The Yamanichi YBS Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival Road Race (ε±±ζ₯YBSε―士εη°η«η₯γγγΌγγ¬γΌγΉ) is one of Japan's most distinctive summer road races, held annually in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, at the foot of Mount Fuji. Organized by the Fujiyoshida City Athletics Association (ε―士εη°εΈιΈδΈη«ΆζεδΌ) in partnership with Yamanashi Nichinichi Shimbun (ε±±ζ’¨ζ₯ζ₯ζ°θ) and YBS Yamanashi Broadcasting System, the event is timed to coincide with the famous Yoshida Fire Festival, one of Japan's three great fire festivals. The race offers a challenging half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and youth races, attracting runners from across Japan and overseas who want to combine mountain running with one of the country's most spectacular cultural celebrations. Starting and finishing at Fuji Hokuroku Park (Fuji Mountain GX Stadium), competitors experience cool high-altitude conditions, forest roads, and dramatic views of Mount Fuji while tackling one of Japan's more demanding road race profiles.
The half marathon is especially renowned for its elevation changes, climbing sections along the Yoshida Trail approach to Mount Fuji, and panoramic scenery overlooking the Fuji Five Lakes region. Although the course features more than 300 meters of elevation gain, the altitude of over 1,000 meters provides comparatively comfortable late-summer temperatures. The event is supported by enthusiastic local volunteers, multiple aid stations, and a festive race village featuring regional foods, wine, peaches, and running merchandise. Finishing just days before the historic Yoshida Fire Festival gives runners the opportunity to experience both a memorable race and one of Japan's most celebrated traditional festivals, making the Yamanichi YBS Fuji Yoshida Fire Festival Road Race a unique destination event for road runners and cultural travelers alike.
