Myoko Trail kicks off Golden Trail World Series Asian block

The Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) begins a decisive three-race Asian block with the Myoko Trail in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, scheduled for September 20, 2026. This event marks the sixth race of the season and serves as the first leg of a stretch including China and South Korea, where the grand finale will take place in October.

The Myoko Trail course covers approximately 23.5 to 24.7 kilometers with an elevation gain of 2,020 meters. The technical route features significant climbs and descents, including a 1.4-kilometer downhill section with an average gradient of -18.3% that offers bonus points to the top five finishers.

With current overall series leaders Elhousine Elazzaoui and Madalina Florea absent, the race presents a major opportunity for contenders to shift the standings. In the men's category, attention is on the Kenyan trio from Run2Gether On Trail: Philemon Kiriago, Michael Saoli, and Patrick Kipngeno. In the women's race, Ruth Gitonga, Barbora Bukovjan, and Marie Nivet are among the leading contenders expected to compete for a new GTWS winner.