The Minami-Aso Caldera Trail runs through Minami-Aso village in Kumamoto Prefecture, known as the village within the world's largest caldera. This trail race occurs twice annually, with summer and winter editions, originating in January 2021 to revitalize the local area. The race utilizes the volcanic terrain surrounding Aso as its primary setting, positioning it as a mountain-and-nature event rather than a road race.
Participants can select from 50km, 32km, 18km, and 2km distances, accommodating a range of participants from seasoned trail runners to those seeking a short, local event. The 50km race, limited to 200 participants, serves as a qualifier for the Aso Volcano Trail and is included in the Asian Trail Master series. The 18km race offers men's, women's, and pair divisions (male, female, and mixed pairs), while the 2km option provides an accessible entry for beginners and casual participants.