Trail running course near Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, JP

Kaga Spa Trail Endurance 100 by UTMB 50K

50K·269m gain·Kaga, Japan

ultra50kmountainforesttrailqualifier

AI-generated image

Distance50K

Gain269m

Date20 Jun 2026

Difficulty4/5

About This Race

A 50K trail run, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.

The course gains 269m over 50km, with the steepest section between km 64–km 65.

Location

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Notable Features

The race combines UTMB World Series competition standards with an uncommonly deep cultural setting. Few trail races finish within walking distance of centuries-old hot spring facilities, and the Kaga Onsen region has refined the art of post-exertion recovery over generations. The Kanan Sanzan range itself remains relatively quiet compared to more famous Japanese mountain destinations, offering trails through old-growth beech forest and ridge systems with views extending to the Sea of Japan. The course design prioritizes traditional mountain running—sustained effort on natural terrain rather than manufactured spectacle.

Other Distances at This Event

20K

98m gain

The course departs from Kenmin no Mori into the forested terrain characteristic of Kaga's mountains. Mixed terrain suggests runners will encounter both maintained trail sections and more technical passages, though the exact nature of these segments has not been detailed by race organizers. Japanese trail maintenance tends toward careful preservation of natural features rather than extensive modification, so expect roots, rocks, and variable footing even on established paths. At 20 kilometers, the route provides a contained mountain running challenge suited to runners building trail experience. Forest canopy sections will offer shade, though June humidity in coastal Ishikawa Prefecture can make the effort feel harder than the distance suggests. The course showcases regional trail character while remaining accessible to runners with moderate fitness and basic technical skills.

100K

181m gain

The 100K route explores the full scope of the Kanan Sanzan range, linking a series of peaks through dense beech forest corridors that have stood for centuries. The terrain alternates between technical singletrack and occasionally runnable ridge sections, though runners should expect the climbs to be characteristically Japanese in their directness. Forest canopy provides intermittent shade, though humidity persists regardless of sun exposure. Aid station spacing follows Japanese ultrarunning conventions, typically more frequent than Western races, often featuring local foods alongside standard ultra fare. The course passes through small mountain settlements where community support adds a distinctly regional flavor to the experience.