REGULATIONS

Competition rules

1 Competition method

(1) Time limit

①160km 46 hours
②80km 24 hours

(2) Checkpoint closing times

①160km 6/23 (Sun) 09:00 (Finish checkpoint closing time)
②80km 6/22 (Sat) 12:00 (Finish checkpoint closing time)

(3) Measurement method

by IC chip

(4) Start method

Simultaneous start.

(5) Ranking method

A timed race system on a predetermined course

2 Eligibility

①160km

Those who have participated in and completed a race recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), and have earned the prescribed points of "10 points or more in up to 3 races" or "6 points or more in 1 race".
* Points must have been earned between September 19, 2019 and September 28, 2023. However, at least one race must be from September 29, 2022 to September 28, 2023.
Alternatively, those who have completed the "DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 Official Test Run Camp" on June 10-11th or November 4-5th 2023 within the time allotted will be allowed to participate in the race without the required ITRA points.

②80km

Those who have completed a trail race of 30km or longer between January 1, 2018 and September 28, 2023.
Or those who participated in the "DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 Official Test Run Camp" on the first day (Saturday) and completed it within the time limit.
In the event of inaccurate, non-compliant or misleading statements regarding stipulated points, the Organizer will cancel the registration without refunding the entry fee.

Note: If the race for which ITRA certifies points is changed, it will be recalculated by converting it to the race that was actually held.

3 Participation conditions

Participants must be 20 years of age or older on the day of the race, be physically and mentally healthy, and be able to complete the course within the time limit without getting lost.
Must be able to understand and adhere to the rules set by the organizer.
Must have the ability to deal with problems (altitude, weather, mental and physical) that may occur during the event without outside help, and fully understand their own responsibilities.

4 Player Responsibility

This event is a competition that runs for more than one day and night through nature, including mountainous terrain. There are also areas outside of cell phone coverage.
While the organizers will prepare to minimize risks that the athletes cannot predict or control, it is the athletes' responsibility to avoid hazards and protect their own safety during the race. Therefore, athletes are expected to have the skills, knowledge, equipment, physical strength, and self-discipline to deal with foreseeable problems and weather conditions (low temperatures, strong winds, rain and snow, etc.).
It is the responsibility of the athletes to follow these without relying on anyone else in various natural environments and to stay the course.
It is the athlete's responsibility to return to the course on his/her own, using a map or other means, if he/she strays from the course.
Be capable of dealing with any problems (mental or physical) that may arise during the race on your own without outside help, and fully understand your own responsibilities.
Please be aware that the course includes bear habitat and use bear bells (except in sections where bear bells are prohibited).

5 Nature Conservation Rules

Mt. AWA, Mt. ASAKUSA, and Mt.SUMON are treasure troves of nature. Running through these areas means always paying attention to the environment and nature conservation. Please not only follow the basic rule of taking all garbage with you, but also be considerate of rare wild animals, be quiet, and pass through with the mindset that you are intruding on their habitat. Also, please be considerate of rare plants and avoid running on branches, leaves, buds, etc. as you pass through.
Please be fully aware of the competition rules to minimize environmental impact and the management of the event with consideration for non-tournament participants, such as people living in the community.
In order to reduce plastic waste, disposable tableware (paper cups, trays, etc.) will not be distributed at aid stations.
Athletes and supporters are requested to wash the soles of their shoes prior to the start of the competition to prevent the introduction of plants from outside the event area. Also, please clean the mats placed at the trail entrances throughout the course.
Shortcutting the corners of the course or otherwise deviating from the trail is prohibited.
If there is concern that the trail may be double-lined or widened due to trampling, guide ropes and tape are posted on both sides of the course to prevent trespassing.
In principle, overtaking is prohibited in areas where there is concern about overhang of sidewalks. Overtaking is prohibited and other restrictions will be imposed where necessary for the protection of nature.
Poles (stocks) should be used with the caps in place.
Collecting or damaging plants, animals, fungi, rocks, etc. on the course and in all areas is prohibited.

