NEWS
NEWS
About the 2023 edition
This tournament has been held since 2016 with the understanding and cooperation of many people. We would like to express our biggest and deepest gratitude to everyone who has participated ever, as well as to the local community, local governments, sponsors.
In 2023, "MT.AWA SKYRACE" will be integrated into "DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100".
From now on, we will do our best to prepare for "DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100" so that everyone can enjoy it. Please continue to support us.
DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 homepage link
https://www.deepjapanultra.com/
2023.01.26
NEWS
CLEANING ACTION2021
We would like to report on the CLEANING ACTION in the surrounding area the day before the opening of Mt.AWA in preparation for the 2022 edition.
2021/05/04 (holiday / TUE)
● MT.AWA SKYRACE® 2021 CLEANING ACTION
We performed a final check of residues such as marking used at the race, maintenance and cleaning on the course, and removal of waste around the trailhead. As a result, one residual race marking was collected. Collection of general garbage such as empty cans and PET bottles on the course. Around the trailhead, we collected dumped materials such as gas ranges, galvanized iron, and rear cars.
We look forward to seeing many of you again here in MT.AWA in 2022.
Snow country, Niigata. Warm people and MT.AWA are here.
MT.AWA SKYRACE
2021.05.06
NEWS
Greeting from organization for 2021 edition
We are pleased to announce that we were able to hold the 2021 edition to connect to the world with the understanding of the local people, although the turmoil around the world continued and it was virtually limited to Japan.
2021/04/17 (Sat)
● MT.AWA SKYRACE® 2021 VERTICAL KILOMETER®
2021/04/18 (Sun)
● MT.AWA SKYRACE® 2021
● MT.AWA SKYRACE2021 YAKUSHI 16K
MT.AWA SKYRACE was done. It's a very difficult spring storm. The day before the race, according to the weather forecast, skyrace day would be 20m/s or even more on the mountain with some rain. So as we have originally planned windy conditions more than 20m/s, plan C was activated. C's highest point was just lower 7th station. Before bib registration, we have decided and made an announcement.
But this morning, fortunately blue sky and sun came out. When the course marshal got the highest point of the course 8th station, it was very mild. So even after starting the race, we tried to change the course back to get the original point 8th station. Just because we'd like to get runners to reach as high as possible. But again, as the weather forecast said, weather changed quickly. So we set back to the point lower 7th station again where we announced the day before the race. So we made a few race leaders confused because of this change during the race. We're really sorry for that.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the local people who accepted the event, as many of the events have been cancelled.
I think there were some people who did not want this organization style. We chose to do our best in the situation, rather than waiting for the time when the situation improves. To Show "strong will to move forward" and give dreams and hope to the atrophied world. This was the hidden theme of the 2021 edition. We were able to pass the baton to the world as the opening race of the Skyrunner World Series. I hope to receive it again next year and share the greatness and potential of this sport with many people while considering the environmental burden.
Snow Country, Niigata. A warm person and MT.AWA, here it is.
2021.04.18
NEWS
MT.AWA SKYRACE2021
In 2021, our executives committee have decided the date of the event.
At the time of the MT.AWA SKYRACE2021, we will pay close attention to the spread of the COVID-19 infection, respect the opinions of local residents, and ensure the safety of all concerned parties. In addition, we will comply with the "Facility use and event implementation policy (provisional version) related to the COVID-19 infection" issued by Sanjo City.
As for racers participating from overseas as invited racers, we will consider necessary measures such as using PCR tests, etc., with reference to "Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19" issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Any changes, including cancellation of the race, will be posted on the website.
The details including registration periods will be announced as soon as when get ready.
■MT.AWA VERTICAL KILOMETER
Date 2021/04/17 Sat
Eligibility for entry：
* The entry is open only to racers living in Japan except for invited racers.
・Healthy men and women over high school students
・Those who have plenty of climbing experience
■MT.AWA SKYRACE
Date 2021/04/18 Sun
Eligibility for entry：
* The entry is open only to racers living in Japan except for invited racers.
・SWS (Sky Runner World Series) finishers, people who have finished in the Sky Running Asian Championships, etc.
※ We will listen to past finish races at entry.
