BIX Hydration

 We are happy to announce BIX Hydration as a new partner of the 2020 Asia Trail Master Championship series. Bix is the world's first recovery hydration tablet with 11 vitamins and minerals improving your recovery and allowing you to perform at your best! Exactly what you need if you run a lot of races.

Each BIX tablet contains a.o. vitamins C and E, Q10, magnesium, zinc, potassium, BCAAs, calcium, sodium, and bromelain.

As the website reads, Bix Hydration was founded by Vlad Ixel, a professional trail and ultra runner who has won over 100 running races around the world ranging from 5k road races to 100km trail races. Vlad is also an accomplished triathlete - previous world number one age grouper for the 70.3 ironman distance. For years Vlad has been using hydration tablets for recovery right after exercise, he would take 4-6 different tablets to give his body the right amounts of vitamins and minerals for the best recovery until he decided to create a recovery hydration tablet that had it all. After 2 years of research and development with a top sports laboratory in Germany, he finally launched the world's first hydration recovery tablet, Bix Recovery!

Have a look for more details on the Bix website, and read the testimonials of a.o. ATM Champion John Ellis. Bix can be ordered directly on the website, but is also available via our retail partner Gone Running in Hong Kong (and online).

t8

mongolia SUNRISE 2 SUNSET (MGL)

TALE OF THE TRAIL

Date: 1 August 2018
Country: Mongolia
Race venue: Hovsgol National Park
Edition: 20
Event organiser: EcoLeap Foundation
Race distance: 100km / 42 km
Elevation gain: 3365 Hm (100km) / 2255 Hm (42km)
Cut-off time: 18 hours
Asia Trail Master finisher points: 100 (100km) / 42 (42km)
Event website: Link
Event registration: Open

International gateway: Ulanbaatar
Travel package: Part of registration fee

introduction

The classic grassland ultra in western Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park. In 2018 the non-profit event will be organised already for the 20th time. The race goes across the National Park through ondulating grassland areas. The race is part of a one-week package. 

Official press release

Video

mapS

gallery

Introduction

The 49KM Skymarathon serves as the Philippine Skyrunning National Championships. It is also an Asia Trailmaster Standard Race.

Starting at Binga Gym, runners will cross the Binga Lake Spillway and ascend via the access road to Binungaan. From there, they’ll enter a single track trail up to Salipapa Ridge, following the footpath to Sitio Lusod. The course then ascends to the summit of Mt. Ugo using the Tinongdan trail. After reaching the main summit, runners will proceed to the West Summit and then descend via the steep trail to Sitio Ambasa. The course further descends to the valley and then ascends back to Sitio Lusod to follow the Tinongdan trail down to Cayoco and follow the village pathways to loop back to Binga. 

This is a challenging course reserved for serious skyrunners. There will be intermediate cut offs along the course and runners who miss the cut off time will not be allowed to continue the race

Event website

Go to the event website for all details and fine print

International gateway

Fly to Clark (e.g. from Singapore or Hong Kong), if you can, as you cut the bus drive to Baguio by half then. Alternative is Manila. From Manila there are many busses that go to Baguio. V Liner is a recommended bus service with several direct lines.

Easiest is to book yourself in a hotel or guesthouse in Baguio and take the event shuttle bus on the morning of the race.

2019 Event Programme

MAP

Update 14 April 2021: The 2021 edition of the event has been cancelled due to the ongoing covid 19 pandemic

Introduction

Negros Oriental in the southern Philippines will once again play host to a points race in the Asia Trail Master Championship as the 3rd edition of Puncak Tanawan Mountain Run enters the race calendar on the weekend of 6/7 June. Puncak Tanawan, which will be held in conjunction with a local town fiesta celebration, thereby replaces the ill-fated Mt Talinis Mountain Ultra from last year.