6 RULES FOR DURING THE COMPETITION

This tournament is designed to be environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, and paperless. No documents will be sent to applicants. In addition to these rules, please be sure to check the schedule, course, and other information posted on the official website of the tournament in advance.
Please strictly abide by these rules and other rules set forth by this tournament. Violators may be disqualified.
Please be truthful and accurate in declaring your health condition and any other information requested by the event. Any false declarations will result in disqualification and will not be allowed to participate in the race. The organizers will not be held responsible for any insurance coverage that is not provided by the organizers as a result of false declarations.
Athletes must wear their numbers in plain view in front and behind them during the race.
Do not make loud noises or disturbances. Be especially careful in areas around residences.
In sections where bear bells are prohibited, please ensure that they do not ring.
If you encounter a member of the general public, a hiker or a mountain climber sharing the trail, please acknowledge them with a polite greeting and walk past or give way to them. Please give priority to members of the public.
Please pass on the marked course and do not deviate from the designated course. If you deviate from the course, please return to the course on your own, using a map or other means.
For your safety, please follow the instructions of the staff posted on the course. Any competitor who does not follow the instructions will be disqualified.
Do not trespass or damage any structures on the course.
The course has a part that passes through a steel tower site. Please be careful not to fall down when passing through it. Also, climbing the tower is strictly prohibited.
There are sections of the course where overtaking, running, using poles, and bear bells are prohibited. Please follow the instructions for these sections.
Poles should be capped and used only in the approved sections.
Do not run in groups or parallel to other runners.
When running at night, please wear a headlamp.
Please strictly observe all laws and regulations in Japan, including the Road Traffic Law. You are also responsible for your activities in accordance with general social justice.
In case of emergency, please contact the race headquarters. In such cases, please use the GPS function of your smartphone and tell us the coordinates of your current location via a smartphone application.
Before the event, please check and prepare a method to report your current location. We recommend the use of the app Geografica.
Please register the following contact information in your mobile phone in advance. Headquarters Contact TEL: 0258-66-7991(main), TEL: 070-4368-5782 (sub)
Littering is strictly prohibited. (gels, tissue paper, toilet paper, plastic packaging, etc.). Be sure to dispose of your garbage in the bins provided at each aid station.
Please use the restrooms in designated areas or use portable toilets. Portable toilets are a must-have item. Please prepare the necessary number in advance.
Athletes will be provided with gels at the aid stations however each participant is limited to two gels per person.
Please bring and carry what you need or use a drop back.
We do not recommend that runners take a nap on the course. However, napping is allowed only if it is deemed dangerous to continue onward due to drowsiness and there is a place along the side of the course that does not block other runners' paths. That said, napping is not allowed in the recommended walking sections, as many of these sections are not suitable for napping due to the cliffs along the sides of the course.
If you encounter an injured or ill athlete or a person related to the event who is unable to move, please give priority to their rescue and contact the race headquarters as soon as possible. When contacting the headquarters, please give the number of the athlete's bib if possible. If you do not know the bib number, please describe the athlete by gender, color of clothing, etc. Athletes who do not assist a fellow athlete in need of rescue will be disqualified.
Check the official information provided by the organizer before and during the race.
Check official bulletin boards and SMS at aid stations and water stations.
Check the precautions displayed on the notice boards, etc. at the aid stations just before entering the national park. Only those athletes who have confirmed these precautions will be allowed to enter the park.
Be fully aware of the length and specificity of the competition and be fully prepared for the competition.
Be competent to protect your own safety on the mountain and be able to deal with all kinds of problems that may arise during the competition.
Learn how to cope with extreme weather conditions (night, wind, cold, fog, rain, snow, thunder, hail, etc.) at high altitudes without outside help.
Learn how to cope with physical or emotional problems resulting from fatigue, such as digestive problems, sore muscles and joints, minor wounds, etc.
You may be transported to the hospital if a doctor or staff deems it necessary. You will be responsible for your own medical expenses. Athletes are responsible for their own transportation from the hospital to the finish line or home. Athletes are also responsible for their own expenses.
Athletes must inform their families, friends, and other related parties that they must respect nature, the people involved, and the competition rules. Please inform them to refrain from cheering in the National Parks Special Protection Areas in order to secure a parking space at the Futaguchi and Hokurei trailheads.
Failure to follow the competition rules or failure to take these precautions may result in disqualification on the spot and a 15-minute or one-hour penalty time added to the race time. In addition, the competitor may be refused participation in the next year's race.
(Example of penalty)
●Shortcut: To be decided by the organizer according to the degree of shortcut.
●No more than 2 liters of water, a hooded rain jacket, a light, a survival blanket, or a smart phone as required equipment Disqualification
●No essential equipment coco helicopter, long tights or leggings and socks combination, 1 light, hat or buff, waterproof thermal gloves, fingerless gloves, warm clothes for changing, rain pants, whistle, taping or elastic bandage, portable cup, mobile battery 1 hour
●No insurance card, portable toilet, or bear bell 15 min.
●Refusal to check required equipment Disqualification
●Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode 15 min.
●Receives personal support outside of aid station 1 hour
●Running alongside a private supporter on the course outside of an aid station 15 min.
●Other violations: To be decided by the organizer in accordance with the above.