■MT.AWA SKYRACE YAKUSHI20K
Date 2021/04/18 Sun
Eligibility for entry：
* The entry is open only to racers living in Japan.
・Above high school student
■MT.AWA SKYRACE TANADA3K
Date 2021/04/18 Sun
Eligibility for entry：
* The entry is open only to racers living in Japan.
・3 years and over
■Invited Racers Support
LEVEL 1
Selection Criteria
Winners of the previous editions of the MT.AWA SKYRACE or
Current champions of any SWS races
Support Provided
International racers: Up to 700 Euro travel subsidy. Payable 30 days after competing in the event.
Japan based racers: Up to 30000 Yen travel subsidy.
2 nights free race week accommodation that prepared by race organization.
Guaranteed and free race entry
*TOP 10 athletes
*Japanese Yen equivalent to Euro in cash
*We ask you to take a cancellation insurance. We won’t reimburse you if the MT.AWA SKYRACE is cancelled or if you can’t run the race.
*Prepared accommodation 16th April check in, 18th April check out
LEVEL 2
Selection Criteria
Podium finishers of the previous of the MT.AWA SKYRACE or
Winners or podium finishers of any SWS races
Support Provided
2 nights free race week accommodation that prepared by race organization
Guaranteed and free race entry
*TOP 5 athletes
*16th April check in, 18th April check out
LEVEL 3
Selection Criteria
Podium finishers of the previous edition of the MT.AWA SKYRACE or
SWS 2019 ranker WOMEN list MEN list
Support Provided
Guaranteed and free race entry
INVITED RACERS OBLIGATIONS
Observe preventive measures in response to inspections and submission of results to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infectious required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the organization.
Make yourself available for any/all media requests – all TV/radio interviews, news release videos during race week (Wednesday 14th April 2021 until Sunday 18th April 2021).
Be available to take part in any race week activities such as Race welcome (Wednesday 14th April 2021 until Sunday 18th April 2021).
Post on your own social media channels that you have signed up and are training for the event. Minimum of two posts must be completed before the end of March in 2021. We can provide you with photos and videos to accompany your social media posts.
Minimum of two social posts made during race week in Sanjo (Wednesday 14th April 2021 until Sunday 18th April 2021).
APPLICATION PROCESS
MT.AWA SKYRACE2021 Invited Racers Selection Entry Form is here
Application submission period is from 12:00 17th December 2020 to 23:59 29th January 2021 Japan Time.
Invited racers announce will be made on 19th February.
*Athletes selected for INVITED RACERS will have until 26th February to register for the event or forfeit their entry and support.
*We have no guarantee for any opportunity loss because of COVID-19 or Japan Immigration Laws.
2020.12.10
NEWS
Greeting from organization for 2020 alternative event
It's a gratitude to all for 2020 alternative event among this world crisis.
We organized two alternative event of MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020 as following dates,
MT.AWA SKYRACE Test Run
Date October 4th (Sun)
MT.AWA VERTICAL KILOMETER alternative race
Date Sunday, October 18th (Sun)
Both are very limited event just for local runners who are living in this area.
Hopefully we can meet you guys from all over the world as soon as the world crisis has ended.
MT.AWA is always there in your mind and waiting for real meeting time in the future. Sometimes time feels to go slowly but from a natural standpoint, just a moment.
Snow Country, Niigata. A warm person and MT.AWA, here it is.
2020.10.18
NEWS
Cancellation in 2020 and alternative event in October
MT.AWA SKYRACE COMMITEE GENERAL PRODUCER HIROAKI MATSUNAGA
MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020
We have made preparations for the postponement of this event, but we have decided to cancel the event.
We have been coordinating with related parties and aiming to postpone holding within the year, we have been considering application methods and new attempts at other venues, but the recent COVID-19 infection situation are still very difficult to hold the competition while ensuring health and safety as the highest priority.
In the nature of Niigata, in the course where you can feel the beauty of MT.AWA, we made various efforts to provide a place to share the beautiful time, but we could not find the proper method according to this year's policy of each related organization.
We would like to thank all those who made entry for this event from the bottom of our heart. But we are deeply sorry for being unable to provide everybody who has spent the days of training looking forward to the day of the event with the opportunity to show their daily efforts. We sincerely apologize for the fact that the negotiations have been difficult and the announcement itself has become very late.
