My first encounter with Chamonix, France came in 2016, when I discovered the world of UTMB—a challenge that left a lasting impression and marked the beginning of something unforgettable. I still vividly remember the awe I felt—surrounded by the majestic scenery circling Mont Blanc, embraced by the heartfelt hospitality of the event staff, and above all, by the warm, collective spirit of Chamonix where the entire town came together to welcome the runners with open arms. Since that experience, the magic of UTMB has stayed with me. I’ve long dreamed of bringing that same inspiration to Japan.

In June 2025, through a fateful connection, that dream became reality: I was given the opportunity to host the first UTMB World Series event here in Japan. Our chosen venue; Yamanaka Onsen in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture is a place of healing where nature and culture have coexisted for over 1,300 years. The surrounding mountains, blanketed with rhododendron and beech forests, offer breathtaking 360-degree views, a truly stirring stage for trail runners.

The inaugural “Kaga Spa Endurance100 by UTMB” welcomed approximately 2,500 runners, including 800 international participants from 42 countries. Thanks to all of the passionate runners and enthusiastic support, the entire Kaga region came together to create an unforgettable event.

At the same time, we recognize that there were operational shortcomings, such as aid station supplies and transportation services for retired runners—that caused inconvenience to some participants. We take this feedback seriously and are committed to strengthening our operations and improving the race experience next year. To all runners, supporters, local residents, staff, and everyone involved in this event, we will do everything we can to deliver an event that brings true satisfaction to each and every one of you.

We’d be honored to have you join us for the 2026 “Kaga Spa Endurance100 by UTMB.” Let the natural beauty of Kaga and the warmth of its people be part of your next unforgettable journey.

Race Director, Jiro Takikawa

Yamanaka Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture has a history of 1,300 years since its opening. The mountains at Yamanaka Onsen are the stage for the races. It consists of Kanan Sanzan (Mt. Fuji Shagatake, Mount Dainichi, and Mount Kurakake) with a series of majestic local mountains With a course layout, fresh green primeval beech forests, mountain trails along mountain streams, Steep climbs, etc. will stir up the fighting spirit of tournament players.

Yamanaka Onsen is a hot spring resort with a history of 1,300 years.

Matsuo, Basho, who visited on the way to “Oku no Hosomichi,” also really liked it, and wrote the poem “Yamanaka and chrysanthemums smell like hand-folded hot water” (you can live a long time just by soaking in this bath).

Hot springs are smooth, and local people use them, so you can also experience unadorned humanity.

Soyu is called Kikunoyu, and the men's bath and women's bath are separate buildings and are built next to each other.