2026 Tournament Entry Eligibility Granted!! DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 Official Trial Camp with Gediminas Grinius Announcement
From Organizer Matsunaga
We will invite Gediminas Grinius, who has a proven track record as a world-class athlete, including the UTWT World Champion, and is also active as a personal coach, from Europe to hold the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 Official Trial Camp, where he will actually train on the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 course. Top athletes who are active in the world of ultra-trails, including the 100-mile race, sometimes run for more than 20 hours without sleep. At first glance, it seems like a worldview of training, but what are they looking at during that time? From the back, we hope you will be able to see not only the running and training methods, but also the philosophy (way of life) hidden behind them. ``Mastering the path.'' In the process, there is always an opportunity to ``change your life.'' Let's get to the truth together about how they laugh off extreme situations and take the next step! The key words are "psychology and physiology (mind and body)."
*Please note: This camp is for experienced people. If you are unsure about whether to apply, please contact us before applying.
Event summary
Dates
2025/06/07 - 06/08 (Sat-Sun)
Meeting place
Day 1 2025/06/07 (Sat) Asakusa-dake Park Parking Lot 887-127 Oshirakawa, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 946-0303
Day 2 2025/06/08 (Sun) Yottege Tei 588-2 Hayamizu, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture 955-0135
Application period
2024/10/29 (Tue) 12:00 - 2025/05/23 (Fri) 23:59 Deadline
Participation benefits
■Those who complete this course for two days (Sat-Sun) within the allotted time will be eligible to participate in DEEP JAPAN 160km to be held in 2026.
■Those who participate in the first day of this course (Saturday) and complete the course within the time limit will be eligible to participate in the UONUMA 80km to be held in 2026.
*Participation eligibility is only valid for 2026 and cannot be carried over to 2027 or later.
*ITRA points are not required.
Features
~Completion Strategy Course~
[Features]
This course is for the following people.
・Those who want to complete the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 in the future
Full support from Hiroaki Matsunaga, who has completed all UTMF races!
[Day 1]
■Theme
-Power hiking techniques and training for steep climbs
■Riding course
●Distance: Approximately 30km, 2300m±
●Course:
Start at Asakusa-dake Park parking lot, go from the Mujinazawa trailhead via the summit of Asakusa-dake to the Nezumochidaira trailhead and descend to the Asakusa-dake Park parking lot.
After that, we will move to the Futakuchi trailhead by car. We will descend the Hokurei trailhead via Mt. Sumoto and Mt. Seiun on the Futakuchi trailhead to the Futakuchi trailhead.
The trail training will focus on power hiking (how to walk) to overcome steep climbs, and run the mountain section of the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 course.
We will answer individual questions while running with the instructor.
[Day 2]
■Theme
- Efficient descending techniques for completing 100 miles
■Running course
●Distance: Approximately 46 km, 2000 m ±
●Course:
Start at Yottege House, go to Shioya River Aid Station from Mizunoki Pass. From there, head to Mt. Sumoto on the Iri Shiogawa trailhead. Turn around at Nakatsumata and return to Yottege House on the same route.
The trail training will focus on descending techniques, and run the DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 course.
We will answer individual questions while running with the instructor.
[Notes]
*The course may change depending on the weather and snow conditions.
Capacity
[2-day course] 15 people
[1-day course] 5 people per day
*The capacity is 20 people per day.
■Eligibility
Those who wish to participate in DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 in the future.
Age 20 and over
Participation fee
★Free participation for volunteers of DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 in 2024! !
[2-day course] General 27,500 yen
(Including 2 running lessons, insurance, private car transfer, consumption tax, accommodation fee not included)
[1-day course] General 16,500 yen (Capacity 5 people per day)
(Including 1 running lesson, insurance, private car transfer, consumption tax, accommodation fee not included)
[About accommodation]
We recommend "Asakusa Sanso" and "Yotege House", which are close to the reception and starting point.
*Please make your own reservations due to the Travel Agency Act.
■Other
About baggage: We will provide a space for luggage at the meeting point. Please keep your valuables with you.
Enter
■Instructor introduction
Hiroaki Matsunaga (HIROAKI MATSUNAGA)
"Providing an opportunity to change your life"
One of the few athletes who has completed every UTMF since the first one in 2012.
He has also participated in the UTMB for 11 consecutive years since 2009 on NHK's "Gekisou Mont Blanc", and has completed the UTMB six times, the CCC three times, and the TDS once. He has the mental strength to complete the race even in the event of an accident.
Born in February 1980. Father of three children.
Born in Shizuoka, the kingdom of soccer, he aimed to become a professional soccer player at the powerful Fujieda Higashi High School, but was discouraged by the high level of the game. During his student days, he cycled around the world and resolved to "work at what he loves and live freely." To achieve this, he wanted to become a professional athlete at all costs, and found a way to pursue his dream in the mountains, where he had been training since childhood, and has continued to do so to this day.
In 2006, he founded Trail Runners with the mission of "providing opportunities to change lives."
While he is an athlete, he has hosted over 15 trail running competitions across the country. He runs a wide range of trail running schools, from ultra-preparation courses that invite world champions to courses for beginners, and works to popularize trail running in Japan.