Participation fees for this tournament will be refunded through "paypal", excluding administrative fees.
In order to refund as much participation fee as possible to all runners, we will refrain from sending participation prizes. By the end of November, you will receive an e-mail from us or get refund through paypal.
In addition, in order to make some hope for MT.AWA SKYRACE 2021, we will once again plan following alternative events.
MT.AWA VERTICAL KILOMETER alternative event
Date Sunday, October 18th (Sun)
Capacity: 100 people
Participation qualification A person who is a resident of Niigata prefecture and is a high school student or older on the day of the race can finish under the time limit.
Participation fee: High school student: 3,000 yen, 18 years old and over: 5,000 yen
Category Overall and Over 50's
Prize 1st-3rd
Start way Time difference starts every 5 seconds
Reception place: 16-1, Mianmi-Imogawa, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, 955-0128 Iiyuratei Hot Springs & Sports Center Hayabusa
Entry period 2020/09/16 (Wed)-2020/10/07 (Wed) (planned)
Announced on this website as soon as details are decided
MT.AWA SKYRACE alternative event
Running camp (Run through 33km SKYRACE course certified by ISF)
Date October 4th (Sun)
20 people
Coach Hiroaki Matsunaga
Participation qualification A person who is a resident of Niigata prefecture and is a high school student or older on the day of the event has a lot of mountain experiences.
Participation fee 5000 yen
Participant benefits Participants who complete Running camp, get entry qualification for MT.AWA SKYRACE 33km 2021.
Reception place 16-1, Minami-Imogawa, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, 955-0128 Iiyuratai Hot Springs & Sports Center Hayabusa
Entry period 2020/09/16 (Wed)-2020/10/07 (Wed) (planned)
Announced on this website as soon as details are decided
We prepare for the event of 2021 so that we can meet you.
We kindly ask you for your understanding and cooperation.
Through MT.AWA SKYRACE, we will continue to help people reach their dreams and goals by feeling the joy of trail running in the mountains, and releasing yourself. Thank you for your continued support of MT.AWA SKYRACE.
2020.09.08
NEWS
Cancellation in April
MT.AWA SKYRACE COMMITEE GENERAL PRODUCER HIROAKI MATSUNAGA
MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020
We sincerely would like to express deep sympathy to everyone around the world who died from this new coronavirus.
We also sincerely pray for the recovery of all those who affected, and of all those currently in a difficult situation.
By the way, the MT.AWA SKYRACE Committee has been preparing for the event while closely monitoring the status of the new coronavirus. We have been discussing how to held it. We have been working hard every day to find the necessary solutions for any ever-changing situation.
It was worth the effort, and we seemed to find some small possibility for runners to run the course during the race. However, no matter what measures are taken, it is extremely difficult to avoid all situations where there is a high risk of infection, such as in closed spaces, crowded places, or close scenes, that occurs before or after races, like checking equipment, starting and finishing. Another concern is the risk of infection during runners traveling. All runners who need to travel by public transport, including airplanes, new risk of infection will occur. In addition, after the race, the risk of infection spreads to runners family and nearby people with relatively weak immunity. This race has been repeated in collaboration with local residents to create a new culture for local MT.AWA village. Hosting in this situation raises anxiety in the area. Furthermore, on 20th MARCH, it was announced that the opening of "SKYRUNNER® WORLD SERIES" will be postponed to the end of July as a decision of the International Sky Running Federation (ISF). It is an unavoidable decision since the current world situation.
As a result of comprehensive evaluation of these things, still it is extremely disappointing decision but actually it's very difficult to provide an environment where runners , families, volunteers, and local people can enjoy with peace of mind. Hence, "MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020", which was scheduled on 04 / 18-19, is canceled.
Runners who training hard for this and their families who have been preparing for this, such as schedule adjustments , everyone who plan to volunteer on the day, and local people who have made an effort to work on "hospitality" will be greatly appreciated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding of this severe situation.
The schedule of the race includes postpone date will be announced as soon as it's decided after discussion with related organizations including ISF.
