Echigo Country Trail back in June

We are very happy to share the news that Echigo Country Trail is also returning from a two-year- covid hiatus and has been scheduled for Sunday, 19 June. Taking place in Niigata, Japan, Echigo is a classic on the Asia Trail Master Championship calendar, having been part of our series since the beginning. It is a cliche’, but this event is more than just a trail run if you don’t live in Japan. It is a great fun weekend experience and runners are welcomed with incredible enthusiasm by the local communities along the race course.

The 2022 edition does have a few changes compared to three years ago. First of all, the race course has been extended from 52 km to 63 km. A notable difference, as we are talking more than one hour more exercise for the majority of participants. Elevation gain is 2350 hm, which shows this is not a flat speed race at all. The terrain varies between lush hilly forest - including some steep sections - and open (rice) fields.

Gateway to the event is the town of Nagaoka, which is connected to Tokyo by the Shinkansen fast train. Estimate time to reach Nagaoka is 2, 5 hours. However, the Niigata Prefecture also has an airport with domestic connections, and even a few international flights.

The 63 km race offers ATM Championship points as usual.

The 2019 edition saw victories of Kazufume Ose in the men’s and Naoko Iida in the women’s.