Senba Coastal Cliff Trail Running Race 2027 - Tokushima, Japan

The 18th Senba Coastal Cliff Trail Running Race returns to southern Tokushima on Sunday 24 January 2027, crossing the rugged Pacific-facing coast around Minami and Mugi towns. Unlike a conventional forest-only trail race, Senba combines steep singletrack, coastal rock, beach sections and occasional roads. The organiser describes its long course as a particularly varied test of trail craft, while the elite course adds substantial climbing for experienced runners.

Four courses, steep climbing

The 2027 programme comprises Short 10.4 km (890 m ascent), Middle 18.1 km (1,390 m), Long 36.5 km (2,833 m) and Elite 49.6 km (3,856 m). All four are demanding relative to their distances. The Short course is 85% singletrack, with a 2 hr 10 min limit and no aid station. Middle is a point-to-point route with approximately 14% coastline, one aid station, two checkpoints and a 3 hr 55 min limit. Long includes three aid stations and four checkpoints, with limits of 8 hours for men and 8 hr 15 min for women. Elite has four aid stations, four checkpoints plus a reserve checkpoint, and an 8 hr 25 min limit. The organiser lists ITRA points of 1, 2 and 3 for Middle, Long and Elite respectively.

Race-day arrangements

The published 2027 schedule lists an 08:00 start for elite men and women's Long, 08:15 for men's Long, 10:30 for Short, and 12:30 for Middle, all Japan Standard Time. Registration/check-in opens from 06:30 for Elite and Long, while Short registration opens at 09:00. Check the individual class entry page for your exact reporting location, shuttle and equipment requirements: the routes do not all share the same start. The event area spans Minami and Mugi in Tokushima Prefecture.

Entry and visiting the area

Online entries opened in June 2026 and close 12 January 2027 at 23:59 JST, or earlier if class capacity is reached. The Middle and Long entry fees are JPY 9,300 and JPY 10,600 respectively; a Short parent-and-child pair entry costs JPY 10,400. These options have no exact matching structured distance card in ARC. The organisers offer a student youth discount for eligible under-30 entrants. An optional guided trek to Oni-ga-iwaya with guest trail runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki is scheduled for 23 January, separately booked and weather dependent. Race entry includes insurance and a local shopping voucher, while the organiser recognises leading finishers and selected age groups.

For travel, JR Hiwasa Station serves the Minami area; allow extra time for early starts and any transfer to the correct course assembly point. Coastal rock can be slippery and January conditions variable. Follow the final organiser instructions rather than assuming the map pin represents every start line.