the event of extreme weather or bear sightings, the organizers reserve the right to modify or cancel the course.

This is a self-supported style race on technical terrain. The following gear is required at all times: Rainwear (top and bottom with seam tape), a high-powered light (cell phone lights are strictly prohibited), cold weather gear including a survival blanket, an insect poison remover, and a bear bell for specific sections. Participants must carry at least 1 liter of water and a personal cup, as no paper cups are provided at aid stations. Trekking poles are strictly prohibited on all courses.

The race venue is at Enryakuji Temple Parking Lot 3 in Sakamoto, Otsu City. An official shuttle bus departs from the JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (advance reservation required by April 29). Parking is limited and reserved exclusively for 50-mile and 50-km participants who apply during entry. 23-km participants are required to use public transportation or the shuttle bus to reach the start line.