Reuniting to Run: Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji

Japan's highest peak, and a world heritage site: Mt. Fuji.

Once a year, this beautiful location becomes the setting for an incredibly grueling race.

The Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji, or UTMF.

A trail-running race along rugged mountain paths.

The race stretches 160 kilometers, or a hundred miles.

Since 2012, this race has drawn international attention each time it's been held.

But the pandemic meant the thrilling contest was canceled twice.

It's been revived in 2022 after a three-year hiatus.

The runners have returned to Japan's greatest location.

Get ready for the race of a lifetime!

A group of runners have gathered at the start line at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Anti-pandemic measures mean only those who live in Japan can participate.

1,808 people have chosen to take part.

It's a long-awaited reunion.

So glad we're here!

I haven't seen my teammates
in three years.

Finally! It's been
a long three years.

At 3:30 PM, the UTMF begins for the first time in three years.

It's partly cloudy, and 23 degrees Celsius.

Perfect racing weather.

The UTMF doesn't head for Mt. Fuji's summit.

The trail leads around the foot of the mountain, and over neighboring peaks.

Starting south of Mt. Fuji, the course climbs around thirty mountains and peaks.

Runners have 44 hours to cover 158 kilometers.

The race gets off to a high-speed start.

The first group to leave includes Obara Masatoshi, the favorite to win.

In 2019, he came eighth in the world's most prestigious 100-mile race, the UTMB.

He's a top Japanese trail runner.

My goal is to compete with the
world's best. I'll work hard!

Another top candidate is Doi Takashi.

He's a natural at running mountains and has always placed highly in the UTMF.

- How do you feel?
- Not sure yet.

Doi is a firefighter, and head of a rescue team.

In his spare time, he's won countless mountain races.

He's confident in his ability to pick up the pace later in the race.

I'll stick to my plan
and run my own race.

229 female runners are taking part in the race.

The favorite is Miyazaki Kimino, who works as a sports trainer in Tokyo.

She's placed highly in several international 100-mile races, improving every time.

Initial speed is key.

It's going well.
Thank you!

The race begins with a long series of minor slopes and descents.

It's tough going.

Next is rocky terrain.

The trail changes rapidly, and runners must stay sharp.

An aid station at the 22-kilometer mark.

Volunteers prepare food and water.

The race is a long-awaited event for them as well.

The lead runner appears.

The first runner in three years is cause for excitement!

Doi and Obara arrive just seven seconds apart.

Obara doesn't stop to refuel, and keeps running.

Doi takes only water, and then heads straight out after Obara.

Obara, the favorite to win, has taken the lead.

45 minutes after the race begins, a crowd of runners stand at the start line.

As a COVID precaution, the runners have been split into four groups.

The final group begins to run.

The last group has set off.

And behind them...

Good luck!

The final runner to start: Kaburaki Tsuyoshi, a Japanese trail running legend.

In 2009, Kaburaki placed third in the UTMB, the highest place taken by any Japanese runner.

He blazed a path for other Japanese trail runners.

As head of the UTMF committee, he plays a key role in its management.

But this is the first time he'll run in it.

As a top-class runner, why is he starting from the very end?

In 2020 and '21, we had to
cancel at the last minute.

I felt terrible about that.

I know how hard people work to prepare.

What you sacrifice
to run a hundred miles.

I wanted to start at the back
and move forward.

Talking to and encouraging
everyone along the way.

Thank you, Kaburaki-san!
I've been waiting for you!

He speaks to every person he meets.

― Where are you from?
- Okayama.

Encouraging the runners spurs Kaburaki on.

- How old are you, sir?
- 68 years, 11 months.

Good luck!

- Good luck, Obara-san!
- Thank you!

28 kilometers.

The favorite Obara has widened the gap between himself and the second runner to two and a half minutes.

He's concerned about his time, as well as the win.

He's moving at a fast pace.

Meanwhile, firefighter Doi is in the group at third place.

He's feeling relaxed.

Obara's doing as I expected.
I'm holding back for now.

Doi and Obara have been rivals in many races.

They're both enjoying the chance to meet and compete after three years.

I admire him.
He's looking at a world stage.

I just want to get close
in the second half.

And Obara?

