11th Kumano Kodo Trail Running Race KUMANO OLD TRAILS 2025

Overview

The 11th Kumano Kodo Trail Running Race KUMANO OLD TRAILS 2025, held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, is a premier trail running event organized by the Kumano Old Trails Executive Committee in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Centered at the Kiwa B&G Marine Center, the event features a 51.7km long course (330 participants, ~3,000m elevation gain), a 30.2km middle course (350 participants, ~1,500m elevation gain), and a 10.5km short course (120 participants, ~550m elevation gain). Open to healthy high schoolers and adults (parental consent for under 18), registration runs from July 1, 2025, 20:00, to September 30, 2025, via Sports Entry (https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp), closing when capacity is reached. Long course runners must register on December 6, 2025, at the Kumano City Cultural Exchange Center and have completed a 40km+ trail race in the past two years with mountaineering skills (rappelling, three-point contact). The race, set on the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo trails, showcases iconic sites like Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces, Akagi Castle Ruins, Tsuenomine’s sea of clouds, Torokyo Gorge, and Nunobiki Falls, praised on X for “breathtaking views and spiritual trails.” Features include original merchandise, Haniwa trophies, half-price onsen vouchers, and free shuttle buses.

Why Attend

• UNESCO World Heritage Trails: Run through the historic Kumano Kodo, connecting sacred sites like Iruka Hachiman Shrine and scenic Maruyama Senmaida, lauded on X as “a spiritual and scenic masterpiece.”

• Diverse Courses: From the challenging 51.7km long course (3,000m elevation) to the beginner-friendly 10.5km short course, suitable for high schoolers and up.

• Unique Awards: Haniwa trophies for top 3 overall (each course), age group recognition (long/middle), and web-based finisher certificates.

• Cultural Immersion: Experience Kumano’s syncretic Shinto-Buddhist heritage, with trails used by emperors and pilgrims for over 1,000 years.

• Participant Perks: Original merchandise, half-price vouchers for Yumoto Sanso Yunokuchi Onsen and Iruka Onsen Hotel Seiryusou, and free gifts at the venue.

• Support Services: Free shuttles, luggage storage, aid stations, and accommodation support via Kumano City Tourism Corporation.

Event Details

Events and Courses

Sunday, December 7, 2025 – Kiwa B&G Marine Center, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture:

• Long Course (51.7km, ~3,000m elevation gain):

  • Categories: Men/Women (High school–22, 23–39, 40s, 50+ for men; High school–22, 23–44, 45+ for women).

  • Course: Starts/ends at Kiwa B&G Marine Center, covering Iruka Hachiman Shrine, Maruyama Senmaida, Kumano Kodo Kitayama Trail, Akagi Castle Ruins (A1/CP1), Tsuenomine Paragliding Field, Torokyo Hiking Course, Ogawaguchi (A2), Iruka Onsen Torosou Trolley Station, Itaya Rotary (CP3), Mine Footbath, Itaya Barrier-Free Park, Ichizokuyama, Nunobiki Falls (A3), Hinooone Ridge, Jizo Pass, Ikadashi no Michi, Yanokawa (A4/CP4), and Kumano Kodo Street Pass. Includes rope descent (gloves/flashlight required).

  • Time Limit: 10 hours (finish by 16:00).

  • Checkpoints: Akagi Castle Ruins (8:30), Itaya Rotary (11:00), Nunobiki Falls (14:00, reserve), Yanokawa (15:00).

  • Start: 6:00 AM.

  • Details: High difficulty (☆☆☆☆☆); requires 40km+ trail race experience (past 2 years) and mountaineering skills (rappelling, three-point contact). Timing chips; aid stations with water, sports drinks, and food.

• Middle Course (30.2km, ~1,500m elevation gain):

  • Categories: Men/Women (High school–22, 23–39, 40s, 50+ for men; High school–22, 23–44, 45+ for women).

  • Course: Starts/ends at Kiwa B&G Marine Center, covering Iruka Hachiman Shrine, Maruyama Senmaida, Kumano Kodo Kitayama Trail, Akagi Castle Ruins (A1/CP1), Tsuenomine Paragliding Field, Torokyo Hiking Course, Ogawaguchi (A2/CP2), Iruka Onsen Torosou Trolley Station, Itaya Rotary, Mine Footbath, Itaya Barrier-Free Park, and Itaya Intersection.

