The Echigo Ultra is an ultramarathon I created in the wake of another trail race in Niigata being canceled unnecessarily and unexpectedly due to fear.
This DIY race presented a great opportunity for me to showcase some of the beauty of Niigata (the region formerly known as “Echigo”) in the fall, and challenge myself to run farther than I ever had before. It was also a chance to ask a central question to those I met on the way: “What’s the most important thing in life?”
While the concept, distance, and outcome of this race went through some large and (sometimes unplanned) evolutions and changes, in the end it was a wonderful experience. Running technique-wise. Introspection-wise. Building-up-more-mental-and-physical-endurance-than-you-had-before…wise.
Lots of planning, support from those closest to me, and many little serendipitous things — and difficult challenges — made the first ever Echigo Ultra a 61-miler like no other.
I hope you enjoy the video!
(full version on YT)
Voluntary Japan 