Hisashi Kitamura will participate in DTJ 2026 as a guest runner.
He took part in the Daisetsuzan Trail Journey in both 2023 and 2024 (known as the Shin Daisetsuzan Trail Journey in 2023), winning the 60 km category in each year.
In 2024, he shaved about 30 minutes off his time from the previous year, setting a new course record since the 60-kilometer course was established.
We received a message from Kitamura in which he shared his impressions of the race, what makes it special, and offered some words of encouragement to those who have already entered or are about to participate.
You won the 2024 race with an overwhelming lead. What are your impressions of the course?
Overall, I would say that this is a course where you can really “run”—and where you’re “forced to run.”
Although it’s a summer race, the Daisetsuzan Mountains are cool in the morning. When you’re at the front of the pack, vast, unspoiled nature stretches out before you. It’s a course where you can pick up speed and feel great.
On the other hand, the second half of the race features a grueling climb up Hirayama, which allows you to fully enjoy the mountain sections. It’s a very interesting course that offers a great balance between running sections and more mountaineering-style challenges.
What about this race do you find appealing?
There’s the beautiful morning glow visible during the running section right after the start, the vast grasslands so characteristic of Hokkaido, and, above all, the walking section on Hirayama.
Mountains stretch out in every direction and alpine flowers bloom before your eyes. Since running is prohibited in this section, you can take your time and fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery while walking.
This rewarding section comes after you’ve conquered the toughest climb, making the experience all the more moving.
Please tell us what makes the Daisetsuzan race unique compared to other events in Asia and Japan.
Even on the flat sections, you can appreciate the majestic natural beauty for which Hokkaido is known. The approximately two-kilometer walking section on Hirayama offers such breathtaking views that you forget you’re in the middle of a race.
Even runners focused on their rankings or times find themselves drawn to the scenery. I think this race has that kind of special charm.
――Some athletes view walking sections—where runners cannot run—as a “nuisance” for athletes competing for time. As an elite athlete, did the walking section in this race leave a largely positive impression on you?
Or were there times when you wished it wasn’t there?
I’ve never chosen a race based on whether or not it includes walking sections. Since everyone starts from the same place, it’s a fair competition. It also allows you to rest your body strategically.
Trail runners tend to enjoy the course and natural surroundings more than chasing absolute times, as they do in full marathons. Therefore, I don’t think there’s much resistance to walking sections.
In many races, walking sections are just that—walking. But the Daisetsuzan is different. It’s a special time to enjoy the mountains stretching out in every direction and the alpine flora. Once you experience it for yourself, your perspective on walking sections may change.
Please share some tips on how to tackle the Daisetsuzan Trail with this year’s runners!
The early part of the race takes place during a cool sunrise, which makes for a pleasant run. However, it’s easy to get carried away and push too hard, so be careful not to overpace yourself.
If you’re a runner aiming for a good finish time, I recommend treating the stretch up to the Hirayama junction as a major checkpoint.
As long as you don’t exhaust yourself, you can recover during the roughly two-kilometer walking section at Hirayama. After the Hirayama trail, push yourself hard, even if it feels straining. Then, use the walking section to recover and sprint all the way to the finish. I believe this is the key to success.
Finally, could you share your thoughts on the upcoming race?
I’m in better shape now than I was for the 2024 race, so I’m going to try my hardest to set a new course record!
KITAMURA Hisashi
He started trail running while stationed in Malaysia and gained experience in Southeast Asia through the Asia Trail Master series. Since returning in 2023, he has expanded his activities within Japan, leveraging his heat tolerance honed in hot and humid environments. He combines the speed he developed on the road with the tenacity he honed in mountain races. He continues to take on trail races in Japan and abroad. His personal best time for a full marathon is 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 20 seconds. He is currently an active UGLOW-supported athlete.
Major Achievements
2023, 2024 Daisetsuzan Trail Journey 60K: Winner
2025 TMBT 100K (Malaysia): Winner
2025 Shiga Kogen 100K: Winner
2025 Hasetsune: 4th Place
2026 KAI70K: 3rd Place
2026 Mt. Hiei International trail run 50-Mile: Winner