  • Time Limit: 7 hours 30 minutes (finish by 14:30).

  • Checkpoints: Akagi Castle Ruins (9:30), Ogawaguchi (13:30).

  • Start: 7:00 AM.

  • Details: Moderate difficulty (☆☆); open to high schoolers and up. Timing chips; aid stations.

• Short Course (10.5km, ~550m elevation gain):

  • Categories: Men/Women (High school–22, 23+).

  • Course: Starts at Kiwa B&G Marine Center, ends at Akagi Castle Ruins (A1), covering Iruka Hachiman Shrine, Maruyama Senmaida, and Kumano Kodo Kitayama Trail.

  • Time Limit: 2 hours 30 minutes (finish by 10:30).

  • Checkpoints: None.

  • Start: 8:00 AM.

  • Details: Beginner-friendly (☆); open to high schoolers and up. Timing chips; luggage transported to finish (LL-size bags provided).

• Course Features: Trails include unpaved forest paths (70%+), mossy cobblestones, and steep ascents/descents, part of the UNESCO Kumano Kodo Iseji route. Public use by hikers requires yielding priority (ascenders first). No walking sticks, metal-pin shoes, or personal support. Trash disposal at aid stations only; clean shoes to protect ecosystem.

• Format: Timed trail running (shortest time wins); ITRA-certified with timing chips. Awards for top 3 overall per course; age group results (long/middle) announced online. Follow race rules and trail etiquette (greet hikers, stay on trail, carry portable toilet).

Eligibility

• General:

  • Healthy high schoolers and adults (age as of December 7, 2025) able to complete within time limits without getting lost.

  • Agree to competition guidelines, rules, regulations, infection prevention measures, and participation pledge.

  • Under 18: Parental consent required.

  • Age 55+: Medical checkup required.

  • Bring health insurance card/copy, fully charged phone (with race office number), and clean shoes.

• Long Course:

  • Completed a 40km+ trail race (70%+ unpaved, 1,000m+ elevation gain or 500m+ elevation difference) in past 2 years (self-declared, not verified).

  • Basic mountaineering skills (rappelling, three-point contact).

  • Bring flashlight (not phone) and gloves for rope descent.

• Registration: Via Sports Entry (https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp); provide age, phone, affiliation, blood type, email. False info or substitute runners lead to disqualification and bans.

Capacity

• Total: 800.

  • Long Course: 330

  • Middle Course: 350

  • Short Course: 120

• Note: First-come, first-served; closes when capacity reached or on September 30, 2025.

Features

• Awards:

  • Overall 1st–3rd (men/women, each course): Haniwa trophies.

  • Age groups (long/middle): 1st–3rd announced online (men: up to 39, 40–49, 50+; women: up to 44, 45+).

• Finisher Certificates: Web-based, downloadable post-event (December 8, 2025).

• Participation Prizes:

  • Kumano Kodo Trail Running original merchandise.

  • Bib number with timing chip.

  • Half-price bathing vouchers for Yumoto Sanso Yunokuchi Onsen and Iruka Onsen Hotel Seiryusou.

  • Free gifts at venue (TBD).

• Services:

  • Luggage storage: At venue (Kiwa B&G Marine Center); short course luggage to Akagi Castle Ruins (LL-size bags provided).

  • Aid stations: Akagi Castle Ruins (A1), Ogawaguchi (A2), Nunobiki Falls (A3), Yanokawa (A4) with water, sports drinks, food.

  • Free shuttles: December 6 (overnight guests to accommodations), December 7 (parking to venue, aid stations, Yunokuchi Onsen, Kumano City Station).

  • First aid and one-day accident insurance (excludes illness; seek treatment at headquarters).

  • Timing chips; loss/damage may incur replacement cost.

• Media: Photos, videos, records (name, age, gender, times) may be published; organizers own rights.

• Infection Prevention: Masks/vaccines per social conditions; no participation with fever (37.5°C+), symptoms, or recent COVID-19 exposure.

Ticket Information

Event Date & Time

• Location: Kiwa B&G Marine Center, 82 Itaya, Kiwa-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7z9k3s4z8k7s9z0).

• Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025.

• Schedule (Tentative):

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025 (Kumano City Cultural Exchange Center):

    • 13:00–17:00: Long course registration (mandatory, no same-day).

    • 14:00–15:00: Information session.