In the future, we will prepare the best stage where runners can show their performances here at MT.AWA. We will share the excitement and provide an forgettable opportunity to change the lives of everyone involved. Thank you for your continued support of MT.AWA SKYRACE.
2020.03.23
NEWS
Availability Judgement
MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020
Availability Judgement
First of all, we would like to express our deep sympathy to the victims of the novel coronavirus that has been spreading around the world.
We also wish those infected with the virus a quick recovery, and those who are experiencing hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak a safe way out of their difficult situation as soon as possible.
Then, this is the statement of current situation of 2020 edition.
1) Weather MT.AWA SKYRACE will be held;
16th MARCH, we are preparing for the event. However, as in the previous announcement (03/06), the future is still very uncertain. On March 09, the National Experts meeting explained at a conference that it was around 19th MARCH that the effects of event self-restrictions and school closures could be determined. The following day, on 10th MARCH, Prime Minister Abe requested to continue the event self-restrictions, which was originally until 16th MARCH, until 19th MARCH. We are planning the following response and schedule.
2) Future schedule (planned)
・ Thursday, 19th MARCH, a national expert meeting will determine the effects of event self-restrictions and school closures
・ Friday, 20th MARCH, the final availablity judgement will be made for MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020 and future plans will be announced
・ If the event is held, change the entry deadline to 26th MARCH.
2020.03.16
NEWS
About the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) correspondance
MT.AWASKYRACE2020 race information
About the Novel Coronavirus correspondence
Many large-scale events have been canceled due to the influence of the Novel Coronavirus. Following is the announcement of the current 2020 edition conditions.
1) Weather MT.AWA SKYRACE will be held;
4th MARCH, we are currently preparing for the event.
However, the outlook is very uncertain, and we may have to cancel it due to further announcements from the government, etc., and we are in contact with related organizations.
2) Future schedule (planned);
・ After March 16 (Mon), government and city announcement about the Novel Coronavirus, regarding it, the committee will make the announcement whether MT.AWA SKYRACE will be held or not and make the second race status announcement.
・ If the event is held, change the entry deadline from 19th March to 26th March.
3) Management policy at the time of the event (planned);
In order to minimize the risk of transmission of the Novel Coronavirus at the event,
The following measures will be implemented based on the basic policy of "reducing the chance of unspecified majority gathering indoors and outdoors" and "reducing the risk of heavy contact".
1. Inquiry at reception and implementation of body temperature measurement.
2. All staff members to wear masks and gloves, and conduct frequent disinfection.
3. Food and beverage booths will be canceled.
4. The following ceremony will be handled with no audience or alternative measures will be taken.
・ Course explanation ・ Opening ceremony ・ Start ・ Awards ceremony
5. Following event-related will be canceled.
・ Booth and exhibitions
6. Local residents gives cheering at home or in front of friends to avoid contact with unspecified majority at the venue
7. Racers from specific countries and regions (to be announced) will be asked to refrain from participating in the MT.AWA SKYRACE 2020.
8. Participation in local elementary and junior high schools will be considered.
9. As a course explanation of MT.AWA SKYRACE 33km alternative
・ Designated application ・ Dangerous place marking ・ GPS track
Download them will be required. In addition, organization e-mail address must be registered as an emergency contact in the app. These will be checked at the runner reception the day before the race. More announcement will be held later about this.
4) Information for runners;
○ In the case of the MT.AWA SKYRACE will be held
・ All non-participating players (DNS) will be given priority entry rights (charged) for the next tournament, regardless of where they live.
・ No notification or procedure is required for non-participation.
・In case of non-participation, there is no refund of the participation fee and no exemption or reduction of the participation fee for the next tournament.
○ In case of the MT.AWA SKYRACE cancellation
・ All runners will be exempt from the entry fee for the next tournament in 2021. (You cannot carry over to 2022)
・ Runners prizes will not be sent.
・ We are discussing with the relevant organizations whether the postponement of the event is possible.
2020.03.04
NEWS
ISF CERTIFIED OUR COURSES
MT.AWA SKYRACE and MT.AWA SKYRACE Vertical kilometer were honorary recognized as certificated course by International Skyrunning Federation (ISF).
【ISF homepage】
https://www.skyrunning.com/certified-courses/
2020.01.31