Doi is very strong.
He almost never gives way.

I can't wait to find out how
he's trained these two years.

40 kilometers.

Somebody is closing in on Obara in first!

Ishikawa Yoshihiko.

He pulled out of the group around Doi to take solo third place.

And he also has an extraordinary record.

Ishikawa is a world champion who's won ten 200-kilometer ultra marathons in a row.

160 km is a fairly
short race for me.

But Ishikawa's main focus is on ultra marathons which run on paved roads.

He wanted to test his skills on a very different trail run.

Ishikawa catches up to the second-place runner.

And overtakes him!

I don't want to lose.
I'm outside my comfort zone.

The second aid station is at the 43-kilometer point.

Obara!

The first to arrive is Obara.

Runners can receive personal support at this station.

Obara is supported by a high-school classmate.

They exchange bottles efficiently.

Thank you.
Bye!

He stays for two and a half minutes.

Two minutes after Obara leaves, Ishikawa arrives, in second place.

Yoshi! Over here!

He's supported by his wife, Miki.

Top runner came in
two minutes ago.

She passes on the information fast, and has a secret weapon in store.

Our daughter's at home.

I hope these will keep him
going. Here, too!

The picture gives Ishikawa a boost.

Alright, I'm off!

He chases after Obara.

He was better than I'd expected.
I think he's enjoying himself.

The next section leads into the longest mountainous trail on the first half of the race.

A 15-kilometer path climbing five separate peaks.

Night-time trail running demands excellent technique.

Obara is in first.

Even he can't keep running up such a steep slope.

He seems to be struggling.

I'm on track,
but it's pretty tough.

Ishikawa is strong on paved roads, but falls to third place in the mountains.

He puts on speed once the ascent evens out.

He's still got plenty of energy.

Obara's rival Doi is moving fast.

But there's someone right behind him.

Runner number 35 is making long strides to keep up with the fast-paced Doi.

Doi is a strong climber, but he's feeling pressured on this incline.

As Doi takes out some energy gel, 35 spurts ahead.

He quickly opens up a gap.

Number 35 has caught up to Ishikawa in third place.

He's looking to overtake him.

And he does! Check out that speed.

Just who is this mysterious runner?

I did it! Not too bad.
Feeling pretty good.

Mamba Hajime.

It's his third UTMF, and his previous highest place was 22nd.

He's virtually unknown in Japan's running circles.

He picks up speed on the decline.

How is he so fast?

The 65-kilometer aid station.

The first to arrive is... number 35, Mamba.

He overtook seven top runners over 15 kilometers of mountainous trails.

A dark horse has emerged!

After drinking, he shoots off at top speed.

I'm really first?
That wasn't the plan!

Mamba enjoys mountain climbing.

He took up trail running to strengthen his legs and back.

I often climb in winter
with a lot of heavy gear.

But in the pandemic, I started
running local peaks.

I think that's helped.

A new challenger has emerged during the race's three-year break.

But Mamba doesn't keep his position for long!

A runner appears, going at an astonishing speed!

He catches up to Mamba...

Leaving him behind before disappearing into the dark.

Who's this runner?

I'm finally in first place.
Just for now!

Nishimura Hirokazu.

Nishimura is a father of five.

His kids always tell him to take first place!

But his best UTMF finish so far was 60th.

Can he keep up this pace?

If I want to win,
I need to take risks!

1.5 kilometers behind him, Ishikawa is in third place, in the thick forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Immediately behind him is Doi.

They're out of the woods.

And on a road: perfect for Ishikawa.

He quickly shoots fifty meters ahead of Doi.

I need to make up time here.

At the halfway point, Nishimura is in the lead, with Mamba two minutes behind.

They're followed by Ishikawa, Doi, and Obara - the three favorites to win.

Six kilometers behind them is the top female runner and women's favorite, Miyazaki Kimino.

She's well ahead of the closest female rival, and 47th overall.

- What's wrong?
- My foot's stuck.

Here.

She offers a hand and moves on, keeping up a fast speed.

I want to see how far
I can get this time.

Miyazaki wants to do more than be the fastest female runner.

Her true goal is to make it into the top 19 overall.

Being fastest woman here won't
put me on a global stage.

