We're flying across the Pacific to a country with deep cultural roots, remarkable natural landscapes, and state-of-the-art technologies. Run through history and diverse landscapes as we explore peaceful autumnal forests, quiet bamboo groves, and reflections of Mount Fuji in the calm surface of Lake Kawaguchi. Marvel at magnificent shrines and temples that are intricately carved and colorfully painted.
Fill your heart with memories, your eyes with wonder, and your belly with delicious food!
Who Goes On With The Adventure?
Solo Travelers
CONNECT WITH YOUR CURIOSITY
You can arrive solo, but you're never alone. Surrounded by like-minded travelers, you just may find your new travel companion — and a new favorite hobby to boot!
Dating + Daring
ENTERTAIN NOVELTY
You may be partners, but that doesn't mean you want the "typical" romantic getaway. You two are more of the high-adventure type.
Hop on in!
Best Buds
LET MOMENTS BECOME MEMORIES
When's the last time your friends have had an excuse to get away? If smiling and laughing your butts off while exploring beautiful destinations isn't a good enough reason to get together, we don't know what is!
Turning a New Leaf
EMBOLDEN YOUR HEART
Chin up and feet forward! You're looking for change or at least a week to turn your back on whatever you left behind. Escape, refresh, and leave with a new perspective.
Our trail runs will take you into the countryside, where you'll feel like part of the iconic landscapes that drew us here. We'll have crew on course to mind you, markings to guide you, and finish line food to revive you.
You can take these runs at your own pace - or go for gold! At the end of the week everyone earns a finisher medal, plus special awards for our fastest racers.
RUN DIFFICULTY & TRAINING
A typical trip includes 6 trail runs ranging from 7-12K in length. Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
We ask runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs.
JAPAN TRAIL RUNS
Exact trail runs may change based on permitting, weather, and the needs of our group!
Arriving early? We'll have an optional Saturday run at 3:00pm in Tokyo for anyone who wants to join! Your race director will send more details shortly before the event.
Nikko Run (10.5K)
Route: Flat loop
Terrain: Wooden boardwalk and trail with some mud and roots
Level: Moderate
Boardwalk run with sections of trail and tree roots. We'll see beautiful foliage!
Lake Kawaguchi Run (~8.5K)
Route: We'll customize this for each trip!
Terrain: Flat paved and trail route
Level: Easy to moderate
This lakeside route is a great sunset run. On a clear day we may get views of Mount Fuji!
Lake Ashinoko Run (11K)
Route: Flat point-to-point
Terrain: Single track dirt trail and paved sections
Level: Moderate
You'll get road, trail, bamboo, and colorful foliage - plus, some mud! - on this atmospheric run.
Kyoto Bamboo Forest (6K)
Route: Flat loop
Terrain: Paved track
Level: Easy to moderate
We'll run through villages and past forest shrines on our way to the river.
Fushimi Inari Hike (7.5K)
Route: Inclined point-to-point
Terrain: Stone stairs
Level: Challenging - we'll mostly hike this route!
This route will take us up ancient stairs and through 1000 wooden gates. This shrine is sacred, so we'll take it slow and take our time to appreciate the site.
Nara Deer Park Run (5K)
Route: Inclined loop
Terrain: Single-track stone trail and stairs
Level: Moderate
This is short but has some challenging elevation through the trees. If we're lucky, we'll meet some deer along the way!
Osaka Castle Run (5K)
Route: Point-to-point
Terrain: Paved path
Level: Easy
Our final run is in the city! Let's people watch like the locals do as we wind through the park and circle the famous Osaka Castle.
Gallery
Video
About The Host
Cherie has been working with us since our inaugural run in Zion when she worked on the race crew, and since 2014, Cherie has brought the best expos and customer experience to our runners.
Cherie may live in Southern Utah but her soul still lives in Southern California where she grew up surfing and sailing in the sun.
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Will I need a passport or visa?
This is an international running adventure. A valid passport is required for participation. Though every country is different, a good rule to follow is that your passport should not expire within 6 months of your planned travel.