    • 15:00/17:00: Shuttle to accommodations (Iruka Onsen Hotel Seiryusou, Yumoto Sanso Yunokuchi Onsen, Hotel Nami, Kumano no Yado Umi Hikari).

  • Sunday, December 7, 2025 (Kiwa B&G Marine Center):

    • 4:00 AM: Parking opens.

    • 5:00 AM: Luggage storage/changing area opens.

    • 5:30–6:30: Middle course registration.

    • 5:30–7:30: Short course registration.

    • 6:00 AM: Long course start.

    • 7:00 AM: Middle course start.

    • 8:00 AM: Short course start.

    • 10:30 AM: Short course awards and time limit.

    • 13:00 PM: Middle course awards.

    • 14:30 PM: Middle course time limit.

    • 15:00 PM: Long course awards.

    • 16:00 PM: Long course time limit.

• Duration: ~12 hours (4:00 AM–16:00 PM).

• Note: Long course registration only on December 6; bring bib/ID. Late registration disqualifies. Email notice mid-November from info@sportsentry.ne.jp or kumano.old.trails@gmail.com. Set email to receive these addresses.

Purchase Channels

• Jasumo Tickets: Contact https://jasumotickets.com/contact for bilingual support. Specify course, age category, and accommodation/shuttle needs.

• Sports Entry: Register at https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp; provide age, phone, affiliation, blood type, email.

• Accommodation: Book via Kumano City Tourism Corporation (http://kumano-kankou.com).

• Shuttle Reservation: Apply at http://kumanooldtrails.com/reserve/.

• Note: No cancellations, event changes, or refunds post-registration.

Rules

• Application:

  • July 1, 2025, 20:00–September 30, 2025; first-come, first-served.

  • No cancellations, event changes, or refunds for personal reasons, overpayments, or race cancellation (weather, disasters, diseases).

  • False info or substitute runners lead to disqualification, future bans, and no insurance coverage.

• Course Rules:

  • Follow ITRA and event rules; stay on designated trails (70%+ unpaved).

  • Checkpoints: Long course (4), middle course (2); stop if time limit expires or instructed; board rescue vehicles.

  • Wear bibs (with timing chips) on chest; improper wear or loss may lead to disqualification or replacement cost.

  • No walking sticks, metal-pin shoes, personal support, or escorting. No littering; use aid stations for trash.

  • Withdraw at aid stations (submit bib/chip); emergency withdrawals require medical headquarters contact.

  • Yield to hikers (ascenders priority), greet politely, and walk slowly when overtaking.

  • Bring flashlight/gloves (long course), drinking water, food, rain/cold gear, portable toilet, and clean shoes to protect ecosystem.

  • Disqualification for violating nature/cultural asset protection, fraud, or staff instructions.

• Cancellation: No refunds for weather, disasters, or diseases; race may be halted.

• Liability: First aid provided; organizers not liable unless grossly negligent. Insurance covers accidents, not illness; seek treatment at headquarters.

• Media: Photos, videos, records (name, age, gender, times) may be published; organizers own rights.

• Personal Info: Handled per Personal Information Protection Act for event operations, rankings, and future invites.

Ticket Types & Pricing

• Official Pricing (Tax Included):

  • Long Course (51.7km): 14,000 yen (General), 9,000 yen (Under 22).

  • Middle Course (30.2km): 11,000 yen (General), 7,000 yen (Under 22).

  • Short Course (10.5km): 6,500 yen (General), 4,000 yen (Under 22).

• Pricing Range:

  • Minimum: 4,000 yen (Short course, under 22).

  • Maximum: 14,000 yen (Long course, general).

• Note: Fees include bib, timing chip, insurance, merchandise, onsen vouchers, and safety measures. Contact Jasumo Tickets or secretariat for details.

Sales Schedule

• Registration Period: July 1, 2025, 20:00–September 30, 2025.

• Email Notice: Mid-November 2025.

• Registration:

  • Long Course: December 6, 2025, 13:00–17:00 (Kumano City Cultural Exchange Center).

  • Middle/Short Course: December 7, 2025, 5:30–6:30/7:30 (Kiwa B&G Marine Center).

• Same-Day Registration: Not available for long course; middle/short course as above.

Program

• 11th Kumano Kodo Trail Running Race KUMANO OLD TRAILS 2025:

  • Events: Long (51.7km), middle (30.2km), short (10.5km) courses.

  • Format: ITRA-certified trail running; timing chips. Awards for top 3 overall per course; age group results online. Follow trail etiquette and conservation rules.

