DEEP JAPAN ULTRA

Q: How hard is the Deep Japan Ultra 160km? | A: Extremely hard. The course covers 160km with 10,000m of gain (62.5m/km) through remote Niigata mountain ridges, with only 19% flat terrain and 14.31km at 20%+ gradient. Distance-weighted average gradients are 13.39% uphill and 13.24% downhill. A 1,274m climb arrives at km 145 — after 145km and roughly 40 hours on course. 46-hour time limit; estimated ~50% DNF rate.

Q: What qualifications do you need to enter the Deep Japan Ultra 160km? | A: A minimum of 10 ITRA points from a maximum of 3 races within the eligibility window, or 6+ ITRA points from a single race. The minimum age is 20. These requirements apply to the 160km distance — the 80km and 30km distances have different rules. Verify current requirements at deepjapanultra.com/regulations-en before applying.

Q: Is the Deep Japan Ultra 2026 sold out? | A: Yes — the 2026 edition is sold out. The entry window ran from September 26, 2025 to February 27, 2026, and is now closed. The race sells out despite its small field (~63 finishers in 2025) and qualification requirements. Watch the official site (deepjapanultra.com) for 2027 registration opening.

Q: Which airport should I use for the Deep Japan Ultra 160km? | A: Niigata Airport (KIJ) is the closest airport at approximately 114 minutes from the Uonuma start area. Public transport via bullet train to Urasa or Koide plus an official shuttle is feasible but requires advance planning. The race start area has limited accommodation (rural onsen lodges) — book early. The race is not flagged as FAR but logistics are non-trivial for international runners.