Mt. Fuji Foothills Dog Marathon: Shizuoka Canicross to be Held!

Against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji's majestic nature, the 'Shizuoka Canicross' event—a new sensation sport where humans and dogs run as one—will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Unlike traditional dog marathons known in Japan, Canicross is a canine cross-country sport that has been rapidly spreading primarily in Europe. This event proposes a new way to spend time with your beloved dog as one of the leading competitions in Japan, accessible to everyone from beginners to experienced participants. Canicross Japan has previously expanded among dog lovers in areas such as Tokyo, Shonan, and Osaka. Following that momentum, the long-awaited event at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka has finally become a reality.

The venue is a nature-rich field adjacent to Snow Park Yeti at the base of Mt. Fuji. Utilizing a flat former golf course site, participants can run through trail courses that offer a seasonal landscape not found on paved roads. The event's greatest value lies not just in pursuing speed as a competition, but in deepening the 'bond with your beloved dog.'

The organizer, Canicross Japan, collaborates with the International Canicross & Bikejoring Federation (ICF) to promote event holding in Japan and the spread of 'dog-first' rules. The representative serves as the ICF Asia Bureau Representative. This event will be conducted as an international-standard Canicross competition with the sponsorship of Anicom General Insurance and Crillon, and the support of Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Furthermore, as part of regional revitalization, vendor booths will be set up where participants can enjoy local specialties such as Japanese black tea and fruits. It is a dog sports event where you can experience the charm of the region in addition to the fun of running and health promotion.

The following events are scheduled for the day:
- Canicross (2km / 4km)
- Bikejoring (4km)
* All events will be held by dog size (Small, Medium, Large).

An awards ceremony is planned after each race. Experience a special day running with your dog at the foot of Mt. Fuji. We are also currently recruiting vendors. Entry will close once the capacity is reached, so early application is recommended. Please check the official entry page for applications. The latest information is also available on Instagram (@canicross_japan).