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May 7, 2024

Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 3.9

Spectators 3.9

Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 11 to 18]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

B. S. from San Diego, CA, USA (6/23/2009) "Majestic and Fun!" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My wife and I were blown away! The views of Mt. Fuji-san were amazing. The race was pretty much flat. The path is pretty much on concrete, so it can be tough on the knees. The hotel for foreigners was simple, but our room had and unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji-san and the theme park to the left. It left us breathless. The run was well organized and different from US races we ran. (e.g., snacks and drinks). Getting there was a little confusing at first, but after getting there the maps all made sense. I guess my confusion was just not knowing the transportation system there and the fact I don't read Japanese. The people were all so very nice and they have a booth dedicated to foreigners. Kawaguchiko Town is a little sleepy the day after, but peaceful and clean. Our recommendation is to bring a small camera during the race to take pictures.
T. C. from Philippines (12/9/2008) "one of the most beautiful marathons in the world" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Imagine running around a beautiful lake with Mount Fuji as a constant backdrop. Imagine running with autumn in full bloom wrapping you with its colors of red, orange, gold and yellow. Imagine running past old towns and fields of grass that turn gold as the sun covers you in its warmth from the 4-degree Celsius temperature. Imagine a people who do not speak your language yet celebrate with you in the eternal human spirit of conquering pain for the greater glory of achieving a personal best or finishing the longest distance you have ever run. This is the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon, where you run in communion with nature. One of the most beautiful runs I have ever done. There are 11K, 27K and 42K races. The 42K course goes twice around the lake. The 27K is worth doing - and I suggest that you take this marathon as slowly as possible and take a camera to capture the lakes beauty. This is one marathon where taking it slower is definitely better!
J. M. from Tokyo, Japan (11/25/2007) "Kawaguchi Lake Marathon - superb !" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This marathon has been held each year in late November for 35 years in the western outskirts of Tokyo right below Mt. Fuji. This is the second time I've run it the first being 17 years ago when the race had some 20,000 participants, but the organization and fun seem even better now with double the number of runners. Late autumn is a beautiful time in Japan's countryside and this year's race did not disappoint: a stunning view of Mt. Fuji, crisp cool weather and blue skies. Not speaking Japanese will be a bit of a problem for foreign runners, but the race organizers and the general public are always helpful.
Andrew Denny from Washington DC, United States (10/30/2007) "Breathtaking views; perfect atmosphere" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Fall scenery was great! You MUST run this race if you ever get the chance.
B. B. from Southlake, TX USA (1/26/2007) "Beautiful Setting" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A spectacular course. The course runs about 10K through the town and then circles the lake twice. The town of Lake Kawaguchi is older and seems run down in parts, but the lake loops are very nice. The lake is surrounded by hills on three sides that are brightly colored with the changing leaves. On the 4th side is Mt. Fuji, which is already covered in snow. It's hard to imagine a more scenic setting. The race organizers were particularly helpful to the western entrants (there were very few). The course is largely flat, with a few deceptive slight grades. The spectators seemed subdued, but were really pleasant with many indivudals setting out tables with hard candy and fruit. The official rest stops ranged between 3-6K apart. Hotel arrangements are hard to make on your own, so go through the organizers or a Japanese travel agency. There is little english spoken this far away from Tokyo, so be prepared to learn some basic Japanese or do a lot of pointing and guessing. Either way you will be fine; everyone we met was incredibly nice and helpful.
M. S. from York, England (12/7/2006) ""Gambate"..." (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 After an initial six-mile out-and-back, which is congested but free of traffic, the course is twice round one of the lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji. The mountain is visible for much of the course (if you're lucky and the weather is clear; don't count on it!) and it's a beautiful place to run, especially in autumn. The road can be quite deceptive, with false bends disguising hidden loops, but it's a picturesque location. The organization particularly caters to foreigners, which is a good job if you don't speak Japanese! I would highly recommend taking them up on their offer of organizing hotels; they get a good rate and you will find it difficult to find a bed otherwise. I would recommend the Hotel Regina, complete with hot spa for recovery.... The only downside on the organization was that the stands had completely run out of water, sports drink and fruit throughout the final 7 KMs, which was kind of irritating when tired. This was my first marathon so I don't have anything to compare the spectators to. A lot of American commentators on this site seem to expect crowds thronging the way along the entire course, and may be disappointed. Personally, I would prefer fewer onlookers and found the various clutches of spectators encouraging and generous, many of them offering their own food and water. There were also several traditional drum groups and one couple who had dragged a prehistoric synthesizer out to the roadside, so that they could bang out the theme tune to Rocky! In particular, I will not forget the samurai look-alike who, seeing me flagging, yelled, "Gaijin! Gaijin! Gambate!" so aggressively that I thought he was going to leap into the road and impale me on a sword. Neither will I forget the mad woman who was literally screaming (no idea what) at all comers non-stop for the entire event. Probably a bit random for our first marathon but a great experience and highly recommended.
Allen Thomas from Misawa, Japan (3/13/2006) "Fun, Fall, Fuji-Fest" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Over 10,000 folks came out to enjoy the natural majesty of this scenic event. Mt. Fuji was visible for about half the course. The tree leaves were turning color. The anglers were fishing from boats and from the banks of the lake. And about 9,000 of the 10,000 runners stopped to urinate in the woods. This is a fall classic - especially if you can hold your water. : )
Heinz Gisel from San Diego, CA (5/30/2003) "Beautiful course, twice around the lake" (about: 2001) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Very beautiful flat course: twice around the lake, partially through forest. Reserving accomodations early can be a challenge, and so is getting a seat on the Keio Bus from Tokyo Shinjuku. It can be quite cold, with subfreezing temperature at the start line. Definitely worth it!

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