Running into its 15^th year, this international event is expecting 4,000 avid runners to take on the 100km and 60km ultra challenges on Sunday, 20 September 2015. Unlike other races set in the culturally rich city of Kyoto, the silver IAU-certified ultramarathon is set along northern mountain paths, presenting runners with glorious sea views and serenity away from the usual bustling tourist sites.

Starting before dawn at 4:30 a.m., 100km runners will run off in two waves from Amity Tango and make their way uphill through a 'seven dragon pass'. They will be later joined by 60km runners when they flag off at 9:00 a.m. at the Kumihama Canoe Warehouse.

Along the way, runners will be rewarded with a variety of pick-me-ups including drinks, fruits, candy and pickled plum, as well as dips in hot spring baths. These will especially come in handy at the 73km mark. The hardest part of the course, runners have to go up and down hills in the Ikari Kogen Bokujo highland farm, scaling a vertical distance of 400m in the 10km distance. At the last 20km stretch, runners will pass through a tranquil coastal road featuring icons like Byobuiwa and Tateiwa rocks and a fisherman's town.

But the real reward awaits runners at the finish line as spectators cheer them on and they receive their well-deserved finisher medals and certificates. Those who have completed their 10^th 100km ultra will be bestowed the title of "TI-TAN" for their amazing feat, while the top six male and female winners of both categories will also be awarded.

Registration is Open

Entry fees for the 100km and 60km ultras are 18,000 JPY and 13,000 JPY respectively. Race packages include an original tournament T-shirt and Tango specialty products.

Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and closes on 24 July 2015. Spaces are capped at 1,400 and 2,600 for the 100km and 60km categories, so sign up online soon via Sports Entry.

Find out more on their English website.