"The Sun Also Rises"
The ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI 2023 Kicks Off
As the international race for the first time in four years,
the race is the largest ever with 3,452 runners from 30 countries and regions.
Top runners talked about their excitement before the race.

For the first time in four years, a record 3,452 runners from 30 countries and regions around the world has gathered for the ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI 2023.

Prior to the race starting on the next day, runner check-in for the FUJI (160 km category), EXPO, and press conference of top runners took place at FUJI-Q HIGHLAND (Fujikawaguchiko Town and Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture).

At the beginning of the press conference, Ricka FUKUDA, the race producer commented, "I am delighted that the enthusiasm of all the athletes and volunteers has come together to make this race happen. I hope everyone will enjoy the three days to the fullest."

Tsuyoshi KABURAKI, the race chairman, then invited top runners for interviews. Dylan BOWMAN (USA), the winner of the ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI in the past, will participate in the 69 km KAI this year. He gave advice to those who will run the 100-mile FUJI race. "This course at Mt. Fuji is unique in that it is a mixed course with flat and fast race sections and sections with challenging climbs and long descents. I hope you will enjoy this course to the fullest."

Seth Swanson (USA) and Mike FOOTE (USA), who have both been on the podium at this race in the past, will be enjoying the three days of race with their families cheering them on. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to once again participate in a race that attracts athletes from all over the world.

From China, world-class runners will be participating in the FUJI. Fuzhao XIANG (CHN), a champion of this race in women's category in 2019, said, "I love Mt. Fuji and this race, and winning the race in 2019 boosted my career. I will do my best again this time. First-time participant Jiaju Zhao (CHN) said he was inspired to participate in this race after watching a video of the ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI 2019 in which his teammate, late Lian Jing participated.

Leading runners from Japan also shared their enthusiasm for the race. Takashi DOI, who finished second last year, said he was more interested in beating the time he set for himself than the final standing. Yuya KAWASAKI, who recently became a father, said he would like to dedicate this race to his newborn child. Tomonori ONITSUKA, who placed 4th last year, is looking forward to running with the world's top athletes.

Live updates will be provided on “Ouen navi” and “Leader Board”.
■Ouen navi https://runnet.jp/ouen_navi/ultratrailmtfuji2023.php

■Leader Board https://leaderboard.runnet.jp/?tri=02524_20230421_01

We are going to have the live streaming of both FUJI and KAI races for four days. The live streaming covers runners on the course and scenes from aid stations. (Available in Japanese and English).

■ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYTG7HNLx89OeaOsknc6mTg

■Playlist for “ The ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI 2023 LIVE STREAMING”
https://youtube.com/live/lx53vkw1Jjk