Nagi Peaks Tough Trail Challenge

The Nagi Peaks Tough Trail Challenge takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with the Challenge Course (66km) starting at 4:00 AM and the Middle Course (33km) starting at 8:00 AM from Tsuyama City Katsuhoku General Sports Park (Challenge Course registration/start) and Nagi Central Plaza (Middle Course registration/start) in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. This tough and wild trail race along the ridgeline of the Nagi Mountains features cumulative elevation gains of 5,100m for the 66km course and 2,200m for the 33km course, with time limits of 16 hours 30 minutes and 10 hours respectively.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Registration Period: January 29, 2026 (0:00) to May 24, 2026 (23:59) – first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached (300 for Challenge Course, 500 for Middle Course).
• Eligibility: Men and women aged 18 and over on race day. Challenge Course participants must have completed a 30km+ trail race or previously completed the Middle Course of this event.
• Registration Method: Online via Runnet.
• Schedule – Day Before (Saturday, June 6, 2026): 13:00-16:00 registration at Katsuhoku Sports Park. TAIMATSU GPS terminals are picked up on race day (counter available for those who registered the day before).
• Schedule – Race Day (Sunday, June 7, 2026): Challenge Course – parking opens at 2:00, on-site registration 2:15-3:30, opening ceremony/briefing from 3:30, start at 4:00, awards ceremony at 14:00 (tentative), time limit at 20:30. Middle Course – parking opens at 5:00, on-site registration/inspection 6:00-7:30, opening ceremony/briefing from 7:30, start at 8:00, awards ceremony at 12:00, time limit at 18:00.
• Finish Line & Awards: Common finish line and awards ceremony at Tsuyama City Katsuhoku General Sports Park. For the Middle Course, a shuttle bus is planned from the finish venue. Baggage drop-off service available at the start venue.
• Participation Prize: Tournament original merchandise.
• Awards: Overall men and women – 1st to 6th place. Age groups (under 29, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and over) – 1st to 3rd place in each category (certificates only, no on-stage ceremony). No duplicate awards.
• ITRA Points: Challenge Course – 4 ITRA points (100km equivalent). Middle Course – 2 ITRA points (20km equivalent).
• TAIMATSU GPS Terminal: Required for both courses. Rental fee included in participation fee. Must be returned after the race. Non-return or damage incurs a replacement fee.
• Insurance: Group comprehensive compensation plan (death/permanent disability: 2 million yen; hospitalization: 3,000 yen/day; outpatient: 1,500 yen/day). Mountain climbing insurance not included – participants are advised to obtain their own.
• Cancellation Policy: No refunds for personal reasons, cancellations, duplicate applications, course changes, shortened courses, or cancellations due to natural disasters, bad weather, illness, or public health restrictions.

Mandatory Equipment (Inspection at Registration):

• Backpack/rucksack (both shoulders – single-shoulder or waist pouch not allowed)
• Emergency blanket (130cm x 200cm or larger)
• Whistle
• Hydration: Challenge Course – 1.5L or more; Middle Course – 1L or more (at start and when departing each aid station)
• Trail food (at start only)
• Hooded rain jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent – completely waterproof, breathable, with sealed seams; plastic raincoats, ponchos, and jackets without seam tape not permitted)
• Course map (mobile phone with saved map data or RunWatch app accepted)
• First-aid kit (band-aids, athletic tape, etc.)
• Portable cup (100cc or more)
• Bib number (must be worn on front)
• Registered mobile phone number (the phone itself must be carried)
• My Number Insurance Card or Health Insurance Eligibility Confirmation Document (original – copies not accepted)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• TAIMATSU GPS terminal (distributed before start)
• Bear bell (do not ring in residential areas from Katsuhoku Sports Park to Horisaka Shrine)

Prohibited Items and Actions:

• Trekking poles and walking sticks (not permitted)
• Earphones or sound-interfering devices
• Running barefoot or in sandals
• Littering
• Defecating outside designated toilets (venue toilets, facility toilets, event toilets, portable toilets)
• Damaging or collecting plants
• Using found sticks or branches as tools
• Moving or removing course markings (tape, ropes, cones, signs)
• Shortcuts or course deviations
• Removing timing chip from bib before finish

Route and Atmosphere:

• Scenic Highlights: The ridgeline course offers truly spectacular views of the Nagi Mountain range, which spans Okayama and Tottori prefectures with altitudes exceeding 1,200 meters. On clear days, runners can see all the way to the mountains of Shikoku.
• Course Features: A tough and wild trail running experience through a mountainous area blessed with a rich ecosystem. The course is marked with tape approximately every 300 meters.
• Cultural Elements: Mt. Nagi is known as the place where the god of nation-building is said to have descended. Respect for temples, shrines, and the mountains is emphasized, with traditions of offering greetings before entering and giving thanks when descending.
• Aid Stations: Local sweets are served at aid stations, and local specialty products are given to top finishers.
• Community & Volunteers: The event relies on volunteer staff for race preparation, registration, water stations, course guidance, finish line support, photography, and sweeping. Experienced leaders are assigned to each position.
• Sponsors & Support: Supported by Okayama Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture, Tsuyama City, Nagi Town, Chizu Town, multiple tourism associations, chambers of commerce, broadcasting companies, and newspapers.
• Eco & Etiquette Focus: Leave no trace principles, picking up trash, greeting hikers twice (10m away and when passing), prioritizing hikers, walking (not running) when passing, staying on trails, and no headphones to enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Post-Race: Local attractions include history, culture, and delicious beef dishes. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the charms of Tsuyama City after the race.

The Nagi Peaks Tough Trail Challenge 2026 in Okayama, Japan – featuring 66km and 33km courses along the spectacular Nagi Mountain ridgeline – challenges runners with 5,100m or 2,200m of elevation gain, mandatory equipment inspections, and a deep respect for nature, mountain etiquette, and local community.