32nd Shimanto River Ultra Marathon 2026 - Kochi, Japan

The 32nd Shimanto River Ultra Marathon takes runners into the mountains and river valleys of Kochi Prefecture, on Japan's island of Shikoku. The event's centrepiece is a 100 km road ultra following the Shimanto River, famous for its clear water and low-water chinkabashi bridges. Rather than a flat city marathon, this is a long day on a scenic, rolling mountain route, with a demanding climb beyond 20 km before panoramic views of the river corridor open up. Organisers highlight the support of local communities and volunteers along the route.

Race courses and timetable

On Sunday 18 October 2026, the certified 100 km race starts at 5:30 am in front of the former Warabioka Junior High School, Shimanto City. Its total cut-off is 14 hours, with eight timed checkpoints. The separate 60 km race begins at 9:30 am at Koinobori Park in Towa, Shimanto Town, and has a 10-hour limit and seven checkpoints. Both races finish at the auxiliary athletics ground of Kochi Prefectural Nakamura Junior/Senior High School. ARC currently has no 60K distance selector, so this second, official race distance is documented here rather than incorrectly tagged as 50K. The organiser published a checkpoint-location change on 12 October 2026; runners should follow the latest official participant guide rather than older route charts.

Check-in and preparations

The 100 km runners must collect their participant goods and baggage bag at Shimanto City Sports Centre on Saturday 17 October, 11:00 am–6:00 pm: the organiser explicitly says there is no race-day collection for the 100 km field. For the 60 km race, collection is available at Towa Gymnasium on Saturday between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, or at Koinobori Park on race morning between 7:00 and 8:30 am. The event also offers pre-race gatherings. Registration for this edition took place 1–30 June 2026 and is closed; entrants should review their mailed materials and organiser announcements.

On-course rules and support

Entry is for runners aged 18 or older, excluding high-school students, who can finish inside the time limit. The 100 km registered division additionally requires 2026 Japan Association of Athletics Federations registration. Race fees include on-course refreshments, a commemorative item, event insurance and local circulating buses. Official finishers receive a medal. The organiser bans mobile car or bicycle following by supporters because of narrow roads and safety concerns; designated spectator buses are the appropriate alternative. Expect road restrictions and plan transport well in advance. Check the event website for the final checkpoint placements and any weather-related changes.