He talks so much that it seems like he was born from his mouth. When you ask him something, he might blabber on about unnecessary things, so please feel free to ask him anything!
[Most Recent Results]
2024
- TransLantau by UTMB 50KM World Series Hong Kong) / 5th
2020
- YTF50KM (UTMT/Hong Kong) / Runner-up
2019
- TTF115KM (UTMT/Hong Kong) / 3rd place
- UTMF / 33rd place
- CCC / 116th place
2018
- Cordiller Vertical KM (Philippines) / Winner
- YTF50KM (UTMT/Hong Kong) / Runner-up
- Cordiller mountain ultra 50K (Asia Series/Philippines) / 3rd place
-UTMF / 84th place
-TDS / 33rd place
2017
-YTF / 2nd place
-UTMB / 54th place
2016
-UTMT / 3rd place
-CCC / 19th place
-UTMF / 13th place
2015
-UTMF / 10th place
-CCC / 25th place
2014
-UTMF / 24th place
2013
-UTMF / 23rd place
2012
-UTMF / 13th place
Gediminas Grinius
I love this world with all my heart. I love my life and the people in my life. I strive to celebrate life to the fullest. I celebrate while running, as it is the best activity I know that connects my mind, soul & body. This is the exact moment I feel most alive. I am super excited to celebrate life once again in Japan. It has been a long time since I last visited Japan & enjoyed the generosity & friendship of Japanese people, especially the kind hearts of trail runners. It is my absolute pleasure & honour to run & race at Deep Japan Ultra and to explore the home trails of my dear friend Hiroaki-san!
[Latest results] 2024
・DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 UONUMA 80K / 1st
2022
・Seoul 100K / 1st
・Doi Inthanon Thailand by Utmb 2022 165K / 3rd
2020
・Ultra01 165km / 1st
・YTF50KM / 1st
・Vibram Hong Kong 100 half 2020 / 1st
2019
・Western State 100 mile Endurance Run / 6th
・Vermont 100 Endurance Race / 1st
・Leadville Trail 100 Run / 7th
・Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run / 1st
・American Grand Slam
2018
・Gaoligong by UTMB / 1st
・Le Marathon Des Sables - Maroc 2018 - / Mds 5th
2017
・Madeira Island Ultra Trail 2017 / Miut 4th
・UTMB® 2017 / 8th
・Salomon Cappadocia Ultra-Trail 2017 / 110K 1st
2016
・UTMB® 2016 / 2nd
・Transgrancanaria HG 2016 / 1st
・Vibram Hong Kong 100 2016 / 3rd
・UTWT / Overall champion
2015
・UTMF2015 / 1st
■2024/06/08-09 2025 tournament entry qualification granted!! DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 Official Trial Camp with Gediminas Grinius Event Report
The 2024 Trial Camp Event Report can be viewed at the link below.
https://www.deepjapanultra.com/blog/2024060809
■2024/06/08-09 Official Test Run Camp with Gediminas Grinius Participants' impressions
Official Test Run Camp with Gediminas Grinius You can see the impressions of the participants at the link below.
https://www.deepjapanultra.com/blog/ggcamp2024-impressions
Schedule for the day
Reception location
Day 1: 2025/06/07 (Sat) Asakusa-dake Park Parking Lot 887-127 Oshirakawa, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture 946-0303
Day 2: 2025/06/08 (Sun) Yottege Tei 588-2 Hayamizu, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture 955-0135
Reception time
Day 1: 2025/06/07 (Sat) 6:45
Day 2: 2025/06/08 (Sun) 6:45
Access
*After the event on the first day, we will take you to Yottege Residence or Nagaoka Station, where the next day's start will be. (First 6 people)
*After the event on the second day, we will provide transportation to Tsubame-Sanjo Station. (First 6 people)
*Please come to the reception area on your own on the day. It is convenient to use your own car or a rental car from the station.
Parking
Day 1: 2025/06/07 (Sat) Asakusa-dake Park Parking Lot
Day 2: 2025/06/08 (Sun) Yottege House
*Free
Schedule
Day 1 Saturday (2025/06/07)
06:45 Registration (Asakusa-dake Park Parking Lot)
07:00 Run start from Asakusa-dake Park Parking Lot (Instructor: Hiroaki Matsunaga)
11:00 Run end, shuttle to Niguchi trailhead (Those using private cars should use their own cars to Niguchi trailhead)
11:30 Run start
15:45 Run end, shuttle to Yottege House or Nagaoka Station (first 6 people)
16:45 Arrive Yottege House
*Please prepare your own meals.
*After the event, a private car will be driven to Yottege House or Nagaoka Station. (First 6 people)
Day 2 Sunday (2025/06/08)
06:45 Reception (Yotege House)
07:00 Run start from Yottege House (Instructor: Hiroaki Matsunaga)
17:00 Run ends, arrive at Yottege House
*Please prepare your own meals.
