Run to Paradise Rain, hail, sunshine or snow, Niseko is a runner’s dream, as we discover with Chris Pickering.
INTERVIEW: SOFIE LAHTINEN ILLUSTRATION: TAKAOMI KOBAYASHI
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Why (seriously!) do you enjoy running in Niseko? Niseko is a wonderful place for sport—obviously in winter most people spend their time on snow and I do enjoy getting out on my board every now and again, but as someone who works here winter does tend to be the busiest time of the year. Chucking on my running shoes and a bit of warm clothing only takes a few minutes, I can then roll around the snowy back roads on my own for an hour and it really helps to clear my mind. To be honest, it’s probably that same sensation as everyone is seeking on the mountain: peace, a sense of isolation for a short time before heading back to the real world! That said, most people don’t head out in winter and once the snow melts is when Niseko’s running world really comes alive. There are great trails to explore and the views are just unreal. You can see Mt Yotei from almost anywhere and most of the time you are never far from home. There’s a great little crew of trail runners here and they are always up for exploring although they do tend to wake up early in the morning which has never been my strength! 60 |
Summer 2019
Nolan Yoshiaki Isozaki
HRIS HAS BEEN LIVING IN NISEKO for six years and in Japan since 2004. He was a runner at school and the early days of university before he “discovered beer”. Inspired by a friend to run a marathon before turning 30, he completed his first (and second) marathons in 2008. Since then he’s completed a total of 10 marathons with a personal best of two hours, 46 minutes, but now finds himself out on the trails and in the mountains looking for longer (and longer) challenges. That lets him keep on enjoying the beer of course! We caught up with Chris to gain an insight into what motivates him to move and which routes he enjoys running the most in Niseko. While he gets out even in the deepest winter months, his routes are designed for summer and there is something for everyone—whether running, or walking!