When Japanese ultramarathoner Tomomi Bitoh tackles some of the planet’s most grueling endurance challenges, she brings more than just determination and talent; she also brings the confidence that comes with reliable connectivity. With the SPOT Gen4 handheld satellite messenger on her, Tomomi Bitoh has the peace of mind that comes from knowing she’s never truly off the grid, even in the most remote corner of the Earth.Tomomi Bitoh’s racing resume is a testament to endurance, discipline, and fearlessness. She recently participated in the World Marathon Challenge, where elite runners complete seven full marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days, including extreme terrains like Antarctica and Australia, before racing across Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. Tomomi Bitoh placed runner-up in the women’s overall, a remarkable achievement made even more impressive by the pace and conditions.
Yet another race stands out in particular: the Transahara Marathon. In this event, Tomomi Bitoh emerged as the overall women’s runner-up after a 150-kilometer test of strength and resolve across the blistering sands of the Sahara Desert, run over four punishing days.
In terrain where the environment is as much a challenge as the competition, having a lifeline is more than a luxury; it’s a necessity.
“The reason I can run such a tough race with confidence is thanks to the technology and support of IPmotion and Globalstar,” Tomomi Bitoh said.
That confidence is backed by SPOT’s critical features, including SOS messaging and real-time GPS tracking. With the press of a button, SPOT Gen3 connects users to a dedicated 24/7 emergency response center via satellite, eliminating the need for cellular infrastructure. In environments like the Sahara Desert, where traditional connectivity is unreliable, SPOT continues to perform.
Tomomi Bitoh first used the SPOT Gen3 as part of the Marathon des Sables, where Globalstar was a former dedicated sponsor. Every participant wore a SPOT Gen3, which the organizers purchased, and Globalstar provided the airtime for free as the sponsor.
Tomomi Bitoh has seen competitors in extreme races need to use SPOT to call for help and be rescued. Seeing the device in action and knowing it’s a safety net allows her peace of mind and the ability to concentrate on the race.
SPOT is used not only by Tomomi Bitoh for safety, but also to maintain a sense of connection during her solitude. Her team can track her live progress, ensuring she stays on course and in good conditions. Fans and supporters can follow her journey online, sharing in the suspense and triumph of each leg of her race. The simple fact of being visible and reachable, even from the middle of nowhere, allows her to race with fewer mental distractions and more focus.
Tomomi Bitoh’s story is part of a larger narrative. Over the years, SPOT devices have been used in more than 10,000 documented rescues worldwide, underscoring their critical role in personal safety and emergency preparedness. Globalstar’s SPOT product line has a long-standing legacy of supporting athletes and adventurers.
The SPOT product line – including SPOTX, Globalstar’s two-way satellite messengers – continues to support athletes like Tomomi Bitoh. The compact form of SPOT devices and simple interface allow athletes to focus on performance, knowing their safety solution is always working in the background.
As more athletes and explorers seek out the world’s most remote challenges, the need for reliable satellite connectivity will only grow. For Tomomi Bitoh, the answer is clear: trust the technology, lean on the support, and run with confidence, no matter where in the world the trail leads.
Tomomi Bitoh is scheduled to participate in the Grand to Grand Ultra September 21-27 at the Grand Canyon in the United States. You can follow her on Instagram as she races across the world @tomomi_challenger.
Learn more about Globalstar’s full SPOT product line.