32nd Hoshinosato Yatsugatake Nobeyama Kogen Ultramarathon Held on Sunday, May 17

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the '32nd Hoshinosato Yatsugatake Nobeyama Kogen Ultramarathon' was held in Nobeyama Kogen, Nagano Prefecture.

Boasting one of the most significant elevation changes in Japan, this tournament is often referred to as the 'East Yokozuna.' This year, approximately 3,300 runners gathered from across the country to embark on their respective challenges in the 100km, 68km, and 42km categories. Early on the morning of the race, the venue was enveloped in a starry sky fitting the name 'Hoshinosato' (Village of Stars). Under a clear blue sky that spread with the dawn, runners dashed through the Nobeyama Kogen at the foot of the Yatsugatake mountains.

An ultramarathon is a competitive race covering a distance greater than a full marathon (42.195km).

Among them, the 'Hoshinosato Yatsugatake Nobeyama Kogen Ultramarathon' is renowned as a highland course with one of Japan's most extreme elevation changes, earning the moniker 'East Yokozuna' among runners.

'Someday, I want to run Nobeyama.'

Embracing such aspirations, the event has built a history as a competition gathering diverse challengers, from first-time runners to veterans who have completed the race numerous times.

Tournament Homepage is here.

■ Local Hospitality Distinctive to Nobeyama

At the water stations along the course this year, staff wearing refreshing emerald green uniforms welcomed the runners. A community-wide support system was established involving Minamimaki Village, Koumi Town, Kitaaiki Village, Minamiaiki Village, and Kawakami Village, with many residents offering warm cheers at the water stations and along the route.

The food provided, unique to the Nobeyama Kogen, also colored the tournament. Local specialties such as soba noodles offered a taste unique to this region, encouraging runners tackling the long distances.

■ 'U25' Supporting the Challenges of the Younger Generation

Many young runners also participated in the 'U25' category, targeting those aged 25 and under.

The number of U25 category participants in this tournament was 51 in total: 30 in the 100km event, 9 in the 68km event, and 12 in the 42km event. The challenges taken up by the younger generation are expanding year by year.

In the Men's 100km U25, Shuji Uchibori won with a time of 10 hours, 43 minutes, and 24 seconds. In the Women's category, Mika Abe finished in 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 22 seconds.

In the Men's 68km U25, Mirai Kakinuma won in 7 hours, 36 minutes, and 32 seconds. For the Women, Miyu Banba took the top finish in 7 hours, 21 minutes, and 49 seconds.

In the Men's 42km U25, Taichi Tatsumi secured the victory in 3 hours, 37 minutes, and 02 seconds.

'Someday, I want to run Nobeyama.'

More young runners are beginning their challenge out of such admiration, and this tournament continues to create an environment where people of all generations can challenge themselves.

■ 'Ypsilon' and 'Decaforest' Honoring Repeated Challenges

Certifications for 'Ypsilon' and 'Decaforest' were also held to honor runners who have continuously challenged this tournament over many years. At the Nobeyama Kogen Ultramarathon, a culture that praises the act of 'continuing to run' itself has taken root, rather than just a single completion.

The 'Decaforest,' awarded for completing the 100km event 10 times, and the 'Ypsilon,' awarded for 20 completions, are coveted titles for many runners. The presence of runners who repeatedly take on the grueling course is also an important scene symbolizing this tournament.

This year, two individuals, Shuji Iwakiri and Tadahiko Nagumo, were certified as 'Ypsilon.'

In addition, 30 people were certified for the 'Decaforest.'

■ Pre-event Activities Also Offer Time to Enjoy the Region

On the day before the tournament, the 'Nobeyama Kirakira Chibikko Marathon in National Astronomical Observatory' was held. A total of over 100 participants gathered, and the smiles of many families spread across the venue.

Furthermore, a [Pre-event] 'NOBEYAMA WanRUN' was also held for the first time. Implemented as a new initiative to enjoy the Nobeyama Kogen with pet dogs, it is planned to be expanded in the future as a sub-event of the ultramarathon in cooperation with the local community.

This tournament is committed to creating an environment where participants can enjoy not just the race day itself, but the 'time spent in the community as a whole.'

■ Over 300 Attendees at the 'Ultra Festival'

The 'Ultra Festival,' held on the day before the tournament, attracted over 300 attendees.

It opened with a performance by the local Minamimaki Junior High School brass band, followed by stage performances by three Yoshimoto comedy groups that livened up the venue.

The main event, a strategy talk show, featured an 'Ypsilon' runner who has completed the 100km at Nobeyama 26 times. Many runners were seen listening intently in preparation for the next day's race.

During the lottery held at the end, local specialties and rights to enter the ultramarathon were given away, enveloping the entire venue in a sense of unity from the day before.

■ About the Top Finishers

This tournament, too, featured a high level of competition across all events, staged on the severe course characteristic of the Nobeyama Kogen with its massive elevation changes.