*After the event, a private car will be operated to Tsubame-Sanjo Station. (First 6 people)
*Shower available after the event
What to bring
DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 madatory equipment
Running backpack
Cocoheli (not necessary for the test run camp)
IBUKI GPS device and Type-C charging cable (not necessary for the test run camp)
Mobile phone and spare battery
Portable cup of 150ml or more
Water 2 liters or more
2 lights
Survival blanket
Whistle
Taping or elastic bandages
Supplies totaling 800 kcal or more
Hooded rain jacket and rain pants
Long tights or leggings and socks
Hat or buff
Warm clothes to change into
Long-sleeved mid-layer for cold weather (equivalent to 180g in men's M size, no cotton)
Or the combination below
Long-sleeved mid-layer for cold weather (equivalent to 110g in men's M size, no cotton)
Windproof jacket (separate from rain jacket...)
Fingerless gloves
Waterproof and cold-proof gloves
Portable toilet
Mountain running shoes
Bear bell
Identification (with photo) and insurance card
Carry a copy of your insurance card when running. Mobile photo data is also acceptable.
Low temperature set
Depending on the weather conditions, you may be asked to carry the following set.
A warm third layer (a layer of clothing to wear between the waterproof jacket and the second layer)
Recommended: fleece or a thin down jacket that packs down
Other
Cash
Writing implements
Other personal items necessary for lodging, etc.
Please bring your own meals.
Application
Application procedure
Click the "Enter Now" button to apply at e-moshicom.
Application period
Until 23:59 on Friday, May 23, 2025
*Applications will close as soon as they reach capacity.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
If there are any errors or changes in your application after application, please contact us as soon as possible.
We may contact you by email or phone to confirm your application.
Notes on application
This course is intended for experienced participants. If you are unsure about whether to apply, please contact us before applying.
Course changes due to bad weather
The course may be changed depending on weather conditions. Please note this in advance. The content will be long runs, mountain pass runs, and other training on asphalt.
Other
Application Terms
If you participate in this event, you agree to the following. The organizer will hold the event in accordance with the following terms.
Since the event will be held in a natural environment, you pledge to comply with all rules, regulations, and instructions set by the organizer and to participate with due consideration for environmental conservation.
This is a maximum 1 night 2 day training camp event. Please practice sufficiently before participating.
After application acceptance and payment procedures are completed, changes and cancellations cannot be made for any reason. Please note that participation fees cannot be refunded.
When a weather warning is issued, when a disaster (when a warning declaration is issued), or when a "landslide warning" is announced, the organizer will consider the impact and decide whether to cancel, change, or shorten the event. The final decision will be announced on this website by 4:00 a.m. on the day of the event.
Please note that no refunds will be given even if the event is unavoidably interrupted, changed, or canceled due to an abnormal situation such as a natural disaster (earthquake, storm, fire, etc.).
Please note that if a major accident occurs on the day of the event, regardless of the progress, the event will be canceled from that point on.
If there is any information that you would like the organizers to know, especially regarding your health (such as allergies, hypersensitivity, or other specific constitutions or previous medical conditions), please contact the secretariat at least 10 days before the event.
We strive to operate in an environmentally friendly and paperless manner. No documents will be sent to those who apply online. On the day of the event, we will confirm your application by name at the reception desk.
If you are late to the reception, you will not be able to participate.
If you have registered but are unable to participate due to circumstances, please be sure to inform the staff at the reception desk. You may be the subject of a missing person search.
Participants should gather 5 minutes before the start of reception.
The departure time may change depending on the progress of the event. Please follow the announcements on the day.
Please carry or wear the required equipment during the event.
Participants should follow the instructions of the instructors and staff.
If you feel unwell and need to retire midway, we will arrange for a vehicle to collect your belongings if possible. Please be sure to inform the staff.
Please do not litter on the course.
Many rare plants and animals live in the area. Please strictly follow the rules of protecting the natural environment, such as staying on the mountain trail and not making loud noises or shouting. Participants who violate the rules will be asked to leave.
The course is mountain trails, forest roads, and ridge paths. If there are other climbers, please walk past them while saying hello, and please observe the rules and manners. Participants are responsible for their own safety.
If it seems difficult to complete the course, the organizers may ask you to abandon the course at their discretion.
As with general mountain climbing, participation is at your own risk. Therefore, even if a problem occurs, please be sure to sign the pledge and confirm that the organizers will not be held responsible, except for emergency measures.
The organizers are not responsible for any accidents during the event, such as injuries, illnesses, or losses to the participants themselves, or damages or losses to third parties, except for first aid.
Accidents during the event will not be covered by personal injury insurance beyond the insurance benefit limit. If you require compensation beyond the insurance benefit limit, please purchase your own insurance.
The organizers recognize the importance of personal information and will handle personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act and related laws and regulations. However, the organizers retain the right to publish videos, photos, records, etc. taken during the event on the Internet and in the media. Please note that we may provide participants with information on participation, record notifications, notifications of related information, and services from sponsors, cooperators, and related organizations in order to improve services to participants.
Even if you do not participate, we will not mail you a participation prize.
Contact information
Trail Runners
Telephone number: 0258-66-7991
Emergency inquiries on the day: 090-4672-6162
Contact information: contact@trailrunners.jp
