Rules

mandatory equipments

The following items are designated as mandatory equipment for this event from the standpoint of life-saving equipment (1-6), emergency and first aid (7-11), and ensuring adequate supplies (12-14).
These items must be carried from the start to the finish line, and if a competitor is found not to have the required equipment when inspected by staff, event management personnel have the authority to stop the race or penalize the offending competitor on the spot.

Mandatory Equipment Verification
・You must submit a consent form for the required equipment before the race begins.
・The required items will be checked before the start of the race at the venue for 40km participants and at the A1 aid station for 60km participants. (Note: The items to be checked have not been decided as of December 2024.)
・Random checks of the required items may be conducted during the race or after the finish line. If you are found to be missing any of the required items, you may be disqualified on the spot.

• waterproof rain jacket with hood / rain pants
  You should carry a jacket and pants that can handle bad weather in the mountains.
  The performance requirements for these items are as follows:
  – The material should be waterproof and able to repel moisture
  (performance guide: water resistance of 20,000mm or more and moisture permeability of 8,000g/㎡/24h or more).
  – The seams should be sealed with a special material to prevent water from entering.
  – The jacket should have a hood that can be worn in the rain.
• racer bibs, IC chip
  In order for your number card to be easily visible, it must be worn on the front of your upper body. This also means that it cannot be hidden by your clothing or backpack. You cannot fold it, attach it to your lower body, or attach it to your backpack.
• course map
  In addition to the electronic map and GPX file, please make sure to carry a paper map. You will also receive an A4-sized paper map at the reception desk along with your bib, etc.
• mobile phone
  There are many areas of the course where there is no signal, so always keep your phone ON so you can receive calls in areas where you can get a signal. If you are concerned about running out of battery, carry an external power source such as a cell phone battery.
• whistle
  You should carry it in a way that allows you to pick it up quickly and signal immediately in an emergency.
• bear bell
  The course is located in an area where many brown bear scat has been observed. Always carry a bear bell that rings when you are on the trail. (Note: There are no houses near the trail, so there is no need to mute it).
• disposable toilet kit
  Since the only toilets available on the course are at the A1 HQ Aid Station and the A2 Ninosawa Forest Road junction Aid Station, all participants must be prepared and carry their own disposable toilet kit. In addition, if you use it, you must carry it with you to the finish line.
• survival blanket
  Make sure you have a survival blanket large enough to cover your entire body.
• first aid kit
  Prepare bandages and dressings for bruises and bleeding injuries on the course.
• adhesive elastic tape
  For repairing torn belts, etc., we recommend carrying items such as 3 cm or wider tape.
• photo identification
  Carry something that can be used for identification.
• water (min 1L capacity bag)
  You must be able to carry a total of at least 1L in bottles, flasks, hydration bags, etc.
  On the 40km/60km course, you must carry at least 1L when you leave the start (40km), A1 (60km) and A3 (60km) aid stations.
• food
  The route is long and steep and you should bring enough food with you.
• personal cup for drinks

recommended equipments

• trail running shoes
  The 40km and 60km courses for this event include a variety of road surfaces, such as gravel roads with loose stones, steep slopes that are slippery, rocky areas, water sources, and scree slopes. In addition, it is not uncommon for road conditions to deteriorate depending on the weather before and during the event.
  We strongly recommend trail running shoes as road running shoes can cause significant damage to the shoes themselves and there is a high risk of direct injury to the feet, falls and serious accidents.
• poles
  This is a course with many steep inclines, both up and down, and is especially effective for the second half of the course when you are feeling particularly tired. We recommend this especially for beginners who are not used to trails.
  (Note: When using, please attach the rubber cap to the tip.)
• compass
  Being able to see the direction when you get lost reduces the risk of getting lost. You can also use the electronic compass feature.
• winter clothing for mountain areas
  Long-sleeved clothing, beanies or headbands that cover ears
• gloves
  It is often necessary to hold on to plants and trees on steep slopes. It is effective against thorns, etc., and also greatly reduces the risk of injury to the palm of the hand in the event of a fall.
• changing clothes
• writing utensils (for writing on maps, etc.)

Prohibited behavior

If a racer violates the following rules and does not follow the instructions of the staff, the race may be stopped on the spot.

1. Not wearing a number card during the race, wearing an inappropriate number card, or not wearing a timing chip.
2. Not carrying the required items
3. Littering
4. Receiving assistance that is only available to certain athletes (e.g., receiving a drop bag).
   　*Private aid stations (providing food and drink) for athletes in general are permitted.
5. Accompanying someone other than an athlete
6. Any form of cheating that may be used to gain a time advantage (such as cutting the course, using vehicles, etc.).
7. Any other form of cheating (such as running on behalf of another person, or any other action that may be in conflict with the law).
8. Failure to follow the instructions of race officials, doctors, nurses, or first aid personnel.
9. Continuing to run after the cut-off time.

