Distance
Climb
Start Time
Cutoff
Terrain
Difficulty
Max Runners
The Lake Biwa 100 covers 163.69 km across the technical 1,200 m class ridgelines of the Suzuka and Hira mountain ranges in the Kansai region, looping around Japan's largest lake with roughly 9,060 m of climbing and 9,275 m of descent. Runners travel through varied mountain terrain and past the historic Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei in Kyoto, supported by ten aid stations. The finish gate stands on a beach on the shore of Lake Biwa, where runners can dive into the water after crossing the line. The course is rated at world level for toughness, so the time limit is set generously at 52 hours, and simply finishing is a serious challenge. It is a Hardrock 100 qualifier and is limited to 330 solo runners.
Ridgeline traverse of the Suzuka and Hira mountain ranges
Historic Enryakuji temple on Mt. Hiei in Kyoto
Route set around Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake
Finish gate on the beach, with a dive into the lake after finishing
Hardrock 100 qualifier
Start / Finish
Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The exact start point is not published on this page; the race starts at 09:00 on 30 October 2026
A beach on the shore of Lake Biwa, where runners can dive into the lake after finishing
Terrain
Route
Getting There
Race Day
Recovery
What to bring
Race bib (worn fully visible on the front of the top)
Mobile phone with international roaming, kept switched on (airplane mode prohibited), loaded with GPX file and offline map app and the organiser's security numbers
GPS tracking device (IBUKI) - distributed on race day
2 torches in good working order with spare cells/batteries for each (rechargeable head torch with mobile battery not allowed)
Mobile battery (at least 5,000 mAh)
Waterproof and breathable rain jacket with hood and trousers, seams sealed
Warm long sleeve top (non-cotton middle layer of 180 g or more, or non-cotton long sleeve base layer of 110 g or more with a windbreaker)
Warm trousers or tights covering the legs completely (tights plus high socks covering whole legs acceptable)
Warm hat (tube bandana acceptable, headband not acceptable)
Warm gloves covering whole fingers (non-slip recommended)
Food: minimum 800 kcal and minimum 1.5 L of drinks when leaving aid stations
Personal cup of at least 150 ml for hot drinks/soup (bottles or flasks with lids not acceptable)
Cutlery (fork, spoon-fork or chopsticks - none available at aid stations)
Survival blanket of at least 1.3 x 2 m
First aid kit (disinfectant, taping etc.)
Proof of accident insurance covering rescue, hospitalization and treatment in Japan
Portable toilet kit
Bear bell
Flash light or reflective marker visible from behind (on backpack or head)
On the day
Before you enter
Other questions
Yes. The race is described as a Hardrock 100 qualifier, reflecting a course of world level toughness with around 9,060 m of climbing over 163.69 km.
No. Participation is solo only, and the field is limited to 330 runners.
The route follows technical 1,200 m class ridgelines in the Suzuka and Hira mountain ranges, with a wide variety of mountain terrain. The organisers describe the course as very technical with hard sections and stress that overall mountain ability and risk management matter as much as running fitness.
The 2026 edition takes place on 30 October 2026, starting at 09:00. This is the fifth edition of the race.
The organisers frame the event as a genuine mountain 100 miler requiring all round mountain skills and risk management, not just running strength. Training on long, technical ridge routes with significant climbing and descent is the most relevant preparation.
Otsu, Japan
Friday, October 30, 2026
Are you the organiser of LAKE BIWA 100 2026 - 100 miles (163.69 km)?
We made a start. You make it yours.Claim this raceMore races like this one
€234
entry fee