Alex

What started as my first 80km ultra marathon quickly turned into the toughest test of my life. After getting lost twice, tearing my calf and battling through hours of stomach issues, Deep Japan Ultra became far more than a race - it became a chance to find out whether I was really who I believed myself to be.

A weekend in one of Japan's most beautiful onsen towns, a UTMB World Series trail race through the mountains, and watching my best mate complete his very first trail race on his birthday. Another unforgettable adventure exploring rural Japan.

Over the past two weeks, I've run 150 kilometres across Tokyo, including an overnight 80km ultra training session, a trail run from Mount Takao to Mount Jinba, and a marathon around the iconic Yamanote Line. More than the kilometres, though, this was a fortnight of adventure, good conversations, bakery stops, and preparing for the races ahead!