I went to the UTMF again this year. For those who don't know, the UTMF: Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji is a trail running race that covers 100 miles (approximately 168 km) of the foothills of Mount Fuji, connecting mountain trails, footpaths, and forest roads. It is the only event of the 21-race World Series to be held in Japan.

This is my second time participating in the event. I'm not a runner, but a vendor.

It had been raining since before the start, so the trail was cold and muddy.

This year, the man who supported MS-F1: Trailmaster was the imposing Ryo Doi.

Yuya Kawasaki, a cheerful and energetic young hope, ran wearing a milestone cap.

Kikurin, also known as Kikushima Kei, came to show us his racing wear and said, "I printed the 'milestone' logo on it!"

And finally, three minutes before the start. The air is so tense, it gives you goosebumps all over your body. This tension can only be understood by those who are there.

The countdown begins and everyone starts at once.

The top runners made their way through the crowd and onto the trail at incredible speed. Kawasaki, who had made it into the top 10, was the first of the three to arrive at "A2: Base of the Mountain / 50km point." He was smiling and looked to be in good shape.

Next, Mr. Doi appears.

As it is a 100-mile race, it is still early days, I told the supporters as I chatted with them.

Then Mr. Kikushima arrived. However, he was in a hurry and accidentally put on the Trail Master upside down. LOL

The playful Kikurin puts it back on with a smile.

Supporter is VESPA Saito

He then shook hands with two of his strongest supporters, Yamamoto Kenichi, also known as "Yamaken."

We left the foot of the mountain, spreading our "Kikushima smiles."


Then, at "A5: Katsuyama/95km point", Mr. Kawasaki appeared.

Since he remained in the top 10, he was surrounded by the media when he arrived at the aid station.

The supporter also adjusted the QDS (Quick Dial System) on the side of the Trail Master. Next to him, Ose was watching the live broadcast.

Through the lens, I could see that his expression was a little clouded. Was he already feeling something strange in his leg?

Next came Mr. Doi.

I was completely recharged by the love of my wife. I was fully charged. Lol

And then, "A7: Kirara / 127km point." This is where I learned that Kawasaki had retired.

Doi once said, "The real challenge in a 100-mile race begins here." He carefully tied and checked the laces of his new shoes using the Trail Master's light.

Nijumagaku Pass at dawn.

And finally, we reached the final aid station, "A9: Fujiyoshida / 159km point." It was an inspiring sight to see three generations of a family running together, but Mr. Doi's expression looked extremely painful, and we later learned that he had pulled a muscle.

Once you get this far, it's impressive to see them running with such determination and determination.

Just before the finish line, Ito caught up with him, but the children came to pick him up. Ose was smiling as he continued live streaming.

I never thought I would be able to experience such an emotional moment twice, just like last year... I cried. We finished together in 8th place, with a time of 22 hours, 51 minutes, and 39 seconds.

The two are being interviewed by Executive Committee Chairman Kaburagi.

With a bright smile at the award ceremony

Congratulations on 8th place.

Then they came to the Milestone booth to report.

As a result, the weather worsened, causing snow to accumulate, and when the organizers announced that the race would be shortened, the 91 runners, both male and female, who had already left the final aid station, were able to complete the 100 miles. Kikushima didn't rush and finished in 77th place, finishing in 29 hours, 13 minutes, and 39 seconds. I was impressed by her style of seeing it through to the end.

This year, we also saw runners wearing Trail Masters, known as "Trail Masters."

It's always moving to see someone wearing our company's products on-site. I couldn't help but say hello.

We hope that as many runners as possible will continue to experience the brightness, visibility, fit, and operability of our glasses.

See you again next year at UTMF!