MOUNT FUJI 100 2024. WORLD TRAIL MAJORS. PREVIEW AND FAVOURITES

Posted by Corriendo la Vida on April 20, 2024 in mount fuji 100, trail running, trail running 2024, trail running calendar 2024, trail running spain, world trail majors, world trail majors 2024 | Leave a comment

MOUNT FUJI 100 2024. WORLD TRAIL MAJORS. PREVIEW AND FAVOURITES. Our ULTRA TRAIL section bring us the news of the Mount Fuji 100, part of the new World Trail Majors. The third race of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors will take place on mythical Mount Fuji, in Japan.

We will have 3400 runners from 34 nations to compete across two challenging distances. The highlight of the event is the 100-mile race, a part of the World Trail Majors series. Coinciding with this event is the fourth race in the series, the MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra Trail.

Photo Gran Canaria World Trail Majors

MOUNT FUJI 100 2024. WORLD TRAIL MAJORS.

History

2024 marks a significant milestone for ultra running enthusiasts as Japan’s most prestigious race celebrates its tenth edition under a new name: Mt.FUJI 100. Born from the idea of creating an epic race on the highest mountain in Japan, part of the country’s culture and an iconic mountain recognised all over the world thanks to the well-known painting by Katsushika Hokusai.

The brainchild of renowned runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki, Mt.FUJI 100 emerges as a testament to his vision and dedication to ultra running in Japan. Kaburaki, a revered figure in the sport, has embarked on a mission to complete all ten Gran Canaria World Trail Majors, commencing with his own creation, Mt.FUJI 100. His endeavor began at a time when ultra running in Japan was still in its infancy, with minimal mass-participation races.

In its inaugural year in 2012, the event, then known as Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji, attracted approximately 850 runners, with Julien Chorier and Nerea Martínez emerging as the victors. Since then, Mt.FUJI 100 has rapidly ascended to international acclaim, attracting elite athletes from around the globe. Notable champions include François D’Haene, Xavier Thevenard, and Krissy Moehl, solidifying the race’s status as a must-attend event on the global ultra running calendar.

Photo Gran Canaria World Trail Majors

The Race

As runners take on the daunting Mt.FUJI 100, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring presence of Mount Fuji, standing tall at 3776 meters. Despite being an active volcano, with its last eruption dating back 300 years, Mt. Fuji is a trail running paradise with forests, hills, and beautiful clear lakes. Fuji is also a spiritual landmark where many pilgrims make an annual journey for religious reasons.

Renowned ultra runner Dylan Bowman, winner of the race in 2016 and 2018, describes Mt.FUJI 100 as “The unique thing about Mt. Fuji is that it alternates between flat, runnable sections and long, tough climbs and descents“. The course presents runners with steep descents, treacherous roots, and varying terrains.

Integral to the Mt.FUJI 100 experience is the unpredictable weather, particularly during this time of the year on the island. In 2017, adverse weather conditions led to the race’s cancellation, while in 2019, the majority of runners were forced to withdraw due to inclement weather.

MOUNT FUJI 100 2024. THE FAVOURITES

Women elite

As the anticipation builds for the Mt.FUJI 100 2024, all eyes are on American trail running sensation Courtney Dauwalter (Salomon, ITRA 852). Fresh off her recent victory at The North Face Transgrancanaria, Dauwalter is poised to dominate the course once again, aiming for her second triumph that could catapult her to an overall victory. Not only does Dauwalter possess exceptional skill and prowess, but she also boasts firsthand knowledge of the course, she would become the first runner to have two victories.

However, Dauwalter faces formidable competition from her rivals, including Nicole Bitter (USA, Altra, ITRA 732), known for her podium finishes at events like Javelina Jundred and Rocky Raccoon 50M. Ki Chun Wong (Hong Kong, China, Salomon, 686) also poses a significant challenge, having recently clinched victory at the Victory 162, 161 km and +7800 m achieving seventh place in the Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon 2023. Additionally, Yukari Seimiya (Japan, Inner-Fact, 684), second last year in Shinetsu Five Mountains Trail and Chinese runners Jun Liu (China, 630) and Junyue Zheng (Kailas Fuga, 622) add to the competitive field.

With a strong contingent of Asian athletes, including over 300 participants from China (including Hong Kong), Thailand, and South Korea.

Photo Gran Canaria World Trail Majors

Men elite

As the countdown to the Mt.FUJI 100 begins, the spotlight shines on a diverse field of elite male runners, with Chinese athletes emerging as strong contenders for the podium. Leading the pack are top seeds Guomin Deng (The North Face, ITRA 872), Anta Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon’s fifth-place finisher; Guidu Qin (Outopia, 869), who secured fourth place in Hong Kong; and Longfei Yan (Kailas Fuga, 836).