It's about my overall rank.

Miyazaki is thinking of a world-class female runner.

Xiang Fuzhao, of China.

She was the fastest woman at the 2019 UTMF and placed 16th overall.

In the 2021 Thailand 100-mile race, Miyazaki lost to Xiang, taking second place.

Her rival told her something that changed her perspective.

She said, "I know we'll race
again on the global stage."

I want to hone my skills
against her.

Every stride forward helps her compete against the world's best.

Excuse me.

In her mind's eye, Miyazaki is chasing Xiang along the trail.

She arrives at the 65-kilometer aid station.

She's 70 minutes behind the top runner.

Miyazaki passed four male runners during the mountainous section.

She's now 43rd.

Now I just have to stay awake.

I'm off!

To make 19th place, she has to overtake 24 more people.

Eight hours into the race.

The runners hoping to reach the finish line
climb the mountain in the dark.

Trail-running legend Kaburaki Tsuyoshi appears.

Thank you!

He speaks to the runners and volunteers he meets.

- It's Kaburaki-san!
- Great work!

I started running for the UTMF.
Took me eight years!

Today's your chance, then!
Make it to the finish.

He began in last place, and has overtaken over a thousand people.

Hang in there! You're okay!

I spoke to so many folks.

People seemed to enjoy it,
which made me happy.

At the 78-kilometer mark, one runner is in trouble.

I started coughing.
My lungs are in agony.

Obara came down with COVID-19 three weeks before the race.

He recovered and was permitted to take part, but his lungs are still damaged.

I'm so frustrated I can't
achieve my goal.

My legs are fine to keep going.

Thank you.

Obara withdraws at the 116-kilometer mark.

The race reaches its climax at the 130 km point.

Runners now face their biggest challenge - Mt. Shakushi.

It's been the downfall of many runners.

The first to begin climbing its slopes is father-of-five Nishimura.

Look at that incline!

He needs both hands to inch his way up.

Whoa!

This is incredibly tough.
I'm running on empty.

Can't wait to ring that bell
at the peak.

What keeps Nishimura going when he's low on energy?

My family, of course.
I remember videos they've sent.

Good luck, Dad!

Win first place!

We love you!

Is that it? Seriously?
I've finally made it.

Nishimura arrives at the summit of Mt. Shakushi.

Do you have a regular
camera? Is that one?

Nishimura is past the worst, and has just 24 kilometers left to the finish line.

In second place is Mamba, with bib number 35.

He's fallen behind in the second half, and is 20 minutes behind Nishimura.

I'm getting so tired.
But I can still move.

I'm still climbing.
Just very, very slowly.

In third place is the climbing firefighter Doi.

Ishikawa pulled ahead on the road but was overtaken on the slopes, and now Doi is well ahead.

- "What are you thinking about?"
- I'm having fun on Mt. Shakushi!

The harder the trail, the more Doi enjoys it - he's about to prove his mettle.

He's only seven minutes behind second-place runner Mamba.

At 7:33 AM, Mamba reaches the peak of Mt. Shakushi in second place.

Just 160 seconds later, Doi does the same.

Having shortened the gap by four minutes during his ascent, Doi has Mamba in his sights.

He uses his stamina to put on a spurt.

The last aid station is at the 142-kilometer mark.

Nishimura makes it there first after descending Mt. Shakushi.

- How much further?
- 15 kilometers.

Still a fair way to go.

Can he hold off the others to the end?

The second runner appears.

It's Doi - he overtook Mamba.

He's 32 minutes behind Nishimura.

Yet Doi has always outstripped Nishimura in previous UTMF races.

Can he do the same today?

The temperature has risen to 28°C.

So hot!

The heat takes its toll on the runners.

That feels good!

Top female runner Miyazaki Kimino is running alone.

She wants to make the top 19 and continues to overtake male runners, taking her up the ranks.

She overtakes someone else to reach 22nd place.

Just three more to go.

However...

My legs are done.
Prickling pain, and no speed.

Miyazaki wants to compete against runners like Xiang on a global stage.

She grits her teeth against the severe pain and keeps running.

The top runners are now at the 144-kilometer mark, and climbing the final peak of Mt. Shimoyama.

