In the ongoing Mt. FUJI 100, an international trail running event, Andreu Simon Aymerich (Spain) and Yuri Yoshizumi (Japan) have emerged victorious in the men's and women's categories respectively in the "KAI70k", which covers a distance of 69.4km with a cumulative elevation gain of 3,493m.

The "KAI70k" starts and finishes at Fujisan-no-Meisui Stadium in Fuji Hokuroku Park (Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi), commencing at midnight on Friday, April 26th. The time limit for the race is 21 hours.

The men's race began with Andreu Simon, Goshi Osada (Japan), and Xingjing Li (China) taking the lead. Although Andreu Simon fell behind for a while, he regained the lead as the course entered the technical mountain sections in the latter half. He continued to widen the gap with following runners and finished at the Fujisan-no-Meisui Stadium in 7 hours, 7 minutes, and 34 seconds. The intense battle for second place continued until the end, with Xingjing Li securing the position and Osada finishing third.

In the women's race, Stephanie Howe (USA) led the first half, followed by local resident Yuri Yoshizumi. As the course entered the mountain section from Yamanakako Kirara (K2, 25.3km), Yoshizumi took the lead and continued to extend her advantage. She ultimately claimed victory in 8 hours, 7 minutes, and 44 seconds. Emi Iwai (Japan) finished second in 8 hours, 26 minutes, and 14 seconds, while Honoka Akiyama (Japan) secured third place in 8 hours, 35 minutes, and 32 seconds.

Men's winner Andreu Simon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and advised by his doctor to find something to devote himself to in life, which led him to start trail running. "Running around Mt. Fuji with fellow runners during the night was an enjoyable experience. I want to come back to my beloved Japan to run the 100-mile race next time”, he said.

Men's second-place finisher Goshi Osada commented, "I tried to keep up when Andreu suddenly increased his pace from Yamanakako Kirara, but I didn't have enough strength. It was a tense race and a good experience."

Women's winner Yuri Yoshizumi moved to Fujiyoshida six years ago in search of a better environment for trail running. "Even on familiar trails, running at night brings new discoveries and an extraordinary experience. The cheers from people along the course gave me strength”, she reflected on the race.

The "FUJI100mi", going concurrently with the "KAI70K," will reach its final cut-off time at 9:00 PM on Saturday, April 27th.

KAI70k Result （ https://leaderboard.runnet.jp/?tri=02524_20240426_01 ）

(Men)
1 Andreu Simon Aymerich (ESP) 7:07:34
2 Goshi Osada (JPN) 07:29:09
3 Xingjing Li (CHN) 07:31:02
4 Hajime Kasagi (JPN) 07:34:10
5 Yusuke Nakasai (JPN) 08:11:18
6 Tomohiro Machida (JPN) 08:18:50
7 Gosuke Koguchi (JPN) 08:21:18
8 Koji Morimoto (JPN) 08:21:57
9 Hayato Kimura (JPN) 08:22:11
10 Yoshito Yamatani (JPN) 08:24:48

(Women)
1 Yuri Yoshizumi (JPN) 08:07:44
2 Emi Iwai (JPN) 08:26:14
3 Honoka Akiyama (JPN) 08:35:32
4 Sakie Ogawa 08:46:46 (JPN) 00:39:02
5 Stephanie Marie Howe (USA) 08:48:09
6 Reika Itabashi (JPN) 09:10:12
7 Erika Fukuda (JPN) 09:14:04
8 Natsumi Yamauchi (JPN) 09:18:05      
9 Naho Kotani (JPN) 09:25:38
10 Natsuki Tomii (JPN) 09:53:57