Minonokuni Yamajiro Trail Ran KINKA Gifu 2027

Minonokuni Yamajiro Trail Ran KINKA 2027 is a demanding one-day mountain circuit above Gifu City, Japan, on Saturday 27 March. Although it belongs to the wider Minonokuni Yamajiro Trail project, this is a separate race three weeks after the 5–7 March FIRST HELD ultramarathon weekend. Its own start, finish and registration are at Gifu Park's Hanaki Plaza, beneath Mount Kinka and Gifu Castle.

Course and terrain

The official route is 22 km with approximately 1,500 m of climbing and a reported 70.3% trail proportion. It opens with the steep, rocky Uma-no-Se (Horse's Back) ascent towards Gifu Castle, then continues towards the rougher slopes of Takasu-yama. A more runnable ridge leads towards Hora-yama and Noishiki Gongen-yama, recognisable by its golden torii gate. Further climbs and descents take runners across Mitsumine-yama, through bamboo woodland and towards Iwata-yama and Funabuse-yama before returning to Mount Kinka and descending into Gifu Park. Expect steep steps, exposed rock, repeated climbs and technical footing rather than an easy half marathon.

Timing and race rules

The solo race starts at 09:00 JST and closes at 16:00, allowing seven hours. The organiser caps entries at 300. Participants should generally be at least 14 years old; under-18s need guardian approval and appropriate previous race experience. Younger applicants require individual organiser approval. KINKA is not eligible for ITRA endurance points, according to the event's own 2027 entry page.

Course tape, arrows and marshals are planned where needed, but runners must also carry a phone or GPS device capable of checking the official GPX route. Review the latest mandatory-kit, aid-station, checkpoint and baggage rules before travelling; the exact supplies and award structure should not be assumed.

Arrival and practicalities

Race-day check-in is advertised from 07:00 to 08:40 at Hanaki Plaza. From JR Gifu or Meitetsu Gifu stations, local buses towards Gifu Park take around 15 minutes; alight at Gifu Park/Gifu Castle and walk to the venue. The organiser identifies Kagamiiwa Ryokuchi as a free parking option and nearby paid alternatives, but advises allowing for congestion.

Entries are handled via Sports Entry, with a planned closing date of 13 January 2027, or earlier if the field fills. Optional commemorative merchandise is sold separately. Gifu's castle, park and riverside make this an appealing race trip, but the short distance should not disguise the technical mountain challenge.