Izu Trail Journey opens registration on 1 September

The iconic Izu Trail Journey event traversing the peninsula south of Tokyo is on the 2020 programme for Sunday, 13 December. The Japan SuperTrail in the Asia Trail Master Championship returns to the original 72km course after the typhoon-induced reroutes of last year. Fans of Izu Trail Journey will have wondered already why the registrations for the usually sold-out event have not yet been opened. Something that normally is done now in the first week of June.

Mr Tatsuo Chiba, co-event director of ITJ, confirmed to us that the registrations are postponed to 1 September, obviously also as a consequence of the corona pandemic. The situation in Japan and particularly the Tokyo and Izu area has improved a lot and restrictions are gradually being lifted. However, it is considered wiser to wait another three months, so both the event organisers and the runners can get a clearer picture of what to expect for this year’s edition. Even when still more than half a year from us now, it is likely that some special conditions or restrictions will be introduced for participation in the Izu Trail Journey 2020.

On a more positive note, in an attempt to revive the Japanese tourism industry there has been official talk of reduced pricing for transport and accommodation for travellers coming to the country later in the year.

More news on Izu Trail Journey in any case at the end of August.

Some of the ATM protagonists are always invited to come on stage during the press conference of ITJ

Veronika Vadovicova pulled off quite a stunt last year by winning the women’s race outright, despite not being 100% fit

Hisashi Kitamura was first of the ATM Championship contenders and was delighted with his result

A very familiar Japanese elite runner for many years: Shunsuke Okunomiya