Race Director Rhodel Sarande offers runners a beautiful 70 km race with scenic views of Puncak Tanawan Natural Park going up to the mossy forest of the Balinsasayao mountain range. The majestic Malindog waterfalls system "Tres Marias Waterfalls" awaits you as you run across the ridges of Puncak Tanawan. The town of Sibulan functions as the start/fnish venue. The event also has 42k and 15k options and even a Vertical Kilometre on Saturday morning. The main 70km race is scheduled to start before sunrise on Sunday morning and has a cut-off time of 16 hours.

To get to Negros Oriental you can fly from Cebu, Manila or Davao domestically to Dumaguete, the main city on the island. As always in the Philippines, the races may not be that long but often have technical sections that require your attention. Stay tuned for a course recce of Puncak Tanawan at the end of February.

Details & Registration

Course map 2020 (coming soon)

 Bukit Lawang Orang Utan Trail (INA)

News about the 2025 edition is pending

Introduction

3rd edition of this unique event during which runners can meet up with orang utans in their natural habitat. Bukit Lawang Orang Utan Trail offers a 50km race course for Asia Trail Master Championship ranking points.

Bukit Lawang is a riverside village a few hours’ drive away from Sumatra’s capital city Medan in Indonesia. It is known as a beautiful boutique travel destination for hikers and families wishing to catch a glimpse of the orang utan.

The 50k race course is kind of split in two parts: a first runable section of some 20km, followed by a technical jungle part with challenging sections as you enter the orang utan’s living area. Runners therefore need to balance their efforts, and also be aware of the heat & humidity in North Sumatra during the day.

Less ambitious runners can also go for the shorter categories of 25km and 7km.

Accommodation in Bukit Lawang is guesthouse and homestay-style, similar to what we have at the Cordillera Mountain Ultra in Philippines and Vietnam Jungle Marathon. There’s also a more upmarket hotel option, which comes recommended as well. There’s event busses carrying participants from Medan to Bukit Lawang.

News reel

Ultra Trail Nine Peaks (KOR)

Introduction

Second South Korean event in the 2023 Asia Trail Master Championship series, and this one is for the mountain trail enthusiasts. Taking place in Ulsan, not so far from Busan, the 122 km longest category is not for the faint of heart with elevation gain a very serious 9210 hm. The 9 Peaks is one of two ATM Championship points races at the event. The second one is the 5 Peaks race of 44 km and 3520 hm.

The course was developed as a single route connecting the nine peaks of Yeongnam Alps - Ganwolsan, Goheonsan, Munboksan, Gajisan, Unmunsan, Tienhwangsan, Jaeyaksan, Yeongchuksan and Sinbulsan.

The 9 peaks of the Yeongnam Alps, with a total distance of 122 kilometers and an elevation of 9210 meters, offer Korea's best difficulty and natural scenery. Hightrail Nine Peaks Ulju is Korea's representative trail competition and festival to promote Korea's nature and culture to the world.

Map

 The Borneo Miler (MAS)

Introduction

Brought to you by the people of TMBT and BUTM, the Borneo Miler is their latest event project, which is actually a spin-off of BUTM 2020. Remember just before covid, BUTM offered a 100 miles course for the first time. The Borneo Miler idea was born there and is now being developed into a proper stand-alone event catering for the ultra distance enthusiasts. That’s correct: the Borneo Miler will be all about 100 miles. There’s no 100k or 50k category —> that’s the BUTM event.

Only a short distance of approx 20 km will be added to the event programme to allow for plenty of local participation.

Introduction

The Magnificent Merapoh Trail  is founded as an event to Save Merapoh Caves and preserve its national heritage, which includes at least 85 precious limestone hills and dozens of rare species of flora and fauna. These national heritage is under the threat of destruction from a big-scale planned cement production project in Merapoh.

The organiser is working closely with the local people in Merapoh to promote sport and outdoor events in supporting local eco-tourism. The next five years will be dedicated to create more events in Merapoh including trekking, trail running, MTB, caving and adventure trips.

