Kumiko Hart: "For Me, the Greatest Satisfaction Is When I Push My Limits"
A runner for over two decades, Kumiko Hart is a top competitor in the women’s age 60-64 group—not to mention a formidable ultrarunner who competes in challenging races all over the world.
Kumiko was born in Tokyo, has lived in NYC since 1992, and has run 148 NYRR races including the New York City Marathon 15 times. She’s a member of the Urban Athletics club and is coached by Alan Bautista.
How did you get started running?
In 2002 a friend asked me if I wanted to participate in a 4-mile NYRR race, and without much thought, I said yes! Fortunately, I felt good and had fun.
Three weeks later, I ran a half marathon without any training. I was in excruciating pain and felt like I was dying, but strangely, I found myself feeling proud of that pain, and that's how I got hooked on running.
What do you love about running and what gives you the greatest satisfaction?
I love the feeling of a running high and the sense of accomplishment I get after running.
The greatest satisfaction is when I push my limits, overcome challenges, and see progress in my performance. Additionally, I love the feeling of being in nature, experiencing the sun, rain, heat, and cold when I’m out on the road or trail.
How did you start ultrarunning and what do you love about it?
I didn’t know anything about ultrarunning until 2012. I was inspired by my ultrarunner friends. Running in the mountains and covering long distances seemed so fascinating. Additionally, I love the outdoors and adventure, so trail ultrarunning just fit well with me.
I encounter various challenges every time I run ultra races. Meeting unknown aspects of myself, testing my limits, and moving forward while reflecting on myself are all aspects of the process that I find appealing. Due to my age, my times are slower, but completing the race holds meaning for me, so my goal is to reach the finish line.
What do you consider your greatest running accomplishment?
The UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) is a trail running race covering the mountainous terrain in France, Switzerland, and Italy surrounding the highest peak of the European Alps, Mont Blanc. When I ran the UTMB in 2022, I won my age category because only two women over 60 years old finished it. It was the happiest moment of my life.
What do you do outside of running—career, hobbies, family?
I am retired, but I used to work as a photographer and loved documentary photography. Besides running, I also enjoy yoga, skiing, biking, and hiking. I have a husband and a 21-year-old son, who is a college student in Tokyo.
What does your Japanese heritage mean to you?
Even though I have lived in New York for a long time, my identity never changed as a Japanese, I have become even more proud of being Japanese, embracing Japanese culture, history, customs, and food.
Have you ever felt a lack of inclusivity as an Asian woman runner?
I feel sometimes a lack of inclusivity at ultra trail races in different states in the U.S. because there are not many Asian woman runners, but not in NYC.
What would you say to other Asian women who want to get started running?
I would encourage them to run because I love to see more Asian woman running! Running is such a rewarding activity both physically and mentally. There are always a supportive community, so find it and join the group. Don’t be afraid to set small goals and challenge yourself. That is so important.
Any upcoming ultras this year?
I’ll be participating in the Cruel Jewel 100-mile race in Georgia in May, followed by the TOR330 - Tor des Géants in Italy in September.
Photos by MarathonFoto