Ultra-Trail Mt Fuji (UTMF): Race Guide, Entry & Course Overview

What Is Mt.FUJI 100 (Formerly UTMF)

Mt.FUJI 100 — formerly known as Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji (UTMF) — is Japan's premier 100-mile trail race. The course loops around the base of Mt Fuji through forests, ridgelines, and volcanic trails across Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. It is one of the World Trail Majors series events.

The race has undergone significant changes in recent years, including a name change and course redesign. According to the official Mt.FUJI 100 site, the 2026 edition takes place April 24-26. The event now includes three race categories, making it accessible to runners beyond the ultra-elite.

For travelers combining race participation with sightseeing, see our complete Mt Fuji guide.

Race Categories and Course Profiles

FUJI100mi: The Full 168km Circumnavigation

The flagship event covers approximately 168 km (104 miles) with a cumulative elevation gain of +6,254 m (20,519 ft). According to the Mt.FUJI 100 press release, the course starts at Fujisan Kodomo no Kuni (富士山子供の国) in Fuji City, Shizuoka, and finishes at Fuji Hokuroku Park (富士北麓公園) in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi.

The elevation profile is notably different from the former UTMF course, which had approximately 7,500 m of climbing. The current route has less total elevation gain but maintains technical mountain trail sections with significant climbs and descents.

This is an experienced ultra-runner's race. Prior 100-mile or equivalent ultra experience is strongly recommended.

KAI 70km: The Mid-Distance Option

The KAI race (甲斐) covers 70.2 km with +3,052 m of elevation gain, running through Yamanashi prefecture trails. It starts on April 26 at 11:00. This distance suits runners with 50km+ trail race experience looking to step up without committing to the full 100 miles.

ASUMI 40k: The Beginner-Friendly Entry

ASUMI 40k (明日見40k) is the newest addition at 40.2 km with +1,445 m of elevation gain and a 7-hour cutoff. Starting April 26 at 12:00, this is the most accessible option for trail runners who want the Mt Fuji race experience without ultra-distance demands.

Category	Distance	Elevation Gain	Start	Cutoff
FUJI100mi	168 km	+6,254 m	Apr 25	TBC
KAI	70.2 km	+3,052 m	Apr 26, 11:00	TBC
ASUMI 40k	40.2 km	+1,445 m	Apr 26, 12:00	7 hours

Source: Mt.FUJI 100 press release, 2025 data.

How to Enter as an International Runner

Entry for Mt.FUJI 100 is handled through Run Japan's online platform. For the 2026 edition, registration was open from November 1, 2025 (12:00 JST) through November 16, 2025 (23:59 JST).

Key points for international runners:

• Japanese address requirement: The registration form typically requires a Japanese address. International runners often use a travel agency proxy or a friend's address in Japan to complete registration
• Lottery system: The FUJI100mi category is competitive. Entry is expected to be by lottery when applications exceed available spots
• ITRA points: The race is part of the ITRA (International Trail Running Association) system. Check whether ITRA qualifying points are required for your chosen category
• Entry fee: Specific 2026 entry fees have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check the official site for current pricing

Registration windows are short — typically about two weeks. Monitor the Mt.FUJI 100 news page for announcements starting in September-October of the year before the race.

Course Highlights and Aid Stations

The FUJI100mi course takes runners through a diverse landscape: dense forests at lower elevations, exposed ridgelines with panoramic Fuji views, volcanic ash trails, and sections through small mountain communities. Running through the night, you may see the illuminated trails of other runners winding through the mountain darkness.

Aid stations are spaced along the course with water, food, and basic medical support. Japanese aid stations typically serve onigiri (rice balls), miso soup, fruit, and local snacks. Many experienced runners on Reddit recommend packing your own gels and familiar nutrition as well, since the food offerings may differ from what you train with.

The course passes through areas near the Fuji Five Lakes, offering views of Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanakako, and the surrounding highland landscape.

Race Day Logistics and Weather

Bib Pickup and Pre-Race Schedule

Bib pickup and race registration take place at Fuji Hokuroku Park (富士北麓公園) in Fujiyoshida City, typically the day before the race starts. Based on previous years' schedules, expect bib pickup on April 24 for FUJI100mi runners.

Missing bib pickup means missing the race — there is no race-day collection. Plan to arrive in the Kawaguchiko area by April 23-24 at the latest.

The FUJI100mi start is at Fujisan Kodomo no Kuni (富士山子供の国) in Fuji City on the Shizuoka side of the mountain. Race organizers typically provide shuttle buses from the Yamanashi side to the start. Confirm shuttle details on the official site closer to race day.

Weather Conditions in Late April

Late April at Mt Fuji means highly variable conditions. Temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) at higher elevations overnight to 22°C (72°F) in valley sections during the day. Rain is common, and lingering snow at upper elevations is possible.

Mandatory gear typically includes waterproof jacket and pants, thermal layers, headlamp with spare batteries, and emergency supplies. The exact mandatory equipment list is published on the official site before the race — do not assume it matches other ultras you have run. For context on best time to visit Mt Fuji, late April sits in the shoulder season between winter closures and summer hiking.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

The Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida area serves as the natural base for race weekend. Fuji Hokuroku Park (finish venue and bib pickup) is accessible from both Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station on the Fujikyuko Line.

Many runners on Reddit note that accommodation in the Fuji Five Lakes area fills up fast during race weekend. Book as early as possible — ideally when registration is confirmed. Hotels, guesthouses, and ryokan in the Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida area are the most convenient options.

Getting there from Tokyo: take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station — about 2 hours total. For detailed rail options, see our JR rail routes to Mt Fuji guide. If driving, take the Chuo Expressway to the Kawaguchiko IC — about 30 minutes from the IC to Fuji Hokuroku Park. Parking is available at the park.

For broader trip planning around your race, see our general trip planning for Mt Fuji guide.