7 RETIREMENT

If you wish to retire, please make your own way to the nearest aid station.
Remove your number bib and notify a staff member.
If you are unable to get to the aid station on your own, please contact the race headquarters or the first aid headquarters for which you have registered the numbers in advance and follow their instructions. If you are unable to use a cell phone, ask another runner to move to a location where cell phone service is available, and ask them to contact someone on your behalf.
Athletes who have exceeded the race time limit will be considered to have retired.
Retired competitors will not be allowed to continue on the course for any reason.

8 First Aid System

(1) First Aid System

Each aid station has a medical station with medical staff on standby.

In the event that an athlete becomes unable to run due to injury or illness, a rescue team will be on standby to arrive at the site as soon as possible (within 3 hours) to provide initial care to the athlete in need of medical attention.

Medical treatment provided at aid stations

Dehydration, heat stroke: oral rehydration, electrolyte candy, and rest → IV fluids will be administered if improvement is not seen.

Hypothermia: Keeping warm, warm drinks, and rest → If improvement is not seen an intravenous drip will be administered.

Abrasions and contusions: Wound cleansing and disinfection, gauze protection

Sprains, strains, fractures: compresses, taping, immobilization with a triangular bandage

Gastrointestinal disorders: administration of over-the-counter gastrointestinal drugs (supplies) and intravenous infusion if necessary

Stings and bites from bees, snakes, etc.: Poison remover to remove poison, wound disinfection

In case of anaphylactic shock, emergency transport (the aid station has adrenaline for intramuscular injection)

Limb cramps, limb twitching: administer Herbal medicine Shakuyaku-kanzo-to

*Athletes who are administered intravenous drips will not be allowed to continue the race (disqualification).

Medical treatment at aid stations will be provided only as a simple and emergency measure, and in case of difficulty, the runner will be immediately transported to an affiliated hospital. In the event that the athlete needs to see a specialist at a later date, the athlete will be informed of this.
In principle, medical treatment will be provided at aid stations only. Medical treatment in mountainous areas is not permitted except in emergency situations due to safety and hygiene concerns. The rescue team will transport the athlete to the aid station.
The medical staff reserves the right to terminate the race if any athlete is unable to continue due to illness or injury.

(2) Distress measures

Cocoheli transmitter ID information of all athletes will be checked. Prior to the start of the race, the athlete's address, name, contact information, date of birth, and Cocoheli number will be submitted to the police headquarters in order to ensure a quick response in the event of distress. A Cocoheli transmitter is required equipment for all competitors and must be carried at all times.
GPX data for the entire course of the competition will be made available in advance, so please use a map application that uses GPX data (Geografica is recommended). Please confirm the coordinate axis of your current location in advance. When calling for help, please use the map application to inform the headquarters of the coordinate axis of your current location. Sweepers should carry a Cocoheli receiver so that they can search for a Cocoheli signal. A Cocoheli search drone team will be set up in case of emergency.
It may take more than 6 hours for emergency services to arrive if conditions are remote and the rescue point cannot be located at night or in bad weather, etc. (Helicopter search is limited from sunrise to sunset). Therefore, your life depends on the food, clothing, etc. you are carrying, so be sure to carry them with safety in mind.
All medical, ambulance, first aid, usher staff and persons appointed by the organizer have the right to:
Retire athletes who are deemed unable to continue.
Retire athletes who are not carrying all the required equipment.
Evacuate athletes who appear to be at risk in any way.
Suggest the most appropriate course of action for the patient.
All athletes who voluntarily deviate from the marked course are no longer under the responsibility of the organizers. Therefore, they cannot request assistance from the organizers.
In the event that the organizers are not notified of a retiree by the race headquarters after the checkpoint closing time, the organizers will request the police to search for the retiree according to the following criteria:

A prefectural police helicopter equipped with a Cocoheli receiver will be dispatched to rescue athletes who have strayed from the course.
Sweepers will use a Cocoheli receiver to retrieve all athletes on the course at the checkpoint closing times.
If a participant does not pass the checkpoint even if the sweeper passes, and there is no notification of retirement to the headquarters, we will contact the participant’s mobile phone, emergency contact, etc. and dispatch the Cocoheli drone team to start the search.
If the athlete cannot be found or is in an area where rescue is not possible (e.g., slipping into a deep ravine), a nearby athlete, marshal, or guide who saw the athlete slip or fall will report it to headquarters, and if the organizers are unable to rescue the athlete, the police will be called to search.
Search by helicopter is limited to the period from sunrise to sunset.
Whether or not a search will be conducted at night will be left to the discretion of the search team, taking weather conditions and other factors into consideration.
Therefore, if you decide to retire, you must notify the headquarters. Otherwise, you may be the subject of a missing person search.
Cocoheli offers up to three flights free of charge for mountain distress searches. Otherwise, however, you may be charged a search fee.

9 Equipment

In order to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event, all competitors must be equipped with all items listed in the required equipment checklist. (See below).
Please also refer to the individual competition pages.
After finishing the race, we will randomly check the essential equipment of participants. Failure to carry the required equipment will result in disqualification. (Supplementary food, water, and portable toilets are excluded.)
Depending on weather conditions, "high temperature," "low temperature," or "lingering snow" sets may be added as required equipment.
When you pick up your bib at the registration desk, you will be required to go through a mandatory equipment check.
All required equipment must be carried throughout the race.
Please note: The items included in the Mandatory Gear checklist should be chosen according to your skill level. Please don't choose clothing or packs strictly for lightness, but rather emphasize safety and equip yourself with items that will protect you from the cold, wind and rain at night in the mountains.

Required Equipment:

Running pack
To carry mandatory kit throughout the race
COCOHELI

There are many areas on the course outside of cell phone coverage, especially mountainous regions such as Mt. Awa, Mt. Asakusa, Mt.Sumon and the south east side of them.

Therefore, please join COCOHELI in advance and bring your own transmitter, or rent a transmitter prepared by the organizer and carry it with you.

* Rental fee is 1,650 yen / 4,400 yen will be charged if the device is lost.

The COCOHELI device must be fully charged at the start.

Cell phone and spare battery

*Smartphone is preferred.

*Participants must be reachable at all times during the event, including before and after the event.

*The phone must be registered with the organizer's emergency phone number in a mode that can be used in Japan and must be fully charged at the start of the race. Airplane mode is not allowed. Violations may result in penalties.

* Airplane mode is prohibited while the power is on. Violations may be subject to penalties.

Portable cup of 150ml or more

*There are no paper cups available at aid stations.

*Bottles with caps are not permitted.

2 liter or more of water

* At the equipment check, please show something (bottle or hydration) that can hold more than 2 liter of water. You can leave it empty.

2 working torches

*With spare cells/batteries for each torch

*Recommendation : 200 lumens or more for the main torch

Survival blanket

*1.3m×2m minimum

Whistle

*It is necessary as a countermeasure when you cannot speak

Self-adhering elastic bandage for bandaging or strapping

*80cm × 3cm minimum

Pre-cut pieces are not acceptable.

Supplemental food totaling 800 kcal or more

* Please calculate by yourself with the notation on the food.

* KODA NUTRITION Energy Gel 1pack,45g/117kcal or equivalent sports gel etc. is recommended.

*If you think you need more than this, please prepare by yourself.

* Top athletes consume 1 piece every 30 minutes starting 1.5 hours after the start, totaling 4 pieces in 3 hours.

*At the equipment check, please show the food you actually have.