We do not anticipate that you will need a visa. However, visa requirements vary by country and by nationality. If you are unsure, please reach out to us and we will help you determine whether you will need to apply for a visa at all, in advance, or on arrival.
What are the hotels like?
We typically have 3-star lodging booked for you. Rooms will be comfortable, clean, and safe, but with no frills; a place that you would feel ok relaxing in!
On some adventures, we have alternative lodging like glamping tents. Check your itinerary and the photo gallery for pictures and additional information.
Who goes on the trips?
From solo travelers to groups, teens to the silver-haired, seasoned thrill-seekers to those ready to step out of their comfort zone for the first time - these trips offer an experience for everyone. Our past adventurers come from all walks of life but all share a love of life and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Seriously. Don't be afraid to come alone. You are sure to leave with new friends, new confidence, and approximately 800 photos of moments that took your breath away!
How much free time will we have?
Our days start between 6:30-7:00 am for breakfast before we head out to run the trails. Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
In addition, all trips will have 2 free evenings- you'll be able to walk around town and maybe stop by that cute pub you passed earlier in the day for dinner!
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with some advance notice. Please fill out your traveler information in Run Signup after you register so that we can make plans successfully.
If you have a particularly specific or complex dietary requirement, please reach out to us. While we cannot guarantee full accommodations, we'll always try our best!
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for attending these running trips. As long as you are comfortable with the runs and activities, we'll be glad to have you whether you're 12 or 112 years old!
Some of our trips do involve alcohol-oriented events like whiskey tastings, so please keep this in mind. For activity-specific restrictions, read below:
Patagonia Trips: The glacier hike is restricted to ages 64 and under. Individuals 65 and older are not permitted to participate, but we will try to find an alternate activity for them.
Ireland Trips: The whiskey-tasting event is 21+
What Covid-19 measures are being taken?
While much of these trips are spent in the great outdoors, there's still a level of risk with any travel. Here's what we can do to limit that risk:
First, While we will no longer require the vaccine, we strongly encourage everyone traveling with us to make sure you're aware of the Covid-19 travel restrictions of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
Second, we have a staff medic on each trip. Please let us know right away if you have any symptoms or just need a test for travel purposes. They will be able to help you locate and schedule Covid testing as needed. We will also have rapid tests and masks on hand.
Lastly, staying healthy is a group effort. We ask all our adventurers to respect each other's boundaries and preferences. If you remain unsure of the risks, we encourage you to wait to take a trip until you feel confident joining us!
How difficult are the runs?
Our trips are meant to challenge you. That being said, we welcome runners of various levels and will support you toward the finish line.
Each day we’ll be running/hiking between 7-12K (approx. 3-6 miles). Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill.
We plan for runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs. If we believe this pace becomes too difficult for a runner, we may ask them to sit out a run or offer a shorter course for them.
Do I have to run every day?
This is your vacation- you should do what you want!
If you want to take a break for a day or two, then by all means do it. Our goal is to make sure you have the best possible experience on the trails, whatever that means for you.
Are there aid stations?
There are no aid stations in these trail runs.
Most adventurers choose to wear a hydration backpack or carry a water bottle in hand (along with a few gels or other snacks as needed).
You are required to bring your own hydration system. Our team loves the hydration options developed by Nathan Sports.
Will we run into animals on the trails?
If you are lucky, you’ll get to see some local wildlife (Moose, goats, whales, oh my!) We will be visiting wild places and encounters with animals are always a possibility. However, we will be on well-traveled trails which tend to keep the animals away.
All trips partner with expert guides from the area to provide tips on staying safe on the trails. Mosquitos will vary greatly with the climate and even change year to year. We recommend packing mosquito repellent.
Can I bring someone who doesn't run?
If you want to bring a partner to the event that doesn’t want to participate in the runs, that’s totally fine. They'll still get to join in the daily activities and explore the destination - just not on the trails.
Just sign up for the event as a regular participant, but let us know in the registration notes that your partner is not running.
What other activities will we be doing?
Each trip is different - expect a range of activities like historical tours, boat cruises, hands-on workshops, and more!
For activities specific to this trip, check out the itinerary. You'll also receive a detailed daily itinerary a few weeks before your arrival date.