Contest Procedure

1. Scoring and ranking method
   The ranking will be determined by the time taken by each competitor in the time race format on the designated course. If a competitor is penalized for breaking the rules, his or her ranking will be determined by adding the penalty time to his or her finishing time.
2. Time limits
   There are time limits at various points along the course. Competitors who exceed these time limits will be disqualified and must descend the mountain under the direction of event staff. Please refer to the course briefing and schedule for start times and time limits for each category.
3. Competitor Registration
   Participants must complete the registration process at the event reception desk and submit the required documents before they can start the race. Substitutes are not allowed to register on behalf of competitors.
4. Briefing
   A briefing will be held before the race, but every year there are still competitors who do not understand the course or the event rules. Please be sure to check the briefing information that will be distributed in advance on the event website, SNS, videos, etc.
5. Possibility of course changes
   The race course will be announced in advance, but it may change due to bad weather or trail conditions.

Rules for protecting nature

The race is held in a special natural area with places that are protected as national parks and where rare animals and plants live. Many people running on the same path could hurt the forest and the mountain trails. To reduce any problems, we have made some rules. Please know why these rules are there and follow them.

1. Do not stray from the trail
2. Do not collect or damage plants, mushrooms, rocks, etc. on the course or in any area.
3. Do not take shortcuts around corners on the trail (as this will damage the vegetation).
4. When overtaking other runners or general hikers, please take great care not to damage the vegetation or trail, and ensure that neither the overtaking nor the overtaken runner strays off the trail.
5. Please do not litter.
6. If necessary, please use the toilets provided at some aid stations. If the toilets are not available, please use a disposable toilet kit. If you use paper, please take it with you when you leave.
7. If there are safety issues, or if trail conditions are deemed unsuitable for a large number of participants, there is a possibility that trail segments may be closed, the course may be changed, or the event may be canceled.

About Setting the Walking (Running Restricted) Zone
(Hirayama Junction to Himara-yama, about 2km section)

A section of the mountain trail used for the 40km and 60km courses (around Hirayama, Himara-yama and Bunzou-dake) is a special protection area of the Daisetsuzan National Park.This area is home to rare alpine plants, such as Komakusa, especially around Hirayama and Himara-yama.To protect these plants, this section is a no-run zone. Please understand the purpose of this and strictly follow these rules.

1. The section from Hirayama Junction (CP3) to Himara-yama is a “no running” section in order to preserve the vegetation and hiking trails.
2. Timekeepers will be stationed at the entrance (Hirayama Junction) and exit (Himara-yama) of each section. Your number card must be read when entering and leaving the section. Please follow the instructions of the officials.
3. If you pass through the section within 30 minutes, your time will be recorded as 30 minutes. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, the time recorded will be the time taken to pass through the section. In other words, no matter how fast you are, at least 30 minutes will be added to your time.
4. Marshals will be stationed along the course. If a violation is found, the marshals have the authority to impose penalties, up to and including cancellation of the race.
5. Although there is no strict definition of “running”, due to the rule in (3) above, there is no element of gaining an advantage by running fast. Please understand the purpose of this rule and enjoy the magnificent nature of Daisetsuzan while regaining your strength by “walking”.

Consideration for general hikers and other participants

1. If you see a runner who is unable to move because of an injury or illness during the race, please give them priority.
2. Remember to be grateful to the people who helped make the race possible, including the local people and the volunteers.
3. Please be aware that the course is also used by hikers, so when you pass other runners, please say hello.
4. Never enter any area other than the designated course.
5. When on a paved road, please always walk on the sidewalk. Also, when crossing the road, please follow the instructions of the staff in charge.

About the guidance along the course

1. With the landowner’s and administrator’s permission, we will use the minimum amount of tape, signs, and personnel to prevent you from taking the wrong route. Signs are placed just before the race and taken down immediately after.
2. Flagging tape along the course indicates the correct route. If you don’t see tape or signs along the course, you might be lost. Always check to make sure you’re on the right course. It’s your responsibility to check the course you’re running.
3. There are signs at the aid stations showing your current location, but no signs along the course showing your location or distance. Use the course map and profile to check your location.

Handling of IC chips

• The number of runners who have started and finished the race, as well as their finishing times, are managed using IC chips. The IC chip (number card) and athlete information are linked so that individuals can be identified.
• Runners must wear the IC chip during the race.
• The IC chip will be collected after the race. If it is lost, you may be charged for its replacement.
• If you decide to withdraw from the race, please return the IC chip to a nearby staff member.