Hooded rain jacket and rain pants

*Gore-Tex or equivalent with waterproof and breathable properties, seams waterproofed with seam tape

*Jackets must have an integrated hood

*Jackets and pants must not have areas of non-waterproof fabric, but manufacturer-installed ventilation holes (such as under the arms) are permitted.

*Participants must determine if a jacket and pants that comply with the aforementioned criteria will be able to withstand late nights in the mountains, wind and rain. However, the race director's opinion will be given priority in the mandatory equipment check.

Long tights or leggings and socks

*To be able to cover the feet completely.

Hat or buff

*To be able to cover the feet completely.

Warm clothes to change into

*Long-sleeved mid layer for cold weather (Men's M size 180g equivalent, no cotton material)

*or any combination of:

Long-sleeved mid layer for cold weather (Men's M size 110g equivalent, no cotton material)
Windproof jacket (separate from the rain jacket...)
Fingerless gloves

*Ropes, chains, and ladders are set up throughout the course. There are countless areas where running is not possible. Hands must be used for climbing and care must be taken in passing. These gloves should be designed to prevent hand injuries from falls and slips.

Waterproof winter gloves
Mobile toilet
Mountain running shoes

*The soles of the shoes must be cleaned to prevent plants from being brought in from outside the event area.

*For safety reasons, road running shoes and sandals are prohibited.

Bear bell
ID card (with face photo)

* Identification card and insurance card (for Japanese athletes)

　　　　　*Passport and proof of travel insurance (for overseas athletes)

　　　　　*The original will be used only for identification at the registration desk.　

　　　　　*When running, carry a copy of the following

　　　　　*Japanese athletes: Copy of insurance card

　　　　　*Overseas athletes: Copy of passport

* Depending on the weather conditions, the organizer may request the athletes to carry the following sets.

Cold weather kit

A warm third layer (clothing worn between the waterproof jacket and the second layer)

**Recommended: Fleece or a thin down jacket that is compact

Remaining snow kit

Light crampons, snow spikes or snow chains

All clothing must fit the participant's own size and cannot be changed or modified in any way after being shipped as a product.
Mandatory equipment must be carried in a running sack throughout the race.
The running sack is tagged at the Check-in and cannot be changed during the race.

10 Baggage storage

Drop bags and baggage to be picked up after the race must be deposited at the baggage storage area during the following hours.

160km 6/21 (Fri.) 09:00 - 10:30

80km 6/21 (Fri.) 10:00 - 11:30

Valuables are not allowed in luggage.

Your luggage contents must be able to fit in your bag provided and the bag must be able to be completely closed.

The bag size limit is 45L (length 80cm x width 65cm).

11 Aid Station

Aid stations will provide supplemental food and beverages.

*For details, please see the tournament overview and the overview page.

12 After finishing and retiring

Please be sure to return your timing chip and the rented Cocoheli transmitter.

Please also remove your bib number.

There will be a truck regularly sweeping the course for retired runners, bringing them to the start venue.

Please make use of this service.

13 After the Race and Event

We will not print out certificates of completion.

Please follow the instructions below to download your certificate from RUNNET.

Select "DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 - NIIGATA - 2024" from the RUNNET results page.

Search for individual records from the "Athlete Search" menu.

Click the "Create Record" button to download the record.

Awards

160 km (top 10 finishers for men and women)

80 km (top 5 finishers for men and women)

14 Anti-Doping

The competition accepts all rules of the World Anti-Doping Code as published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and will be held in accordance with those rules.

It is a prerequisite for participation that each athlete accepts all rules of the World Anti-Doping Code as published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), especially the sections concerning athletes.

World Anti-Doping Code - International Standards (Japan Anti-Doping Agency)

15 Cancellation, interruption, or course change of the event

If the organizer deems it difficult to hold or continue the tournament for any of the following reasons, the tournament will be cancelled or suspended. The date of the tournament will not be postponed to the following week or other time.

When there is a request from the government, prefecture, or city to cancel the event due to the spread of infectious diseases, etc.
When a weather warning is issued or other stormy weather is expected.
When it is deemed impossible to ensure the safety of athletes and staff due to the occurrence or threat of a cliff collapse or rock fall on the course.
When there is a possibility of damage to the natural environment due to the passage of athletes.
When there are other unavoidable circumstances that make it necessary to cancel the event.