Nishimura is walking.

His feet are starting to drag, and he's worried about Doi behind him.

Doi always pulls out
the stops in the second half.

I was walking,
but maybe he's running?

I was on edge.

I've got to give it my all.

But even Doi is at his limit.

He's driven forward by thoughts of Obara, who was forced to pull out.

I can't believe it.

We've run so many
100-mile races together.

I want him to be proud
of what I achieve today.

Alright, I can do this!

Nishimura flees.

And Doi pursues.

Who will win?

Our first runner is here!

It's Nishimura!

It's an unexpected win for a runner whose previous top finish was 60th.

His children's encouragement saw him through to the end.

Congratulations!

His time was 18 hours and 15 minutes.

It's a record for a Japanese runner, and makes him the first UTMF victor in three years!

I'm so relieved.
My kids will be proud!

Doi may be second, but he seems pleased.

So fun! Running with
everyone after three years.

I took it for granted,
but it's so special.

I'm over the moon.

Dark horse Mamba caused quite a stir, and won third place.

Meanwhile, ultra-marathon champion Ishikawa struggles to climb Mt. Shakushi.

Mt. Shakushi is so tough.
Much worse than I expected.

A painful lesson in the difference between road- and trail-running.

The trail keeps changing.

It uses so much brain power
to keep up. It's exhausting.

I can switch off on roads
and run mechanically.

It's easy. But trail running
is really tough.

Ouch!

He tries to run, but trips on a tree root.

His feet keep dragging.

A runner approaches from behind.

Ishikawa doesn't have the energy to catch up.

Every step is agony for his thighs.

Just making it down these steps is painful.

My legs won't work.

- "They hurt?"
- They won't obey me.

Ultra-marathon champion Ishikawa took up the challenge of trail running.

It was a tough race, but he made it to the end.

He finishes in sixth place.

Honestly, it wasn't much fun.
I liked running with new faces.

But enjoyment and excitement
are pretty different.

I felt exhilarated,
but I didn't enjoy myself.

Those are my honest feelings.

20 hours after the start of the race.

Miyazaki is climbing the final peak, Mt. Shimoyama.

She's currently 22nd overall.

Her legs are beyond tired.

She doesn't have the strength to run.

She sees another runner ahead.

This last bit is the worst.

She's now 21st.

Just two more to reach 19th place.

I can barely put one foot
in front of the other.

Miyazaki knows that if she stops, she won't be able to start up again.

Sheer grit keeps her going.

Now she's 20th.

Just one more person.

She passes him.

She's made it to her goal of 19th place.

I didn't stop!

Miyazaki made it up Mt. Shimoyama without pausing once.

She gave her all to reach her goal.

It's all about confidence
and pacing in the first half.

I lacked confidence, but
managed it at the end today.

If I train for more stamina in the
second half, then I can do this.

I can't wait.

23 hours after starting, this man is facing his greatest challenge.

All this after 130 km!

The legend, Kaburaki Tsuyoshi.

He started in last place and has passed over 1,500 runners.

You're doing great.

I'm dizzy in the heat.
Hope I make it.

- You'll be okay.
- Really?

- It's all in the mind from here.
- I'm dizzy.

If you're dizzy, make sure
to eat and rest.

There's still lots of time.

Take it easy.

Don't come this far
to wipe out. You'll make it.

Kaburaki cheers on all the runners he sees.

He's nearly done himself.

Good luck!

Kaburaki is approaching the finish line.

The last runner to start is the 184th runner to cross the finish line.

He spoke to over 1,600 runners on his way.

I talked more than
I have in years.

Not sure 100-mile races
are meant to be so chatty!

I really enjoyed it.

The regular runners hoping to complete the course are reaching the finish line.

I made it!

Each runner savors this moment after three years away.

Didn't think I'd make it.
I'm overwhelmed.

41 hours after the start, the final runner is making his last ascent.

"You're almost there."

That's right.
This is the final mountain.

"Why take part in UTMF?"

It's not very deep.
I was just curious if I could!

It's nice to have everyone
cheering me on.

Thank you very much!

The first UTMF in three years was completed by 1,470 people.

This unforgiving, beautiful race around Mt. Fuji is back.