益田24時間ウルトラトラックレース 2026

The Masuda 24-Hour Ultra Track Race takes place on the 400-meter track at Masuda Athletic Stadium in Shimane Prefecture. It is straightforward and demanding: runners complete laps on the same track for 24 hours, with no elevation changes or variations in terrain, aiming to cover maximum distance before time expires. The race starts at noon and ends at noon, meaning participants face a full afternoon, a night on the track, and another morning before finishing. Earlier events also served as a final selection race for Japan’s team at the IAU 24-Hour Running World Championships. The course is simple, but the distances are difficult to comprehend: the top runner completed 599 laps, approximately 240 kilometers. High temperatures and humidity significantly impact the race; conditions exceeding 30 degrees Celsius have been recorded, so the flat track does not guarantee an easy competition. The participants include seasoned ultrarunners accustomed to prolonged, repetitive efforts, and race accounts mention many recognizable figures and ultrarunning acquaintances congregating at the stadium. Running at night alters the atmosphere of the venue, transforming the familiar 400 meters into a different environment after sunset.