The Magnificent Merapoh Trail is a trail race with 30km, 70km and 100km categories. Participants will run through beautiful trail of Merapoh, caves and wade through rivers. This race is a fast course with less technical sections and cater for beginner and intermediate trail runners. 

There will be a compulsory race briefing for all participants. 

Event website

Check the official website for details and fine print

International gateway

Fly into Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), from where event busses can take you to the event site in Merapoh, Pahang, at the entrance of the famous Taman Negara National Park. The bus schedule for 2019 is:

• 23 August (Friday): 8:30 am from Putrajaya Sentral to Merapoh

• 25 August (Sunday): 9:30 am from Merapoh to Putrajaya Sentral

The price is RM 120.

Accommodation is usually in guesthouses in Merapoh itself, or in nearby Guo Musang, which has small hotels.

Philosophy

Protecting the Environment

• Pledge to protect our endangered beautiful Merapoh Caves and the Rainforest surrounding it.

• Please don’t throw away rubbish on the trail.

Respecting the People

• Respect the volunteers – please say thank you whenever and wherever you can. It’s free and doesn’t cost a thing.

• Respect yourself – No cheating, No taking short cuts. There’s no prize for that.

• Always loves your mom & dad.

Respecting the Race

• Promoting good trail ethics among Trail Runners.

• Always help other Trail Runners if they have problem during the race.

Mandatory gear

• Headlamp

• Hydration Bag / Bottles with at least 1 liter of fluid

• Food / Energy Gels / Energy Bar with at least 300 calories at start line.

• Blinkers

• Mobile phone

• Whistle

• Medical Kit (small)

• Personal cup (we will not provide cups at the Check Points in the principle of protecting the environment and to have NO garbage in the trail)

Race map and profile

Running back in time

course profile 100 km

GALLERY

Introduction

2nd edition of the Bogd Khan Mountain Trail in the hilly grasslands around capital city Ulaanbaatar. Late July/early August is the best season to visit the lush green rolling grasslands of this remote but stunningly beautiful and mystical place. The 64k race has some elevation gain but will suit good runners as grasslands are open and runable.

Perhaps better known for its cyclists among endurance sports fans, Mongolia has a great team of ultra runners as well. Sadly, they do not often have a chance to compete abroad and this new event, organised by a Japanese team in conjunction with the Mongolia Ultrarunning Association and Carole Fuchs as race director, will be a highlight of their year. And yours.

A new entry in ATM.

Event website

Check the official web info page for details and fine print

International gateway

Fly into Ulaanbaatar, capital city of Mongolia and where you can base yourself for the event. If you cannot fly direct, consider transiting in Beijing

Promo video Bogd Khan

MAP

Update 1 July 2020: the event is cancelled this year following the corona pandemic

Introduction

Another newcomer in the 2020 Asia Trail Master Championship series calendar after a stint as a Candidate Race last year. The Great Malaya Trail is an ambitious project by Team Pacat and offers a wealth of categories for trail runners. The 50 km race received wide acclaim last season and is now a points race for the ATM Championship. This one has 2500 hm so it is a 50K with some spice!

The longer distance, 100K, is (only) valid for the Grandmaster Quest. There’s shorter distances also available.

Race details & registration

Race map and course profile

Event venue

 Matanao Mountain Marathon (PHI)

Introduction

2nd edition of this event organised by Vertical To Sky in an unknown but beautiful area 2 hours south of Davao City in Mindanao. Matanao has everything a genuine trail runner likes. This is a boutique event with strict limits on participant numbers to preserve the eco systems in the area, so better be quick to register when it opens.

(more coming soon)

Introduction

Second edition of a very successful Candidate Race in a part of the Philippines less known to international audience. Negros Oriental features a complex volcano and that is Mount Talinis, towering more than 1900m above sea level. Talinis is not too far from Valencia - race venue - and just 20 km from Dumaguete, capital city of Negros Oriental.

Organised by trail and mountain lovers, the event receives widespread support from the local authorities. Feedback from participants in 2018 was overwhelmingly positive, and we are delighted to see Mt Talinis Mountain Marathon as a new destination in our Asia Trail Master Championship. The 70 km race is the one that matters.

