Run an Ultramarathon on a Remote Volcanic Island in Japan — and Fund Giant Salamander Conservation

On Sunday, June 21, I’m returning to the Oki Islands to run the 50km Oki Ultra Marathon — and this year I’m inviting a small team to join me to raise funds for Japanese Giant Salamander conservation through Sustainable Daisen.

The challenge is real, but it’s also one of the most enjoyable races I’ve ever experienced: the island turns out, the route feels like a festival, and support stations appear throughout the course with free snacks and drinks.

Your mission: complete the 50km race and raise US$5,000 in sponsorship for salamander conservation.
My promise: I’ll handle the Japan-side logistics and host you in Tottori before and after the race.

Official race applications open February 1 (entry fee: ¥14,000).

Interested? Contact me to reserve a spot and receive the fundraising pack.

What makes this special

  • A big personal challenge in a truly memorable place: the Oki Islands are rugged, volcanic, and beautifully remote.

  • A community-powered race atmosphere: locals cheer, support, and fuel runners all day.

  • You don’t have to be an elite runner: the cut-off is 8 hours, and a steady run/walk approach can be enough if you keep moving and manage your mindset.

  • You’ll be raising money for something tangible: practical conservation work that protects Japan’s rivers and wildlife.

Why I’m doing it (and why I’m inviting others)

I wasn’t “a runner” before this. Before training for the Oki 50km last year, I’d never run more than 10km. I’m naturally active, but the ultra still demanded discipline and mental strength.

I finished in just under 6 hours, but I slowed significantly in the final 22km — and I want to improve that this year. More importantly, I want to turn the challenge into something bigger: a shared experience that raises serious funds for conservation.

Fundraising goal

Each participant commits to raising US$5,000 in sponsorship for Japanese Giant Salamander conservation.

Important: Sponsorship funds are separate from travel costs.

  • Sponsorship is paid directly to Sustainable Daisen

  • Your personal costs (race entry, travel to Japan, meals, etc.) are not taken from sponsorship

Race entry fee (paid to the event organiser): ¥14,000
Official race applications open: February 1

What I will arrange (Japan-side)

To make this simple and supportive, I will:

  • coordinate the group plan and schedule

  • book the group accommodation (and help with room options)

  • manage the local logistics from Tottori Prefecture onward

  • help with transport planning between Tottori and the Oki Islands

  • provide a clear checklist for what to bring and what to expect

All you need to do: get yourself to Tottori Prefecture, and I’ll take it from there.

Team format

We can start together as a team, but everyone runs their own race.
That means:

  • you can go at your own pace

  • you can run/walk as needed

  • you can focus on finishing strong rather than chasing a time

The shared goal is the fundraising, the experience, and getting to the finish line.

Bonus: Japanese Giant Salamander night survey

If you arrive early enough before the race (or stay after), I will take you to see wild Japanese Giant Salamanders as a personal thank you — free of charge.

Who this is for

This is for people who:

  • want a meaningful personal challenge

  • are excited by a “once-in-a-lifetime” Japan experience

  • are willing to fundraise for a conservation cause

  • can commit to training and showing up prepared

You don’t need to be fast. You do need to be consistent and mentally resilient.

How to join

  1. Send me a message to express interest

  2. I’ll confirm availability and send:

    • the fundraising pack (sponsorship story, visuals, donation links, templates)

    • a practical logistics outline (what’s included, what isn’t)

  3. You apply for the race when applications open (Feb 1) - I can talk you through this.

  4. Begin fundraising + training

Contact: richard@bushidojapan.com/ Contact button at top of the page

Let’s do this!!!

Richard Pearce

CEO Sustainable Daisen

FAQ

Do I need to be an experienced runner?
No — many people can finish a 50km within the time limit with a steady run/walk strategy, provided they train a little and keep moving.

Is the 8-hour cut-off strict?
Yes — the official goal is to finish within 8 hours.

What does the US$5,000 go to?
Directly to Sustainable Daisen’s Japanese Giant Salamander conservation work.

What costs are separate from sponsorship?
Race entry (¥14,000), international flights, travel within Japan before reaching Tottori, personal meals, and any personal extras.

How many places are available?
TBD!

Is there a deadline to commit?
Ideally before Feb 1, to ensure participants are ready to apply when entry opens. This is a popular event so the places fill up quite fast, as does the limited number of hotel rooms.