Withdraw from the race (Do Not Finish)

• The course is located in an extremely inaccessible area. Even if you wish to withdraw from the course, it may take several hours to be picked up and there may be difficulties with rescue. If you are not sure of your physical condition, please report your withdrawal at the aid station before the difficult section.
• When you withdraw, please do not remove or discard your number card, as it is required for identification. From the aid stations, you can return to the finish line in the shuttle.
• In principle, race staff will not force you to withdraw, but if they feel the risk is too high, they may recommend that you withdraw.

Rescue and Medical Aid System

The Organizing Committee prepares the course and the rescue and medical systems to ensure a certain level of safety during the race. We will not do any course maintenance that prioritizes making the course easier for people to run, as this could lead to the destruction of mountain trails and nature.
Due to the nature of trail running as a sport and as a concept of this event, we believe it is important to provide the experience of running through the nature of Daisetsuzan. Please be aware that there are risks involved in competitions held in nature, and you participate in the event at your own risk in case of injury or illness during the competition.

1. First-aid will be provided not only to participating athletes, but also to everyone involved in the event.
2. First-aid stations will be set up only at the event headquarters. Doctors or nurses will be available there.
3. There will be no first-aid stations at the aid stations, but first-aid kits will be available. If you feel unwell or need treatment for an injury, please speak to a staff member. These aid stations will be linked by radio to the event headquarters.
4. Sweepers will also carry first aid kits and radios. If you feel unwell on the course, please ask a sweeper for help.
5. Not only doctors, but also first-aiders (event staff) have the authority to stop a participant from continuing the race if they believe there is a high risk of deterioration or loss.
6. If the person being rescued is deemed to be in need of medical attention, a rescue team may be called. In this case, the person being rescued is responsible for any costs incurred.
7. If you are unable to contact race headquarters, you can call the emergency services directly by dialing 119.

*Depending on the location on the course and the situation, it may take several hours for rescue to arrive.
*Runners who have received first-aid must go to a hospital after the race and inform race headquarters of the results of the examination.

Responsibility

Responsibility of the Organizer

• Damage to property on the course (accidents involving animals and plants, damage to property, damage to trails, etc.) that is not the result of the participant’s intent
• Markings and information signs on the course
• Staff safety management
  

The organizer has taken out liability and personal accident insurance for the participants, but we also recommend that the participants take out their own insurance.

<Personal accident insurance provided by the organizer>

In the event that the organizer bears the costs of injuries or specified illnesses^*1 incurred by participants or staff during the tournament, the following insurance payments will be made^*2.

1. Death or disability: 5 million yen
2. Hospitalization (daily amount) 3,000 yen
3. Outpatient treatment (daily amount) 2,000 yen

^*1 The specified diseases are those listed in 1. to 5. below. (If the person being covered received medical treatment or took medication based on a doctor’s prescription for a disease that is medically causally related to the diseases listed in 1. and 2. below within 12 months immediately prior to the event, they will not be covered.

1. Acute heart disease, such as acute ischemic heart disease (myocardial infarction) and acute heart failure
2. Acute brain disease, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage
3. Heatstroke, such as sunstroke and heatstroke
4. Hypothermia
5. Dehydration

^*2 Please note that the insurance you join does not apply to hospitalization or outpatient treatment outside Japan.

Responsibility of the competitor

Entrants are responsible for all aspects of their participation in this tournament not covered above.

Cancellation of the event and notification of the decision

In the event that the event organizer determines that it is not feasible to proceed with the event for the following reasons, the event will be canceled or suspended midway through:

1. The issuance of a weather warning
2. The determination that the safety of the runners cannot be assured due to landslides, falling rocks, etc. along the course
3. In the event of a disaster
4. The occurrence of a major earthquake in the vicinity In the event that a “weather warning” or “landslide warning” is issued for heavy rain or strong winds in the surrounding area, the organizers will decide whether to cancel the event, change the course, or shorten the course. This decision will be made after careful consideration of the impact of the weather conditions on the event.
5. Even in the absence of safety concerns, if the trail conditions are deemed unsuitable for a significant number of participants, there is a possibility that the organizers will decide to change the course, shorten the course, or cancel the event.
6. The organizer will make decisions regarding the reduction or cancellation of the event due to earthquakes, wind and water damage, snowfall, incidents, accidents, epidemics, infectious diseases, etc., and the method of notification, etc., on a case-by-case basis.
7. The decision to cancel the event will be announced on the event website and the event official Facebook page on the day of the event or by the day before.
8. In the event that the race is canceled while it is underway, the decision will be formally announced at each aid station.
9. Under normal circumstances, entry fees are non-refundable, even in the event of a race cancellation.

Copyright and Publicity Rights During the Tournament

Copyright and publication rights for photographs, videos, recordings, articles, etc. from the tournament belong to the organizer and may not be used for any purpose other than the tournament.