However, the competition is fierce, with a formidable local contingent of Japanese long-distance runners vying for victory. Notable names include Yuya Kawasaki (Goldwin, 863), last year’s second-place finisher at Mt.FUJI; Kento Tamura (A’S Group, 853), winner of the short distance race at Fuji in 2023; as well as Hajime Mamba (Gigwing, 826) and Takashi Doi (The North Face, 822).

Keep an eye out for standout international competitors, such as John Ray Onifa Stingrey (Philippines, T8, ITRA 863), Anthony Lee (USA, Topo, 829), and Frenchmen Gregoire Curmer (On, 853), winner of the Grand Raid Réunion 2019, and Alexandre Boucheix Casquette Verte (Salomon, 829).

Photo Gran Canaria World Trail Majors

_________________________________

The other race is the KAI 70K

The KAI70k race it covers a distance of 69.4 km with 3493 m of elevation gain. While considered the ‘short’ race of the Japanese event, the KAI70k boasts a formidable sporting level, attracting elite athletes from around the globe.

Among the contenders in the men’s category is the formidable Spanish runner Tòfol Castanyer (Nnormal, ITRA 825), who will face stiff competition from local favorites including Goshi Osada (840), Koji Morimoto (The North Face, 822), Yutaro Yokouchi (Asics, 813), and Chinese runner Xingjing Li (Outopia, 815). Andreu Simón (Spain, Asics, 908) originally slated for the long-distance race, may opt to participate in the KAI70 instead due to injury, adding to the excitement of the competition.

In the women’s category, Stephanie Howe (United States, The North Face, ITRA 679) brings her talents to the forefront, with victories including the Western States 100 in 2014. She will face tough competition from local stalwarts such as Yuri Yoshimuzi (Mt.Fuji Springs, 751), sixth in The North Face Transgrancanaria 2024 and winner of the KAI70k in 2022, or Honoka Akiyama (Nagano Police Force, 747), ninth in the 2023 Innsbruck World Championships

WORLD TRAIL MAJORS: CLASIFICATION

MEN

1. Courtney Dawalter 1500
2. Rachel Drake 1500
3. Lin Chen 1500
4. Becca Windell 1420
5. Claudia Tremps 1420

WOMEN

1. Guangfu Meng 1500
2. Raul Butaci 1500
3. Hayden Hawks 1500
4. Miguel Heras 1420
5. Peiquan You 1420

_______________________

Mount Fuji 100: WHERE AND HOW TO FOLLOW LIVE

There will be updates and live streaming of Mount Fuji 100 23.15pm to 15:30pm (local times) on Thursday 25th April and Friday 26th April with details on socialmedia channels.

Streaming according on time zones:

• Phoenix: Thursday – 2024/04/25 – 07:15 > Thursday 23:30
• Quebec: Thursday – 2024/04/25 – 10:15 > Friday 02:30
• Madeira: Thursday – 2024/04/25 – 15:15 > Friday 07:30
• Canary Islands: Thursday – 2024/04/25 – 15:15 > Friday 07:30
• Winchester-UTC: Thursday – 2024/04/25 – 15:15 > Friday 07:30
• Geneva: Thursday– 2024/04/25 – 16:15 > Friday 08:30
• Cape Town: Thursday– 2024/04/25 – 15:30 > Friday 02:30
• Hong Kong: Saturday – 2024/04/25 – 22:15 > Friday 14:30
• Tokyo: Saturday – 2024/04/25 – 23:15 > Friday 15:30

WORLD TRAIL MAJORS 2024

1. Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon: January 18-21, 2024. 102 km, +5314 m. Hong Kong, China. one of the events that internationalized trail running in China
2. Black Canyon Ultras: February 10-11, 2024. 100 km, +1250 m. Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Pure American trail running on old ethnic trails and stagecoaches
3. The North Face Transgrancanaria: February 21-25, 2024. 126 km, +6804 m. Canary Islands, Spain. One of the classics on the world trail running calendar
4. Mt.FUJI 100: April 26-27, 2024. 165 km, +7574 m. Fujiyoshida, Japan. Japanese-style trail running with the great symbolic meaning of the highest mountain in the country
5. MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail: April 27-28, 2024. 115 km, +7100 m. Madeira, Portugal. Iconic event on the spectacular island of Madeira
6. Swiss Canyon Trail: June 7-9, 2024. 111 km, +5350 m. Val de Travers, Switzerland. Originating in 1994, one of the most relevant tests in Central Europe
7. South Downs Way 100: June 8-9, 2024. 161 km, +3800 m. Winchester, United Kingdom. 100 miles following the historic South Downs Way route is a classic on the British calendar
8. Quebec Mega Trail: July 5-7, 2024. 160 km, +6500 m. Quebec, Canada. Authentic trail running in the mountains near Quebec
9. RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town: November 22-24, 2024. 166 km, +7516 m. Cape Town, South Africa. Pure mountains next to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa