It's been almost a week since UTMF_2022 (Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji) ended. This year, it was the first time it had been held in three years, so I'm sure there were many people who were looking forward to it.

A last-minute change to the course was announced due to the weather, but this was unavoidable. When I arrived at the starting point, trail runners from all over the country were gathered there with lively expressions on their faces.

Starting in April of this year, milestone ambassador Ryo Doi became a THE NORTH FACE athlete, and in his new role he chatted with his teammates. It was a very refreshing sight.

A stellar lineup of Japan's top 100 milers lined up at the starting line.

And the countdown begins: 3, 2, 1, start!

We all started at the same time. I was not a runner, but was assigned to support Ryo Doi, so I waited at four aid stations along the 160km course and, when the runners arrived, I was to do the following:

1) Have everyone take out the garbage containing gels and other nutritional supplements. 2) Keep soft bottles filled with drinks and replace them. 3) Lay out what you will eat at the aid station and the nutrition you will need until the next aid station. 4) Announce the distance and time to the next aid station. 5) Check the remaining battery life in your headlamp. This is the routine.

Normally, there would be step 6) to take photos while staying at the aid station, but this time it was a speed race from the beginning, and the time spent at the aid station was only 1 to 3 minutes, so there was absolutely no time to take photos.

As for the race development, the runners left the Yamanakako Kirara aid station in the second half. Nishimura was in the lead, followed by Manba, Doi, and Onizuka. Although they were running almost on time as planned, the top two were incredibly fast. And strong. There was still a long way to go, but I shook hands with Doi as he left our final support aid station and told him I'd be waiting for him at the finish line! Then the support navigation system started to move. Doi had jumped into second place! "Good, keep it up!" I shouted in my mind. I decided to wait at the finish line.

The first to arrive was Nishimura. I remembered his overwhelming strength and speed in winning the KAMI100 last November. This time too, he was self-aided (without support) and put on an impressive race. He never let the second place runner get close. His time was 18:15:32.

The next person to appear was Ryo Doi.

"Yay! You did your best. I'm really happy."

Doi found me waiting on the other side of the goal to take pictures of the goal scene.

The moment we hugged each other to congratulate them on their 160km journey. Apparently it was shown on UTMF Live on YouTube, and I received many messages from friends who knew I was supporting them.

Doi at the finish line. It was a great moment. Time: 18:45:45.

Manba, who came in third, was completely off our radar. He was in second place until the very end, so he's pretty strong. And he's only 30 years old? I'm looking forward to seeing what he does next.

The top three athletes from UTMF_2022. This year, only domestic athletes competed. The 100-mile race was full of drama and developments, and honestly, it was hard to tell who would win until the very end. Participants included Obara, one of Japan's top 100-milers, and Ishikawa, a key figure in ultramarathons. And we're looking forward to seeing more from the young guns Omi, Nakatani, and Shimoie!

Finally, a commemorative photo.

Thank you, Doi, for the wonderful memories. I would like to run the UTMF next year, but maybe I should just focus on supporting the team?