Millet, a leading French alpine brand founded in 1921 (Millet Mountain Group Japan Co., Ltd.: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director Per Rasmussen), will serve as the main sponsor for the "Joshu Hotaka Sky View Trail 2025" mountain trail running race, to be held on Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st, 2025, on Mount Hotaka in Gunma Prefecture.
This event is a full-fledged mountain race certified by the ITRA (International Trail Running Association), consisting of two categories: 130 (138km) and 80 (77km). Athletes will navigate mountains over 2,000m in elevation, tackling extremely challenging natural environments with steep climbs, night running, and significant cumulative elevation gain.
The roots of this competition lie in the "Noboru Yamada Memorial Mountain Climbing Race" which was held from 1990 to 2009. At that time, participants competed while carrying 10kg of luggage. In 2014, it was reborn as the "Joshu Hotaka Sky View Trail," evolving into a trail running race where participants face nature with necessary equipment, reflecting advancements and lighter weight in modern climbing gear.
To complete the grueling course, which covers 138km with a cumulative elevation gain of 8,019m and a time limit of 34 hours, set against the backdrop of Mount Hotaka (2,158m), pure running ability alone is not enough; advanced adaptability to mountainous environments is also required. As an alpine brand with its roots in the French Alps, Millet supports this event, which resonates with the brand's origins.
・Joshu Hotaka Sky View Trail 2025 Event Overview
・Date: Saturday, September 20 – Sunday, September 21, 2025
・Venue: Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture
・Distances: 130 (138km), 80 (77km)
*ITRA Certified Race / UTMB Index
・Joshu Hotaka Sky View trail Official Website https://skyviewtrail.com/
・Naota Takemura / Trail Runner (affiliated with Ishii Sports)
Event: Sky View Trail 80 (77km)
Affiliated with Ishii Sports. In the 2024 Trans Japan Alps Race (TJAR), he garnered attention by contending for the lead until mid-race despite being the youngest participant. In the same year, he won the Millet-sponsored Joshu Hotaka Sky View Trail 138K. He excels in long-distance races. In August 2025, he competed in the French race "L'Échappée Belle," placing 8th in the Intégrale (152km).
