Today, Hakuba was a little louder than usual.
Runners from across Japan gathered in the valley for the Hakuba International Classic, taking on trails through the mountains and forests surrounding Hakuba.
With courses from 6km to 50km, the event brings together everyone from families and first-time trail runners to some of Japan’s strongest trail runners.
The longest course takes runners deep into the Hakuba Valley, climbing through the mountains with the Northern Alps as a backdrop.
But it’s not only about the race.
For one day, the trails that are usually filled with hikers and locals become a place for hundreds of runners to challenge themselves, cheer each other on and experience Hakuba from a completely different perspective.
And that’s one of the things that makes Hakuba special.
In winter, people come here to ski.
In summer, they hike, bike, climb and run.
There’s always another way to explore the mountains.
Today, Hakuba was made for running.