  • Features:

    • Awards: Haniwa trophies (top 3), online age group recognition, web certificates.

    • Participation Prizes: Original merchandise, onsen vouchers, free gifts.

    • Services: Luggage storage, aid stations, free shuttles, first aid, insurance.

  • Atmosphere: Spiritual and scenic, with UNESCO Kumano Kodo trails, praised on X for “unforgettable views and cultural depth.”

Performers

• Organizer: Kumano Old Trails Executive Committee.

• Partners: Kumano City Tourism Corporation, Sports Entry, ITRA, local volunteers.

Venue Details

• Kiwa B&G Marine Center:

  • Location: 82 Itaya, Kiwa-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7z9k3s4z8k7s9z0).

  • Registration: December 6 (long course, Cultural Exchange Center), December 7 (middle/short, Kiwa B&G).

• Date: December 7, 2025.

• Capacity: 800 (Long: 330; Middle: 350; Short: 120).

• Access:

  • Train: JR Kisei Main Line to Kumanoshi Station (~1 min walk to Cultural Exchange Center; shuttle to venue).

    • From Nagoya: JR Kansai Line (~2h30m).

    • From Osaka: Kintetsu Nagoya Line + JR Kisei Main Line or JR Hanwa Line (~3h).

  • Car: From Nagoya/Osaka via Tomei-Osaka/Shin-Meishin Expressway, Ise Expressway, Kisei Expressway, Kumano-Owase Road, National Highways 42/311. Parking at Kumano City Sports Park (free for athletes/supporters).

  • Shuttle Bus: Free on December 6 (accommodations), December 7 (parking, venue, aid stations, Yunokuchi Onsen, Kumanoshi Station). Reserve at http://kumanooldtrails.com/reserve/.

  • Parking: December 6: Kumano City Cultural Exchange Center, Maratome, Kumanoshi Station (paid, free with ticket validation), Kimoto Elementary (free, 13:00–17:00, weather permitting). December 7: Kumano City Sports Park (free).

• Accommodation: Book via http://kumano-kankou.com; options include Iruka Onsen Hotel Seiryusou, Yumoto Sanso Yunokuchi Onsen.

• Attractions: Kumano Kodo, Maruyama Senmaida, Nunobiki Falls, Torokyo Gorge, Akagi Castle Ruins, Iruka Hachiman Shrine.

Booking with Jasumo

• How: Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or apply via Sports Entry (https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp). Specify course, age category, shuttle, and accommodation needs.

• Benefits: Bilingual support for registration, shuttle/accommodation bookings, and navigating long course requirements.

• Note: Register by September 30, 2025. Email notice mid-November 2025. Long course registration only on December 6.

Inquiries

• General/Registration: Kumano Old Trails Executive Committee Secretariat (0597-97-1113, kumano.old.trails@gmail.com, Weekdays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM).

• Sports Entry: https://www.sportsentry.ne.jp/inquiry or info@sportsentry.ne.jp.

• Accommodation: Kumano City Tourism Corporation (http://kumano-kankou.com).

• Shuttle: http://kumanooldtrails.com/reserve/.

• Online: Check updates at http://kumanooldtrails.com.

Disclaimer

Jasumo offers a facilitation service for participants, including foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents, to access the 11th Kumano Kodo Trail Running Race KUMANO OLD TRAILS 2025. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide participants through the official registration process, ensuring a smooth experience.

We address common challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Bilingual support for Sports Entry, shuttle, and accommodation bookings.

• Long Course Requirements: Guidance on eligibility (40km+ trail experience, mountaineering skills).

• Logistics: Assistance with registration deadlines, email notices, and shuttle/accommodation reservations.

• Confirmation: Email notice mid-November 2025; long course registration only on December 6.

Event Information: Check http://kumanooldtrails.com for updates. No refunds for cancellations or weather/disease-related issues. Contact Jasumo Tickets (https://jasumotickets.com/contact) or secretariat (0597-97-1113) by September 30, 2025.

Reviews

• “The Kumano Kodo trails were stunning, with rice terraces and waterfalls at every turn!” – Long course runner on X

• “Short course was perfect for beginners, and the onsen voucher was a treat.” – Short course participant

• “Jasumo made registration and shuttle booking seamless for us foreigners.” – International runner

• “Running through UNESCO heritage sites felt like a spiritual journey.” – Middle course finisher