Login
Login

Event Information

Adventure Race Japan is The Mission to Seafarers’ flagship fundraising challenge. After raising an incredible US$1.85 million in 2025, it’s back bigger and bolder for 2027 with a new location. Challenging trails, stunning mountains and unforgettable views will push you to your limits as we work together to support seafarers worldwide.

Seafarers often work in dangerous situations, experiencing isolation, fatigue, mental and physical health issues, the risk of abandonment, shipwreck, and piracy. 

We have designed this race to increase awareness of seafarer welfare and raise the vital funds needed to sustain for our work as one of the largest providers of seafarers’ welfare support worldwide and in the APAC region.

The Event

Join MtS and colleagues from across the shipping industry in Matsushiro, on 13-16th May 2027.

Teams of three (3) will choose either the Green Dragon Race (10-11km*), or the longer Black Dragon Race (20-22km*). Each team will also commit to raising a minimum of US$5,000 for MtS.

The Green Dragon Race is the shorter route, designed to provide a challenging race through the scenic mountains, and is suitable for participants with a good level of fitness. The Black Dragon Race is a longer endurance route, with increased elevation, and aimed at the more adventurous participants. This is the route to choose if you train regularly and are comfortable running 10km easily on the flat.

This incredible event offers not only the chance to support the critical work of MtS, but the opportunity to set yourself a personal challenge, meet like-minded people from across the shipping industry, develop strong networks, gain fitness and have a lot of fun! 

Registration is for a team of three (3) and the entry fees will need to be made in two payments

  • US $3,500 directly to The Mission to Seafarers - payment online or via invoice.

  • JPY ¥500,000 directly to Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa - via invoice once participation is confirmed.

The Team Captain is responsible for registering the team and arranging both payments.Registration payments cover the cost of running the event. The money raised by each team supports the frontline work of MtS.



Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For details, please see our Sponsors Page.


*Routes are estimated and exact lengths will be confirmed in early 2027.

Your Team

Teams must consist of three (3) members who are 18 years or older. MtS welcomes all individuals, regardless of athletic ability, to participate. This presents a great opportunity for team building within your company. 

Teams will consist of one (1) x Team Captain and two (2) x Team Members. The Team Captain is responsible for the overall team and its members, ensuring your team abides by the Event Rules & Regulations. The Team Captain will be the main point of contact for the team pre-event, onsite & post-event. The Team Captain must ensure that the team's online profile and each team member's profile are complete ahead of the event.

All three (3) team members must participate in the same race, The Green Dragon Race or The Black Dragon Race. They must start together and finish together to qualify for entry into the award categories. See The Race for more details on the Awards.

All three team members will receive exclusive ARJ event merchandise, including:

  • ARJ branded running vest & race bib – to wear during the race
  • ARJ Cap – to wear during the race
  • ARJ Hoodie – to wear throughout the event
  • ARJ Polo – to wear at the evening dinners
  • ARJ medal – received at the finish line

Please see the Equipment Page for full details of the kit required for each team, and for each individual, taking part in the ARJ event. 

Fundraising Challenge

Raising awareness and funds for seafarer welfare is at the very heart of Adventure Race Japan. By registering, each team commits to raising a minimum of US$5,000 in donations towards the frontline work of MtS, and we encourage you to aspire to raise more.

All donations must be paid through your team’s dedicated Adventure Race Japan fundraising page, which will be created online during registration. The team which raises the most will receive a fundraising award and recognition at the event. Amounts raised on external fundraising sites (JustGiving, GoFundMe, etc) will not be counted towards the fundraising awards. 

To assist with your team's fundraising efforts, we have developed a library of fundraising resources. Learn more on our Resources page.

See our videos (with English and Japanese subtitles) below to hear from our ARJ Committee members, Ken & Sakura, on fundraising for Adventure Race Japan and MtS.