XTERRA Trail Run World Championship
Every runner has a reason, with no two stories the same. Stories of Stride and Spirit is a series dedicated to the runners of the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, and the beautiful, inspiring, and even tragic stories that have led them to the starting line on Sugarloaf Mountain. From the front runners to the back of the pack, these are the stories of those who kept on running.
For Hidenari Tsurumi, trail running is more than a sport; it’s a way of life, a method of teaching, and a tribute to those who can no longer run beside him. Born and raised in Tokyo, Hidenari defies the traditional Japanese focus on work by embracing the wild, untamed landscapes that trail running offers. Over the past 25 years, he’s found a deep connection with nature, pushing his limits and exploring the world’s most challenging trails. As he prepares to return to Sugarloaf Mountain for the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, Hidenari reflects on the miles he’s covered and the lessons learned along the way, with a new personal challenge set for pinnacle race this year.
Hidenari Tsurumi hails from Tokyo, Japan. It’s a culture with a rich sporting tradition where modern imports like baseball, figure skating, and tennis blend with the traditional pursuits of sumo, bo-taoshi, and judo.
But with the exception of professional athletes, Hidenari says that many Japanese adults don’t play sports. While parents fully support their children’s endeavors, they rarely participate themselves.
“Japanese businessmen consider work to be the center of life,” he says. “Working hard is considered a virtue, and passion for hobbies and sports is not emphasized.”
But Hidenari adopts an unconventional view.
“I think it's important to show my children how hard I work,” he says. “Adults who play in nature like children…I think it's attractive. I think it's good education to show children how passionate you are.”
.jpeg)
Certainly, Hidenari represents the virtues of mental discipline, respect, and honor. He just does so through his love of sport. “I think that life is like a triathlon where you balance work, hobbies, and family. Maybe I’m just being greedy.”
Hidenari has been trail running for the past 25 years. It’s become an important part of his daily life. His preferred distance is 42km, or as he says, “just the right amount of fatigue.”
The Japanese runner is a familiar sight on the XTERRA Trail Run global circuit competing at races in Arizona, Taiwan, and Wales. “I’ve run in the beautiful desert of Arizona and the fantasy, movie-like scenery of Snowdonia. The experience of running there was wonderful and enriched my life,” he says. “I realized again that there are still many races and mountains I do not know.”
“I think that life is like a triathlon where you balance work, hobbies, and family.”
In 2024, Hidenari has competed at no less than five marathons on the XTERRA Trail Run circuit, including the XTERRA McDowell Mountain 42K, the XTERRA Black Canyon 42K, the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship 37K, the XTERRA Japan Nenouekogen 32K, and most recently the XTERRA Snowdonia 44K.
He was the Full Distance Champion in the male 45-49 age group at the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship last year. He describes Sugarloaf Mountain as a wonderful setting befitting a World Championship.
“The autumn leaves were like a painting, and there was live music that continued all day. The racecourse was hard, but the venue was full of smiles,” he says. “Last year, I was lucky to come in first in my age group.”
.jpeg)
But his reason for running is about so much more than simply fast finishes and top results. Hidenari views trail running as a journey to find his limits. “Where is my limit? Finding out is one of the things I enjoy,” he says.
When he laced up his first pair of trail running shoes 25 years ago, the original purpose was to train his body, improve his times, and build a community of friends. Now, as a veteran, there are three reasons why he runs.
“The first is to challenge my limits,” he says. “I'm healthy and rarely get injured. I'm happy to still be in a position to compete for the top spots in races. Age is just an indicator, and it has nothing to do with results or records.”
“Where is my limit? Finding out is one of the things I enjoy.”
His pursuit for excellence has had a positive impact on his work and family life as well. He’s also very grateful to have the opportunity to compete alongside friends. He believes that having competitive rivals helps him to grow.
.jpeg)
The second reason he runs is for his family. Hidenari often trains for hours on his days off work, and he’s grateful that his family supports his passion. That’s why he trains and races with such discipline and intention. He wants to ensure that their sacrifice is respected by giving exceptional effort.
“For my family's sake, I make sure to give my all when I participate in a race. I want to be able to give a report after the race that I won't be ashamed of,” he says.
Hidenari and his wife have two young children who also enjoy running. They often run in races together as a family. For his children’s sake, he strives to model the importance of hard work, consistency, and determination, in addition to a healthy work-life balance.
“I think that no matter how old you are, your life will be richer if you have a hobby that you’re passionate about,” he explains.
.jpeg)
The third reason Hidenari runs is in honor of his friends who can run no more. He’s traversed mountain ranges for over two decades and during that time he’s lost friends due to accidents at races or during training. Some of his friends can’t run anymore due to injuries. Some had to give up the sport due to changes at work or in the home.
“I’m grateful to have the understanding of my workplace and family that allow me to continue running,” he says. “I have friends who have given up running. They tell me to run for them.”
Hidenari remembers a woman who belonged to his running team. They used to run trails together. She passed away from an illness a few years ago. This unfortunate event served as a sobering reminder that time is precious.
“I am reminded that being able to run in good health is not something to be taken for granted, but something to be blessed with.”
Hidenari will head to Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine this September for the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. He will run the 42km trail marathon again this year, but the defending 45-49 World Champion has a new goal. “I’m aiming for first place in my age group and also the top spot.”
.jpeg)
Stories of Stride and Spirit is an XTERRA Trail Run World Championship series designed to celebrate the runners taking on the trails of Sugarloaf Mountain and the unique, diverse, and often unexpected motivations that drive them forward. For more from this series, you can read part #1, part #2, part #3, and part #4, with more to come as we get closer to the pinnacle event of the 2024 Trail Run World Series.
XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure.
.svg)
.svg)
