Fuji Mountain Race

The Mt. Fuji Climb Race 2025 is one of the toughest mountain road races in Japan. Starting in Fujiyoshida City, runners climb nearly 3,000 meters in elevation as they race toward the summit of Mt. Fuji. The 21 km course includes steep slopes, mountain trails, and rocky sections, and only those who pass the cutoff points are allowed to continue to the top.
It is an extremely demanding race that tests physical strength, leg power, and mental toughness.

Basic Information

• Event Name: Mt. Fuji Climb Race
• Date: Late July (annually)
• Location: Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
  (Start near Fujiyoshida City Hall at the foot of Mt. Fuji)
• Course: A mountain race from Fujiyoshida City to the summit of Mt. Fuji. The course is approximately 21 km with about 3,000 meters of elevation gain, making it a full-scale mountain running challenge.
• Entry Fee: Check the official website
• Website: https://fujimountainrace.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/

Eligibility

Because this race is extremely demanding, not everyone is allowed to participate.
To enter the race, runners must meet the following qualification requirements.

① Basic Age and Health Requirement

Participants must be 18 years of age or older as of April 1, 2025, and be in good health.

Eligibility for the Summit Course (Mt. Fuji Summit)

Because the summit course is extremely demanding, additional qualification requirements apply.
➡ Previous race results are required.

Runners must meet one of the following conditions:

• In one of the most recent three races (e.g., the 75th, 76th, or 77th Mt. Fuji Climb Race),
  the runner must have passed the Fifth Station checkpoint (or finished at the Fifth Station) within 2 hours and 20 minutes.

OR

• In the Mt. Fuji Climb Run (a separate race),
  the runner must have finished at the Fifth Station within 2 hours.

If you are a first-time participant and do not meet these requirements, you cannot enter the summit course.

Eligibility for the Fifth Station Course

There are no performance or qualification requirements for the Fifth Station Course.
Only the basic age and health requirement applies.

Course and Runability

The course of the Mt. Fuji Climb Race is a continuous uphill route from the city of Fujiyoshida to the summit of Mt. Fuji (or the Fifth Station). The race begins on paved roads in the city, where the gradient is relatively gentle, but it gradually becomes steeper, placing increasing strain on the legs. In the middle section, the course includes unpaved mountain trails, with gravel and dirt surfaces that can be slippery, making pacing and footwork very important. Beyond the Fifth Station (on the summit course), the terrain becomes more rugged, with rocky sections and steps, and in many places it feels more like climbing than running, with extremely steep slopes that make you wish you had trekking poles. While the paved roads in the early part allow for a smooth running rhythm, the later sections become a true endurance test, where alternating between walking and running is necessary. Both strong legs and mental toughness are essential to reach the finish.

Race Atmosphere

The Mt. Fuji Climb Race has a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from ordinary road races. From before the start, the area is filled with experienced runners, and even casual conversations reflect how serious everyone is about the challenge. There is strong support along the course from the city streets all the way up to the Fifth Station, with cheers from local residents and tourists giving runners a big boost.
Because the course is so demanding, finishers share a special sense of achievement and respect for one another, creating an atmosphere unlike any other race.

Overall Evaluation　

The Mt. Fuji Climb Race is more than just a running event—it is a true test of personal challenge. With nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain in a single continuous climb, the course is extremely demanding, requiring thorough preparation and strong determination. However, the sense of achievement at the finish is extraordinary. Because of the strict qualification standards and cutoff times, simply earning the right to participate is already an honor, and completing the race becomes a powerful confidence booster.
Taking on the iconic Mt. Fuji in this way makes it one of Japan’s most symbolic and legendary races, and it is highly recommended as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.