Marathon Details - Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)

International Marathons > Japan > Kawaguchiko > Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)

Sports DEPO Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)

Kawaguchiko, Japan

November 24, 2024

http://www.mtfujimarathon.com/english

Contact

Name:	Noriyasu Yamaoka
Address:	SIC Sports Information Center 502 Bureau Shimbashi Bdlg., 5-7-13, Shimbashi, Mintao-ku, Tokyo Japan
Phone Number:	81-3-5733-2451
Fax Number:	81-3-5733-2452
Email:	Email the organizers



Become a Verified Race, and stand out from the crowd. We feature a blue check next to verified races on our calendar, and feature your race on the Verified Races section of the website.	Get Verified Now



Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance.	Get Your Plan

Reviews

Course 4.6

Organization 3.9

Spectators 3.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

A. C. from North riverside, Illinois (3/17/2018) "Running" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have ran this marathon 2 times. And love every step. The hill is fabulous for your legs. The villages are heart warming and pleasant. Every corner is filled with eye candy. I look forward to running it again 2018!
P. L. from Krakow, Poland (12/20/2013) "Very scenic, well-organized race" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is by far the most spectacular race that I have ever run, with Mt Fuji looming over the course and fantastic autumn colors. The weather was perfect too, with temperatures in the 5-10 C range and no wind. The course was initially flat, but an 80m climb at the beginning of the second half was tough - I never regained my pace... Spectators are not many, but enthusiastic. There were enough water stations. International runners get a sort of a VIP treatment - there is a dedicated check-in booth right at the station, and after the race they can access restricted area with sandwiches etc. And one the best things after the race is the opportunity to take a hot bath in one of many local onsens; this has worked miracles on my tired legs! I'd be delighted to run Fujisan Marathon again if I was in the area, and if I wasn't aiming for a PR; that climb at the beginning of the second half was a killer... One thing to note: any reasonably priced accommodation in Kawaguchiko for the night before the race gets booked early, and so are spaces on the special marathon train from Tokyo on the race day. It is possible to get to Kawaguchiko station in the morning by local trains, but forget about comfort for the last hour!
E. L. from Ireland (12/3/2010) "Beautiful course, but could be organized better." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 A beautiful course with beautiful views. However, it is a little crowded, especially on the second lap of the lake as you lap slower runners. Drink stations not sign posted very well and too crowded (tables not spread apart enough). If you miss a table you have quite a wait until the next water stop. Amazingly, there is no water provided at the finish, so be sure to have a bottle stashed somewhere. The silence on the course is something to be experienced too. All that said, an enjoybale race with a very beautiful course and I would recommend it for sure.
K. R. from Yokosuka, Japan (12/2/2010) "Great scenery... breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The course winds through Kawaguchiko and then around Lake Kawaguchi twice. Drink stations were a little crowded, but well maintained. No issues really. Plenty of fruit and sports drinks in addition to water. Spectators were energetic and polite... saying "FIGHT-O" as we ran by! Elevation was around 2,800 feet, with a moderate climb and descent in the first 5K. Overall, great experience. Would run this one again.
R. D. from Nagano Japan (12/1/2010) "Possibly the perfect marathon." (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, but I really can't think of a more perfect one. The fall colors at lake Kawaguchi are incredible and running around the lake with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop was awesome! We were very fortunate: The day before the race it was overcast, cold and windy all day. But on race day it was 6C (about 40F) at starting time and the temp climbed to only about 13C (mid-50's) They have a separate registration booth for foreigners, which cut down on waiting time considerably. I have seen people complain that the announcements were only in Japanese until the end. That was not the case this year. Throughout the entire event there were English announcements. I have also seen complaints about the mass start; they have a 10K and a 27K race all starting at the same time. For the marathoners this was really not an issue as we were lined up in the front. It took about 4 minutes for me to cross the start line but your finisher's certificate shows your chip time as well. The finish was well organized; you walk through the chute and get your t-shirt and towel, and then a bit farther up you get your certificate. Unfortunately, as with most marathons in Japan, you don't receive a medal for finishing. All in all, an amazing run! I will definitely do it again!
L. P. from Toronto, Canada (12/2/2009) "Cool day, warming experience" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The day was overcast and cold (36 F). No view of Mt. Fuji, but the views of the lake and the forest were great. There were many people cheering, Japanese style. If you like quiet courses, without girls screaming high-pitch notes into your ears, this is the right marathon for you. There are two other events taking place at the same time: 11K and 27K. Crowded start; it took us 20-30 minutes to actually cross the start line. Two loops around the lake; the second loop seems to go by faster. Some hills, but nothing too steep. Slower runners (should) run at the left-hand side of the road. Expect elite runners to pass by you at the right-hand side. Not too many people were walking at the end, but lots of people at the side of the road were stretching and caring for aching muscles along the course. No gels on the course; just bananas and other stuff that I did not try. Their sports drink had a refreshing, sweet lemonade taste, and did not create GI issues. The bibs are larger than average, and the race requires wearing one at the front and one at the back. There's no plastic strap to attach the Champion Chip to your shoes. You had to use one shoelace, which meant that you had to bend over and take it off at the end - a good way to start stretching. No medals for average joes - just a finisher shirt and towel. The after-race meal was a bowl of warm soup and banana. Registration process was somewhat nerve-racking, as it used the Japanese JIT approach: register, and wait a few weeks until they start processing all entries, at which time emails start flowing. For accommodations, the best bet is to stay at the Regina Kawaguchi - somewhat expensive, but worth it. There is a shuttle bus to/from the station the day before and on race day. It's a 1K walk to the start line. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, there will be an extra charge of about 1,100 yen each way, as the station is on a private network.
V. W. from Yokosuka, Japan (12/2/2009) "Great course. OK otherwise." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 Ran this race in 2008 and 2009. Will run it again in 2010. Great views of Fuji san in 2008. Overcast this year. The start of this race is chaos. The start area and course overall are not big enough for the 14,000 or so runners. This race is not run with the same Japanese precision as the Tokyo Marathon. If you haven't been before and don't speak Japanese, it's tough, but not impossible, to find your way around the area and get to the start line. There are plenty of hotels in the area (try the Hotel Regina, Kawaguchiko) and most will give you a ride close to the start area. Don't count on a porta-potty before the start. The buildings across the street will be open to leave your stuff and to use the bathroom. You can leave your stuff just about anywhere in Japan and not have to worry about it. The website provides elevation info. Slight climb at the start but otherwise flat. Water stops are on one side of the course and get very crowded with walkers. The fun run, 27K, and the marathon start together and share the course. The Japanese are great supporters of sport and will be out in force handing out candy, bananas, and drinks in between the race provided Gatorade and water stations. I think there are about 10 or 12 stations for the full marathon. The finish line support is great. Keep going after you get your blanket and T-shirt to the vendor booth area, where the volunteers are giving out miso soup and hot cocoa. After the free stuff, go back towards the finish line to the noodle stand. It's 400 yen for a bowl of udon noodles. Get two bowls. There is a Lawson's convenience store across the street from the start area where you can get a Chuhi. This is the Asian version of a post-race beer. Kampai!!
C. V. from Singaore (12/2/2009) "Good to do once." (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is not an easy course, with a net 400-meter climb over the entire course, although it does not seem like that while running. Very, very crowded, but that is helped by the the most polite runners you will ever meet. No pushing, no shoving, and no stopping dead in front of you. I have never seen my shoes wear so quickly. Gosh knows what the road surface was made of, but it ate my Mizuno's. In 2009, it was misty, so you could have been anywhere. Certainly no Mt. Fuji. It was a cold race (3.6 degrees). This made the walk home from the finish quite uncomfortable. Pre-race organization was very good. There was a separate table for foreigners. Registration took minutes. Refreshments stops were plentiful, with water, sports drinks and bananas. For the huge numbers, the tables were small; but because the runners are so polite, everything worked well. Post-race was confusing. I really had to look hard for a drink at the end. I have to criticize the way the runners are not segregated. The Fun Runners, 27K and marathon started at the same time and mixed together. It took 16 minutes to get to the start line. Having to fight through the fun runners and a good majority of the 27K runners ruined any chance of a great time. The course stayed very crowded until the end of the 27K run. Support was not huge, except for the finish. What support there was, though, was really quaint. No screaming and yelling - just a really nice, typically polite sort of encouragement. I am glad that I competed in it, but I would not put it to the top of my list. It was a pleasant experience, but I am sure that there are better marathons to go to, considering this was an international experience for me, not just a car drive to a race.
j. t. from melbourne, australia (12/1/2009) "scenic course and interesting experience" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 We were unlucky with the weather, as Mt. Fuji was completely hidden for the entire day, but it was a good temperature (3.6 degrees) for running. The route around the lake is still very pretty, even when you can't see the mountain, and as we had seen it the previous day, we just had to imagine it being there. The organizers are helpful but don't speak much English. Everything worked out on the day, although we had some anxious moments beforehand - no email or posted confirmation of our race entry or payment for the hotel, no signs or banners in the town about an impending marathon, no indication from the official race hotel about the shuttle to the start or early breakfast until we pressed them for info. So it was all a little harder than usual, but worth it to have a different experience. At the finish line everything was fine while all of the announcements were being made in Japanese. Then, 4 and a half hours after the start, an American took over the announcing and announced that the race was nearly over - in other words, the really slow runners were coming in - but the thing was that half the marathon field had yet to finish. This was in poor taste; not all of us can run a sub-three-hour marathon, and at a massive event like this one, there is no point trying to do that. I also have not been able to find the results online.
C. D. from Yokohama, Japan (11/30/2009) "Scenic, but crowded." (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course initially goes through the town of Kawaguchiko then two laps around Lake Kawaguchi. During a clear day, you would have Mt. Fuji in the background. Unfortunately, the 2009 marathon was cloudy and overcast so we were unable to see it. It was also cold; the race started in the 30s. The lake, surrounding green mountains, and fall foliage were beautiful. Not a lot of spectators, but the limited number of people who do come out to cheer are very spirited. Heard lots of "GANBATTE!!" and "FIGHTO!!" along the course. There was a jazz band and very energetic Taiko drummers. The number of water stops was adequate - about every 2K to 5K. The sports drink was something called SAVAS. Pros: Well organized; everything seemed to be seamless from picking up your race packet to collecting your finisher's certificate. Course atmosphere was delightful, but would have be much better had it been a clear day. Cons: Very narrow roads and crowded. Seemed like I was dodging and weaving most of the marathon. It was difficult to settle into a consistent pace. I was surrounded by runners the entire race. Accommodations were hard to come by and expensive; I recommend staying at the official hotel.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Become an Advertiser

