The young Japanese runner Ruy Ueda, who competed in Ekiden at the
highest level, has the best result at UTMB of any Asian runner – he was second
at CCC in 2016. Ruy-san is very ambitious and a great talent – he is the winner
and record holder of
Ruy-san, I read that you used to compete in Ekiden, the famous Japanese relay race, as a high school student. Please tell us about what Ekiden is, and how popular it is? What were your personal results etc?
EKIDEN is long distance relay race on road. There are many kinds of Ekiden, between cities, between prefectures. For kids and for adults. The most famous Ekiden race is Hakone Ekiden. This race is held on January 2nd and 3rd. Total distance is about 200km. 10 people in each team. This Ekiden is televised live and has very high audience rankings. “Tasuki” a sash made of thin cloth, is the most important thing in Ekiden. (Note: tasuki is passed on to the next runner like a baton, who then wears it over his shoulders).
I participated The Inter Prefectural Men’s Ekiden forI read you were an “aggressive” runner, is it true? Do you like to attack and run as hard as possible?
Yes. This is my
running style. Because I always aim to win! And I'm looking forward to run with
strong runners in the race in Gaoligong!
I also read that you like “technical” trails.
Yes. I like to feel
thrill of technical terrain, and I like to see magnificent scenery. I want to
be a champion of skyrunning! This is my current goal. In the future, I want to
win a major ultra-trail race. For example, UTMB,
Tell us a little about the trail racing
scene in
There are over 200 races a
year in
What is your job now?
I work for Columbia
Sportswear
What are your goals and aims in running?
As far as competition
is concerned, I want to be a mountain running champion! Next, I want to
challenge in a 100 mile race and win.
I also want to make my life richer through running!
Tell us about your typical training week.
I do interval and tempo running once or twice a week. Once a week I go to the mountains to train. The rest of the time, I run depending on how I feel.
What do you know about Gaoligong and
I heard this place
name, Gaoligong, for the first time when I received your invitation. I have
read up on
What are the differences between Western (like UTMB) and Japanese trail races?
The course marking in
What is your aim for Gaoligong?
I’ll run the RCE -
125km, but I haven't experienced this distance so far. First, finish, second, I
want to be on the podium.
Why do you think Japanese runners do not
travel that much outside
First, trail race
information of
What are your hobbies and interests (other than running)?
Mountaineering.
Do you have a running idol? (or maybe an athlete from a different sport)
I very much respect Suguru
Osako. He's a top marathon runner in
Which running result are you most proud of?
Second place at UTMB CCC 2nd in 2016 and winning SKYRUNNING Youth World Championship, also in 2016.
What is your strength as a runner?
Uphill running, and
my self-belief. I never give up.