HOUYHNHNM

Fuji, running 160 km around the mountain. Fuji, there is a romance like no other.

This year marks the 5th year since the UTMF started in 2012. Looking back on the progress you have made so far, how do you feel now?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)UTMF: The UTMF was launched in 2012 with the goal of creating a full-fledged, international 100-mile race in Japan. Some may argue that trail running is not a competition but a sport for fun, and therefore there is no need for an event, but that is not the case. In that sense, I think UTMF is fulfilling its role in a good way. We still have a ways to go, and this year's results were disappointing due to the bad weather.

-UTMF is such a popular event that there is a lottery, isn't it? For those who are not interested in trail running, the idea of running 160 km in the mountains seems pointless, but why does it attract so many people?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)I think it's because it's romantic, isn't it? When I first participated in the UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, a 160-km trail running race that encircles Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the European Alps), I saw the majestic Mont Blanc from the town of Chamonix, and the thought of going around the mountain from there gave me a strong sense of storytelling and excitement. I felt a strong sense of narrative and excitement. At the same time, although it was extremely tough while running, after finishing the race, I realized that trail running is more interesting when the distance is longer. I started the UTMF thinking that if I were to do it in Japan, it would be on Mt.

The more you do it, the deeper it gets, and you will never get bored.

Kaburaki-san, do you have any particular style or gear you prefer when running?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)The most important thing is that there should be no stress when running. And, of course, functionality is important, but so is appearance. The color and design can affect my motivation, so I try to choose something that makes me feel good.

Trail running is both a "competition" and a "game" at the same time, isn't it?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)I think I will continue to do trail running for fun. I think I will continue to do trail running for fun, if not as a competitor, until I die. I used to be a road runner, and I used to run at a high level, aiming for the Hakone Ekiden (relay race), but I got tired and bored of that, and after a gap of 3-4 years, I came across trail running. More than 20 years have passed since then, but the more I do it, the deeper I get into it, and I never get bored of it at all.

The pleasure of running in the mountains can only be understood by those who have tasted it.

Kaburaki-san, what do you see as the essential appeal of running in the mountains?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)There are many ways to tell people: "It's exhilarating," "The changing scenery is wonderful," and so on. However, no matter how many words you use, in the end, you will never know unless you actually do it yourself.

Of course, running in the mountains is hard and tiring in its own way. But the experience of being thoroughly exhausted in the mountains is a very positive one. It is completely different from being exhausted in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Again, only those who have tasted the pleasure of running in the mountains will understand. If you have never done it, please do it.

Where should I start?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)I think it is a good idea to participate in such events and seminars for beginners at first, since there are various events and seminars for beginners organized by stores and brands. Or you can ask an experienced person to take you out, or you can enter a short distance race that claims to be for beginners.

In any case, compared to 20 years ago when I started trail running, the situation surrounding trail running has changed and it has become easier for beginners to get started.

For trail running to be more accepted by society.

Kaburaki-san, as a leading trail runner, how do you want to develop this activity in the future?

turnip-shaped whistle made of hollowed-out wood or deer horn (attached to an arrow to sound when fired)Trail running is still considered to be something different from other activities, and many people still think that "mountains are for walking. I hope that trail running will take root in a healthy way as a way to enjoy the mountains.

To this end, it is essential to enforce manners and rules, such as stopping and greeting hikers as you pass them, and it is also essential to protect nature through trail maintenance and clean-up events. I would like to continue to create a trend toward social acceptance of trail running in various ways.