It is exciting to “announce the birth” of a new foot stage race slated for the Kansai region of Japan from 3 to 11 October 2015. This new event is co-organised by Kuai Sports Promotions and Venture Travel certainly going to present a one-of-a-kind challenge to anyone eager to take part, because the 8-day Trans Kansai requires competitors to finish a gruelling 200km route that passes some of that nation’s most beautiful attractions. But given the arduous distance runners face, will competitors focus on beauty and history or will the physical effects of a 200km ultra marathon take precedence? If you’re trying to decide whether to attempt this extreme event, here’s what you can expect.

As a dedicated runner, I know that having a proper-fitting, well-cushioned pair of shoes is a must to prevent injuries and continue to motivate me to keep running. The Saucony company (originally A.R. Hyde and Sons) has a rich history of manufacturing performance shoes for countless athletes – the company also manufactured shoes for soldiers in World War II. Since then, Saucony has become renowned for their high-quality running shoes worn by everyone from the casual runner to the elite marathoner.

Greece, Year 490 B.C. In one of the most famous battles in world history, the Battle of Marathon, there is an account written by the great historian Herodotus of brave Pheidippides. Sent by his generals to get reinforcements for the scanty Athenian forces against the forthcoming Asiatic incursion, the Athenian messenger ran from Athens to Sparta, covering 250km in just 36 hours.

Ladies, sometimes we don’t want to think too much about our workout outfits because we’re too busy with a long to-do list.

Sunday, 8 March 2015 is a special day for Nagoya, the central city of Japan’s Chubu region. Pumping with adrenaline and high spirits, avid runners of all endurance levels will open the welcomed spring season by pacing through this culturally significant place.

Into its 30th year, the Saromako 100km Ultramarathon will be back at Lake Saroma on Sunday, 28 June 2015. Also known as Saroma Lagoon, the ultra-race’s charming location is Hokkaidō’s largest lake and the third largest one in Japan.