Event website

Check the official event website for details and fine print

International gateway

Cebu is probably the easiest as hub for the event, although there’s also connections via Manila and Davao.

Suggestions for hotel accommodation are coming soon

Course profile

MAP 

Introduction

Is Australia part of Asia? This question. has been going around our ATM community for nearly a year. Politically and geographically quite certainly not. But in sports, quite often it is and more and more so. Australia will be able to compete in selected sports disciplines at the 2022 Asian Games, for example. In World Cup soccer, Australia needs to qualify itself competing against Asian nations. Because Mr Ian Cornelius, event organiser of Nerang 200 - as Ultra Trail Gold Coast was called until 2018 - kept on pushing for entry into ATM, we eventually decided: let’s go down under! The 2018 event was a Candidate Race, and in 2019 the event is included in our Asia Trail Master Championship series.

However, the event is quite particular, with a fantastic runner’s atmosphere and a beautiful technical loop of 25km at its core. This loop can be run almost as many times as you like, but competitors for the Asia Trail Master Championship will be required to focus on the 100 km and 50 km race distances. Both of these are also A-races, which means maximum 400 performance points for the winner on top of the 100 finisher points. All races as of 100k, so also the 175k, 325k and 500k are of course valid for 1 point in the Grandmaster Quest.

Note that the 100K starts on Saturday morning and the 50K on Sunday morning.

Some reasons to make the journey to Australia end of September:

• Conducted in suburbia behind the Gold Coast, Australia's premier holiday destination (come for the race; stay for the vacation)

• Within one hour's drive from two major international airports (Brisbane & Gold Coast)

• looped course of 25 km loops, impossible to get lost, great for crews

• options of 25-50-100-175-325-500 km races. Note: only the 100k and 50k races offer points for the Asia Trail Master Championship. Both are A-races.

• 895 metres of elevation gain per 25 km loop

• electronic timing with progressive internet update for all event options

• medical facilities available at race headquarters 24 hrs/day for the full 6 days

Event website

For all event details and fine print, please go to the official event website

International gateway

As mentioned above, you can choose between Brisbane and Gold Coast. Both are one hour’s drive away from Nerang, the event town.

Accommodation in those cities is plenty, and during the event you can also camp in Nerang along the race loop.

Course map

Download the PDF version of the course map

Press briefing

The event grew out of the Nerang State Forest race of 25-50 kms established in 2011. The races were conducted on a 25 kms loop within the forest. Subsequently the area was re-gazetted as a National Park and is now known as the Nerang National Park. The run course is on 4WD fire trails and is undulating with 2-3 steep climbs. The elevation gain is 895 metres per 25 kms loop, so while not savage or particularly technical, it is quite testing. The event was extended in 2016 to include 100 kms and 100 mile options and was extended further in 2018 to include a 200 mile option. While 200 mile races are well established and gaining momentum in America, this was the first 200 miler in Australia.

The event was spectacularly successful and organisers decided to add a further option, of 500 kms starting in September 2019. This will be the longest rail race in the world and very testing, with 17,900 metres of elevation gain..

The loop concept works particularly well. The race is hubbed out of the Nerang cycling velodrome which means that food, fluids and rest facilities are provided every 25 kms. There are three intermediate unmanned stations in the 25 kms circuit with the race headquarters hosting medical tent, cooking and rest facilities. Contestants are advised to bring crew, sleeping bag and a small tent. Organisers provide some 50 marquees for shelter. Overseas competitors will be provided with a tent and sleeping bag for a nominal hire fee.

With an entry fee of $1500 the event is only half the cost of similar extreme events elsewhere in the world.... such as Marathon de Sable, Atacama Crossing, Moab 240 and 6633 Arctic Ultra etc.

The Nerang National Park is situated just 20 kms inland from the famous Gold Coast beaches. The Gold Coast is Australia’s premier tourist destination and is the theme park capital of Australia. The race venue is just a one hour drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane international airports. Accommodation facilities are abundant.

