Running Mount Fuji 100 Miles Ultra Marathon was a once in a lifetime adventure. It was a dream come true to trail run the most iconic ultra marathon in Japan - the 2024 Mt Fuji 100 - previously known as Ultra Trail Mount Fuji UTMF.
Curious about the gear I use and recommend: check out this link
linktr.ee/runningwithsimon
It was the 10th edition of what is now a classic race, attracting some of the best runners in the world, including Courtney Dauwalter. It's also part of the World Trail Majors of ultra running, just like Black Canyon 100k which I raced earlier this year. Despite being both epic races, those two long distance ultra marathon couldn't be any more different. At Mount Fuji 100, you have 45 hours to cover 100 miles of mountains in the surroundings of Mt Fuji.
The course alternates between runnable sections, including some roads, but also narrow technical single track. With an impressive 24,000 ft of gain, this is a challenging race. And the number is misleading - the course has extremely steep segments that are a slog fest on the way up, and a neck breaking slippery mess on the way down. It actually reminded me of HURT100 sometimes.
But the uniqueness is definitely the gorgeous views you get, and in particular, having Mount Fuji in the background at all time of the day and night. Amazingly, because of clouds, I didn't get to see Fujisan in the days before the race. The first time I finally had a clear view was minutes before the start - seeing the clear contrast of the mountain in the moonshine. We were later greeted and treated to one of the most amazing sunrise for me - as soon as I reached the summit of the biggest climbs, the sun peaked from being Fuji! That was very special.
Anyhow - I won't spoil too much, but what a race! I feel so grateful I was able to race this one. It was a bit of a last minute thing (confirmed ~14 days before the race) but turned out everything ran smoothly. From flight to train to hotel and race. This adventure is also much more accessible and affordable than I would have imagined! Small price to pay for an adventure and memory I will forever remember.
Thank you to all the volunteers (literally thousands of them cheering and supporting - many with costumes and some with dogs...wow you guys understand exactly what I need to smile!), and the organizer. Seriously, for a race this size, it's hard to believe how smooth everything was. Drop bag on point, aid station well staffed and stuffed. 10/10 recommend this one!
Next race - Cocodona 250 miles ... 1 week after Fuji (May 6th start - you can follow live the stream on aravaipa website)
As always - Thanks for watching and remember -
Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!
Simon
-----------------------------------------------
My gear list (and suggestions) and where to find them
- Filming - Go Pro: amzn.to/3VGsv9t
- Filming - Insta 360 x3: www.insta360.com/sal/x3?...
- Filming - Insta 360 x4: www.insta360.com/sal/x4?...
- Clothes - Running Vest - amzn.to/3J6ugVL
- Clothes - Sun Hat: amzn.to/3VFj5es
- Clothes - Running Shirt: amzn.to/3PEoIp9
- Clothes - Arm Sleeves: amzn.to/4cP53gu
- Clothes - Liner Socks: amzn.to/4aD56tY
- Clothes - Smart Wool Socks: amzn.to/3TDCJEP
- Poles - Black Diamond Alu: amzn.to/49yIcD7
- Light - Headlamp:amzn.to/3TDRgAv
- Light - Safety Light: amzn.to/4ag2xhk
- Sport Watch: Garmin Fenix 6X: amzn.to/3VHTl16
- Sport Watch: Garmin Fenix 7: amzn.to/3Txuxpy
These are affiliate links - meaning it’s the normal price but the seller gives back a small % to the channel. You pay the same price and ordering from these links is an easy way to support this channel.
Instagram:
/ runningwithsimon
Strava:
/ strava
Music:
• By Infraction : Detonate, Tokyo Streets, All Into Move, Phonk Phonk
• By Mokka Music: Leaving Home
• By Ikson: New Day
• Megaman X: Cast Roll, Password
• Super Metroid: Norfair (Ridley's Lair), Mother Brain
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: POSITIVE (TROPICAL)
inaudio.org/track/positive-tr...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: THIS DREAM (POP)
inaudio.org/track/this-dream-...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: BACK TO YOU (EDM)
inaudio.org/track/back-to-you...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: DISTANCE (CINEMATIC)
inaudio.org/track/distance-ci...
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org/
Track Name: NEWBORN DREAMS (ELECTRONIC POP)
inaudio.org/track/newborn-dre...
2 май 2024