This competition course has been set in consideration of domestic rare wildlife species and in coordination with the Forestry Agency, relevant local governments, community associations, landowners, and other related parties. The course is subject to change depending on the breeding conditions of domestic rare wildlife species and the results of coordination with related parties.

The course may be changed if it rains during the tournament or if muddy soil is predicted or recognized.

The decision to cancel or suspend the event will be announced on the official website and on the dedicated website (PC and cell phone) on the day of the event or the day before the event.

In the case of an announcement on the start day, it will also be sent via SMS to the registered cell phone number of each competitor.

In the event that the event is cancelled, suspended, or the course is changed for any of the above reasons, the entry fee will not, in principle, be refunded.

16 Responsibility of Organizers

The organizers, facility installers, and administrators shall not be liable for any accidents (including injury, permanent disability, death, and distress) or third-party harm (including trouble with other competitors, hikers, the general public, and damage to property) during the event period, regardless of intentional or negligent conduct.

The organizers will not be held responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to valuables or baggage.

The organizers accept no responsibility for the transmission of the novel coronavirus by anyone involved in the event.

The organizers have taken out liability and athletes' accident insurance and tournament cancellation insurance, but all athletes are advised to take out their own insurance.

The organizer's accident insurance coverage is as follows

・Death and disability: 3 million yen

・Hospitalization (daily amount): 3,000 yen

・Hospital Outpatient (daily amount): 2,000 yen

The organizer will take the following safety measures

・Course preparation and staffing

・Arrangement of marshal runners

・Establishment of medical and first aid system, first aid treatment

・Establishment of aid stations and checkpoints

・Warning boards at each aid station with information on the risks and precautions that are expected ahead. All athletes must confirm the contents before being allowed to depart.

・Communication system between the above points

・Obligation to carry a Cocoheli helicopter or other device that can determine the current location of athletes

・Establishment of a system to search for athletes using cocoheli receivers

・Obligation to carry essential equipment for survival in case of emergency

・Signs and guides

・Establishment of no-overtaking zones, walking zones, etc.

・Enforcement of the "Precautions and Organizer's Management Policy Concerning Covid-19 Infections" stipulated separately

・Cleaning of shoe soles, etc. for athletes and supporters prior to the start of competition to prevent the introduction of plants from outside the host area.

・Install an appropriate number of toilets as needed, manage them appropriately (disposal methods, removal, etc.), and inform all persons involved in the competition that they must use the toilets in designated areas.

17 Privacy Policy (Personal Information Protection Guidelines)

See our privacy policy page

18 Rights to the usage of names, images, pictures, results, articles, etc. of the event

The copyrights, publication rights, and rights of use for all images, photographs, articles, location information, athletes' names, ages, places of residence (name of country, prefecture or city) records, etc. of the event belong to the organizer. They may not be used (broadcast, published, distributed on the Internet, etc.) without the organizer's permission. However, private use of videos and photographs taken by the athletes and supporters themselves is permitted.
The organizer may publicize videos, photos, articles, records, etc. of athletes and supporters on TV, in magazines, on the Internet, etc.
DEEP JAPAN ULTRA 100 is a registered trademark. Any use of the name must be approved by the organizer.

19 Miscellaneous

Competition rules are subject to change. Any changes will be posted on the tournament website.

20 Invited Athletes

International high-level runners will be fairly selected according to the following criteria and the ITRA Performance Index, and will be given privileges and obligations, including securing an entry slot. Invited athletes must register during the established entry period (until 2023/01/15). Please submit the Invited Player Entry Form below. No registrations will be accepted after the deadline.

Criteria (ITRA Performance Index):

160km　　　　　　　100km

　　　Male　 Female　　　　　Male　　　　　Female　　　　　　　

Free >800 >680 >770 >650

Runners who have earned the necessary ITRA points for entry and meet the above criteria may be registered as invited runners.

Privileges:

At the start of each race, invited athletes will be allocated a start area according to their next race bib number.

160 km: Invited runners start area 1: numbers 1-21 / Invited runners start area 2: numbers 22-299

80km: number 3001-3299

Obligations:

All invited athletes agree to the following

Attend any press conferences or official ceremonies to which they are invited.

Attend any awards ceremony that may be involved.

Be at the start area at least 20 minutes before the start.