The events form part of the prestigious Asia Trail Master circuit.

There is a tremendous sense of camaraderie at the event. The are shorter options available, from 25 kms up to the main event of 500 kms. Bump in is on Monday 23 September, race briefing at 5:00 pm (mandatory) and the race starts at 6:00 am on Tuesday 24 September. Cut-off Is 144 hours later, at 6:00 am Monday 30 September. Prizegiving for the 25-50-100 kms races will be as soon as practicable after each event, with prizegiving for the 100 miler (175 kms), 200 miler (325 kms) and 500 kms being at 10:30 am on Monday 30 September at a venue to be announced. The Monday is a public holiday in the State of Queensland.

MAP 

Due to the Corona Virus situation this event is postponed / cancelled. Stay tuned for more info.

Update 30 September: waiting for further confirmation. New event weekend date is scheduled for 24/25 October 2020

Introduction

2020 Ultimate Tsaigu is located in Mount Kuocang of Zhejiang Province in China, 300 km distance south from Shanghai. The race has 95% natural wonderful mountainous trail passing through several tea plantations as well. The world famous Long Jin tea comes from this area in China. 

This is a very tough mountain race that will please the ultra runners and mountain goats. The event has become an ATM classic as it has been a points race already four times in 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015, when it was still labelled as Tsaigu Tangsi Plus. Now as Ultimate Tsaigu, this is one of the genuine and more international trail events in mainland China and has attracted increasing numbers from the Asian region as well. The 110K is tough with 7000 Hm and you need to complete it in 32 hours. There is also a 80K with nearly 5000 Hm, to be done in 22 hours. Better come prepared! 

The 115K is the A-race for the Championship. The 85K is the B-race. Both offer Grandmaster Quest points.

Event website

Go to the official website for mandatory gear list and registrations. English also via Ultrasignup.

International Gateway

Fly into Shanghai (Hongqiao better than Pudong if you can), or alternatively Hangzhou or - closest - Ningbo. From either airport city you can take a comfortable train to Linhai.

Start/finish of the race is in the Old Town of Linhai.

Technical info

Start place: Plaza of XingShanMen of Temple LongXingSi in Linhai. 

Course marking:
The track is well signaled with labels, ribbons, and arrows, along nearly each 200 meters distance except the road passage. All runners should pay attention to these markings. If no marks found then please walk carefully back to find the right way or you can also call the urgent contact number of the race

Course map 2020

Profile 115k

Profile 85k

Accommodation

The event hotel is called Huaqiao Hotel and you can reach it via ghotels@126.com. 

Please note that Linhai is quite a popular tourist town and you may find other hotel options via booking.com, ctrip.com or elong.net. 

map

PDF summary of key information (in English) for 2018 edition

PDF Summary

Update 9 April 2020: The event has been postponed to a later weekend in Q4 of 2020. Stay tuned for more information.

Introduction

The Moon 100 was recognised last year as one of the toughest races on the ATM Tour. A newcomer with serious technical character - at least when you are not running on the beautiful beaches of this well-known party island. As a sign runners might have just underestimated the difficulty of the inaugural edition, several of the 4 Trails Thailand participants did vote Moon 100 as the “best of the four” - precisely because it was so challenging. The route will see a few modifications in 2020 (confirmation coming very soon) and the start/finish will move to a fantastic beach area - where in 2019 the last checkpoint was located.

Ko Phanang is known as the Full Moon Party island, and it is no surprise that the event will take place around full moon.

Event website

International gateway

Fly into Ko Samui if you can, which has several international connections such as Singapore. Via Bangkok and Phuket you can also easily reach Ko Samui.

Ko Phangan itself does not have an airport, so you need a ferry from the mainland to get there.

The Full Moon parties are stuff of legends, so book ahead. The event organiser, Teelakow, will provide options in January.

