A fun race took place in Osaka, Japan between Vanuatu’s champion of the Yasur Volcano Run, Simon Charley, and Japanese rising runner Crazy Karo, around the 2km grand ring of the World Expo venue.

Project Coordinator for the Yasur Volcano Run, Marc Giraud, said the friendly race was a warm-up for a bigger international competition to be held in October on Tanna Island.

“This year is special. For the first time, it’s an international race involving international athletes. Simon will compete against some of the world’s top rising stars, including Crazy Karo,” Mr Giraud explained.

“The Volcano Run is a unique and innovative project. We were invited to the World Expo in Osaka to present it at the UN Forum, and they approved it as a powerful social impact initiative. It’s the first of its kind—a race around an active volcano at the community level.”

The fun race was short but exciting, with both athletes running around the Expo’s grand ring.

Japanese runner Crazy Karo said he’s looking forward to visiting Vanuatu:

“I’m really happy to race against Simon here in Japan, and I’m looking forward to beating him in Tanna. Thank you so much.”

Simon Charley responded with confidence:

“I’m happy my brother will come to Vanuatu for the race in Tanna—but the title will stay on Tanna.”

Mr Giraud said a test event will be held in Tanna ahead of the main race in October.

The Volcano Run Project began in 2021 as a domestic tourism initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to grow into an international sports and cultural event.