A. C. from North riverside, Illinois (3/17/2018) "Running" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have ran this marathon 2 times. And love every step. The hill is fabulous for your legs. The villages are heart warming and pleasant. Every corner is filled with eye candy. I look forward to running it again 2018!
P. L. from Krakow, Poland (12/20/2013) "Very scenic, well-organized race" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is by far the most spectacular race that I have ever run, with Mt Fuji looming over the course and fantastic autumn colors. The weather was perfect too, with temperatures in the 5-10 C range and no wind. The course was initially flat, but an 80m climb at the beginning of the second half was tough - I never regained my pace... Spectators are not many, but enthusiastic. There were enough water stations. International runners get a sort of a VIP treatment - there is a dedicated check-in booth right at the station, and after the race they can access restricted area with sandwiches etc. And one the best things after the race is the opportunity to take a hot bath in one of many local onsens; this has worked miracles on my tired legs! I'd be delighted to run Fujisan Marathon again if I was in the area, and if I wasn't aiming for a PR; that climb at the beginning of the second half was a killer... One thing to note: any reasonably priced accommodation in Kawaguchiko for the night before the race gets booked early, and so are spaces on the special marathon train from Tokyo on the race day. It is possible to get to Kawaguchiko station in the morning by local trains, but forget about comfort for the last hour!
E. L. from Ireland (12/3/2010) "Beautiful course, but could be organized better." (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 A beautiful course with beautiful views. However, it is a little crowded, especially on the second lap of the lake as you lap slower runners. Drink stations not sign posted very well and too crowded (tables not spread apart enough). If you miss a table you have quite a wait until the next water stop. Amazingly, there is no water provided at the finish, so be sure to have a bottle stashed somewhere. The silence on the course is something to be experienced too. All that said, an enjoybale race with a very beautiful course and I would recommend it for sure.
K. R. from Yokosuka, Japan (12/2/2010) "Great scenery... breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The course winds through Kawaguchiko and then around Lake Kawaguchi twice. Drink stations were a little crowded, but well maintained. No issues really. Plenty of fruit and sports drinks in addition to water. Spectators were energetic and polite... saying "FIGHT-O" as we ran by! Elevation was around 2,800 feet, with a moderate climb and descent in the first 5K. Overall, great experience. Would run this one again.
R. D. from Nagano Japan (12/1/2010) "Possibly the perfect marathon." (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, but I really can't think of a more perfect one. The fall colors at lake Kawaguchi are incredible and running around the lake with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop was awesome! We were very fortunate: The day before the race it was overcast, cold and windy all day. But on race day it was 6C (about 40F) at starting time and the temp climbed to only about 13C (mid-50's) They have a separate registration booth for foreigners, which cut down on waiting time considerably. I have seen people complain that the announcements were only in Japanese until the end. That was not the case this year. Throughout the entire event there were English announcements. I have also seen complaints about the mass start; they have a 10K and a 27K race all starting at the same time. For the marathoners this was really not an issue as we were lined up in the front. It took about 4 minutes for me to cross the start line but your finisher's certificate shows your chip time as well. The finish was well organized; you walk through the chute and get your t-shirt and towel, and then a bit farther up you get your certificate. Unfortunately, as with most marathons in Japan, you don't receive a medal for finishing. All in all, an amazing run! I will definitely do it again!
L. P. from Toronto, Canada (12/2/2009) "Cool day, warming experience" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The day was overcast and cold (36 F). No view of Mt. Fuji, but the views of the lake and the forest were great. There were many people cheering, Japanese style. If you like quiet courses, without girls screaming high-pitch notes into your ears, this is the right marathon for you. There are two other events taking place at the same time: 11K and 27K. Crowded start; it took us 20-30 minutes to actually cross the start line. Two loops around the lake; the second loop seems to go by faster. Some hills, but nothing too steep. Slower runners (should) run at the left-hand side of the road. Expect elite runners to pass by you at the right-hand side. Not too many people were walking at the end, but lots of people at the side of the road were stretching and caring for aching muscles along the course. No gels on the course; just bananas and other stuff that I did not try. Their sports drink had a refreshing, sweet lemonade taste, and did not create GI issues. The bibs are larger than average, and the race requires wearing one at the front and one at the back. There's no plastic strap to attach the Champion Chip to your shoes. You had to use one shoelace, which meant that you had to bend over and take it off at the end - a good way to start stretching. No medals for average joes - just a finisher shirt and towel. The after-race meal was a bowl of warm soup and banana. Registration process was somewhat nerve-racking, as it used the Japanese JIT approach: register, and wait a few weeks until they start processing all entries, at which time emails start flowing. For accommodations, the best bet is to stay at the Regina Kawaguchi - somewhat expensive, but worth it. There is a shuttle bus to/from the station the day before and on race day. It's a 1K walk to the start line. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, there will be an extra charge of about 1,100 yen each way, as the station is on a private network.
