The Chitose Aoba 24-Hour Ultra Track Race is a September ultramarathon held in Chitose Aoba, where participants run laps on a standard 400m track for 24 hours. This event has occurred at least three times and is linked to the IAU 24-Hour Asia/Oceania Championship program. The race's concept is straightforward: achieve the greatest distance before the time limit expires.
The repetitive nature of running laps on the same track means that pacing, rest periods, nutrition, attire, and mental fortitude are as crucial as outright speed. In one instance, a runner targeted 200km, managed hip flexor discomfort, took approximately two hours for breaks, and completed 423 laps totaling 169.55km, securing 13th place among 36 competitors. Weather conditions can shift dramatically, with documented instances of daytime heat, a humid night, followed by strong winds and rain cold enough to pose hypothermia risks. Support crews are utilized by some runners, and even seasoned athletes may struggle to gauge their standing because of the varied schedules of running, resting, walking, and resuming activity among all participants.