Iki Ultramarathon 2026 - Nagasaki, Japan

Iki Ultramarathon 2026, known locally as Kamigami no Shima Iki Ultramarathon, brings runners to Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture on Saturday 17 October. Organised by the Iki Ultramarathon Executive Committee, this established destination race offers an island-circling 100 km challenge alongside a 50 km option. The organiser reported a record 945 entries for 2026, close to its combined capacity of 1,000. The island's history, hospitality and coastal scenery are central to the experience.

Island roads and scenery

The 100 km course makes a demanding circuit of Iki on rolling roads, with repeated climbs and descents rather than one continuous mountain ascent. The organiser's route highlights include Saruiwa (Monkey Rock), beaches, shrines, fishing villages and coastal viewpoints. The 50 km begins at Iki Island Development Centre and follows the latter part of the island route. Both races finish at Iki-no-Shima Hall in Gonoura. Interactive official maps identify checkpoints, drink stations, toilets and landmarks. Roads are not exclusively reserved for runners, so take care around pedestrians and vehicles and obey marshal directions.

Starts, checkpoints and safety

The 100 km starts at 05:00 JST from Iki-no-Shima Hall and has a 14-hour limit. The 50 km starts at 11:00 JST from Iki Island Development Centre and has an eight-hour limit. Both finish by 19:00. Timing points are spread along the routes and intermediate checkpoints enforce departure deadlines. Runners who miss a cut-off are transported to the finish. Bring a reusable drinking cup: the organiser does not supply disposable cups at hydration stations. A light is also mandatory for the early start and any running after dark.

Entry and runner services

Registration opened on 10 April and closed on 17 July 2026, with places allocated on a first-paid basis. There is no on-site registration or bib collection. The organiser posts bibs, timing tags and the planned original event T-shirt to entrants ahead of the race. Finishers receive a certificate and medal. Awards recognise the top eight men and women in each distance and the top three in age groups. A pre-race gathering is scheduled at Iki-no-Shima Hall on Friday 16 October from 18:00 to 19:00.

Travelling to Iki

Iki is reached by ferry or high-speed boat from the Kyushu mainland, or by air from Nagasaki. The organiser operates free shuttles between selected ports, accommodation areas and race facilities, but services depend on the location and departure time. Check the official 2026 shuttle schedule and confirm your overnight transport before travelling, especially if starting the 100 km at 05:00.