V. W. from Yokosuka, Japan (12/2/2009) "Great course. OK otherwise." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 Ran this race in 2008 and 2009. Will run it again in 2010. Great views of Fuji san in 2008. Overcast this year. The start of this race is chaos. The start area and course overall are not big enough for the 14,000 or so runners. This race is not run with the same Japanese precision as the Tokyo Marathon. If you haven't been before and don't speak Japanese, it's tough, but not impossible, to find your way around the area and get to the start line. There are plenty of hotels in the area (try the Hotel Regina, Kawaguchiko) and most will give you a ride close to the start area. Don't count on a porta-potty before the start. The buildings across the street will be open to leave your stuff and to use the bathroom. You can leave your stuff just about anywhere in Japan and not have to worry about it. The website provides elevation info. Slight climb at the start but otherwise flat. Water stops are on one side of the course and get very crowded with walkers. The fun run, 27K, and the marathon start together and share the course. The Japanese are great supporters of sport and will be out in force handing out candy, bananas, and drinks in between the race provided Gatorade and water stations. I think there are about 10 or 12 stations for the full marathon. The finish line support is great. Keep going after you get your blanket and T-shirt to the vendor booth area, where the volunteers are giving out miso soup and hot cocoa. After the free stuff, go back towards the finish line to the noodle stand. It's 400 yen for a bowl of udon noodles. Get two bowls. There is a Lawson's convenience store across the street from the start area where you can get a Chuhi. This is the Asian version of a post-race beer. Kampai!!
C. V. from Singaore (12/2/2009) "Good to do once." (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is not an easy course, with a net 400-meter climb over the entire course, although it does not seem like that while running. Very, very crowded, but that is helped by the the most polite runners you will ever meet. No pushing, no shoving, and no stopping dead in front of you. I have never seen my shoes wear so quickly. Gosh knows what the road surface was made of, but it ate my Mizuno's. In 2009, it was misty, so you could have been anywhere. Certainly no Mt. Fuji. It was a cold race (3.6 degrees). This made the walk home from the finish quite uncomfortable. Pre-race organization was very good. There was a separate table for foreigners. Registration took minutes. Refreshments stops were plentiful, with water, sports drinks and bananas. For the huge numbers, the tables were small; but because the runners are so polite, everything worked well. Post-race was confusing. I really had to look hard for a drink at the end. I have to criticize the way the runners are not segregated. The Fun Runners, 27K and marathon started at the same time and mixed together. It took 16 minutes to get to the start line. Having to fight through the fun runners and a good majority of the 27K runners ruined any chance of a great time. The course stayed very crowded until the end of the 27K run. Support was not huge, except for the finish. What support there was, though, was really quaint. No screaming and yelling - just a really nice, typically polite sort of encouragement. I am glad that I competed in it, but I would not put it to the top of my list. It was a pleasant experience, but I am sure that there are better marathons to go to, considering this was an international experience for me, not just a car drive to a race.
j. t. from melbourne, australia (12/1/2009) "scenic course and interesting experience" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 We were unlucky with the weather, as Mt. Fuji was completely hidden for the entire day, but it was a good temperature (3.6 degrees) for running. The route around the lake is still very pretty, even when you can't see the mountain, and as we had seen it the previous day, we just had to imagine it being there. The organizers are helpful but don't speak much English. Everything worked out on the day, although we had some anxious moments beforehand - no email or posted confirmation of our race entry or payment for the hotel, no signs or banners in the town about an impending marathon, no indication from the official race hotel about the shuttle to the start or early breakfast until we pressed them for info. So it was all a little harder than usual, but worth it to have a different experience. At the finish line everything was fine while all of the announcements were being made in Japanese. Then, 4 and a half hours after the start, an American took over the announcing and announced that the race was nearly over - in other words, the really slow runners were coming in - but the thing was that half the marathon field had yet to finish. This was in poor taste; not all of us can run a sub-three-hour marathon, and at a massive event like this one, there is no point trying to do that. I also have not been able to find the results online.
C. D. from Yokohama, Japan (11/30/2009) "Scenic, but crowded." (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course initially goes through the town of Kawaguchiko then two laps around Lake Kawaguchi. During a clear day, you would have Mt. Fuji in the background. Unfortunately, the 2009 marathon was cloudy and overcast so we were unable to see it. It was also cold; the race started in the 30s. The lake, surrounding green mountains, and fall foliage were beautiful. Not a lot of spectators, but the limited number of people who do come out to cheer are very spirited. Heard lots of "GANBATTE!!" and "FIGHTO!!" along the course. There was a jazz band and very energetic Taiko drummers. The number of water stops was adequate - about every 2K to 5K. The sports drink was something called SAVAS. Pros: Well organized; everything seemed to be seamless from picking up your race packet to collecting your finisher's certificate. Course atmosphere was delightful, but would have be much better had it been a clear day. Cons: Very narrow roads and crowded. Seemed like I was dodging and weaving most of the marathon. It was difficult to settle into a consistent pace. I was surrounded by runners the entire race. Accommodations were hard to come by and expensive; I recommend staying at the official hotel.

Become a better runner

Marathon Details - Fujisan Marathon (formerly the Lake Kawaguchi Marathon)