My top ten list of Japan running events

Here is quick ranking of my favorite running races in Japan. The reality is that I have only participated in perhaps 20-25 of the hundreds of events in Japan, so maybe the point I am trying to make is my need to get out more. This list is only composed of 5k to half-marathon distances (no ekidens, marathons or triathlons). Since all Japanese races are efficiently organized, race organization is less of a factor. Unique, scenic courses are the key criteria in this list:


1. Ohyama Tozan -
Upside - Unique challenging all uphill course. Great backpack given to all finishers. Convenient. Scenic. Crowd support.
Downside - All uphill. Finish is painful.





2. Kyoto Half-Marathon -
Upside - Its Kyoto - scenic course and good excuse for Shinkansen trip. Flat and fast.
Downside - Crowded. Expensive. Must register 4 months before race.



3. Montrail Ome 30k Trail Run -
Upside - Scenic forest trail. Cool Shinto ceremony in middle of race. Day of race entry Hilly.
Downside - Expensive. Hilly.




4. Fukuoka City Half-Marathon -
Upside - Good excuse for trip to Fukuoka. Cool stadium finish.
Downside - Much of course is through industrial area. Wind.




5. Edogawa -
Upside - 15 minutes from Tokyo station. Lots of Nambanners. Elaborate award ceremony. El Torrito.
Downside - Average scenery. U-turns and potential wind. El Torrito.


6. Ohtawara (10k)
Upside - Flat. Fast. Ryokan. Lots of Nambanners. Watching marathon before and after 10k.
Downside - Event held on midweek holiday. Not particularly scenic.


7. TELL Race -
Upside - Lots of prizes. Convenient. Day-of-race registration. Efficient charitable use of entry fee. Bob is in charge. Good t-shirt.
Downside - Just another run around Palace (where I frequently train).


8. Obuse Half-Marathon
Upside - Ryokan after the race. Playing in fountains at finish. Bands along the course.
Downside - Hot and humid. Lots of turns. Expensive and inconvenient from Tokyo.


9. Tachikawa Showa Kinen 10k
Upside - Flat. Fast. Competitive. Reasonably convenient. Race entirely in large, pleasant park.
Downside - Two loop course. Slightly expensive.


10. Fuji-Yoshida
Upside - Barbecue before race. Scenic weekend trip.
Downside - Running after barbecue. Inconvenient. Long downhill run section on pavement.