Teaser

Coming soon

How the race unfolded in 2019

 MAP

 Bali Ultra Trail (INA)

News about the 2025 edition is pending

Introduction

3rd edition of Bali Ultra Trail and following a successful Candidate Race in 2022 a new entry into the 2023 ATM Championship series. BUT 2024 offers 80km and 50km for ATM Championship points and takes place on and around the famous Mount Batur volcano complex in Bali’s Kintamani region. Elite runners may note that prizemoney is available for the podium placers. The 2024 race course will once again go to the summit of Mt Batur.

Kintamani is a couple of hours’ drive from Bali’s airport and popular tourist areas in the south, so please take that into consideration when booking accommodation. Ubud is obviously closer and a more convenient choice.

Race Director of Bali Ultra Trail is the very experienced international trail runner and ATM Grandmaster Dendi Dwitiandi.

UPDATE 23 August - The 2022 edition of Ijen Trail - Race to the Blue Fire cannot take place in the aftermath of the covid crisis in the Bondowoso region. Local authorities have emphasised the event will be permitted to return in 2023.

Introduction

6th edition of another big volcano event in East Java, close to holiday island Bali. Ijen is less known than the more western located Bromo, but equally impressive and beautiful.

There are 4 race categories at Ijen Ultra Trail of which 2 qualify for Asia Trail Master championship points: 105 km and 75 km. The two longest distances are also valid for 1 point of each trail runner's Grandmaster Quest.  UPDATE 2020: the 100k course has undergone some modification. The route will follow the course of the 70K until Ijen summit, following which 100k runners continue to another peak nearby. 70k runners return down from Ijen summit as usual. The additional elevation gain for 100k course is estimated at 300 hm (to be confirmed in March).

Blue fire is a phenomenon that is formed due to sulfur mining activities at the bottom of the crater producing blue fire at night. Besides being known as the largest acid lake in the world, the Ijen Volcano area has spectacular views against the background of Mount Merapi, Raung Mountain and the Ijen Crater itself. Ijen Blue Fire Trails 2020 is an annual running event held in the Ijen Volcano Region since 2015 under the name Ijen Trail Running. The participants will go through the Ijen crater volcano complex with the Mount Merapi stratovolcano as its highest peak. The variety of trails going through the nature reserve, forests and the best arabica coffee plantations is a special attraction that is a pity to miss. This area has many main tourist sites in Bondowoso Regency such as; Wurung Crater, Hot Water and Blawan and Mini Niagara Falls, Wurung Crater, Kali Pahit Water fall, and of course the incredible Ijen Crater. The 6th edition of the event will present new lines and categories and of course new challenges compared to previous years. The start location is adjacent to the Catimore Hotels and several surrounding tourist destinations that can be reached on foot from the Hotel. The existence of a hot spring which is quite close to the location of the activity allows participants to soak for a long time after taking a tiring running track.

Event website

Check the official event website for details and fine print

International gateway

Fly into Surabaya if you can, or Denpasar in Bali. From both international airports there are event shuttle busses to Bondowoso. However, they take several hours. By far the easiest way is to fly to Banyuwangi in East Java, which is only 90 minutes to 2 hours away from the event venue. Banyuwangi has opened a direct flight connection to Kuala Lumpur in 2019 with Citilink, the budget airline belonging to Garuda Indonesia, so check for that. There’s also direct connections in the pipeline to Singapore and Hong Kong. By the way, Banyuwangi has some very nice hotels at decent prices and is worth a night to relax. After the event, it is easy to go to Bali by ferry (45 minutes).

At the Ijenevent site, there’s local guesthouses and small hotels. More details will become available soon.

TEASER VIDEO 2018 edition

Running back in time

Logistics

The event website has a complete overview of available transport and accommodation services for the event venue, Bondowoso. In a nutshell, international runners best fly into Surabaya or Denpasar (Bali), from where bus transport is foreseen at a modest surcharge. There is a smaller airport also in Banyuwangi, which is actually closest to the race venue -max 2 hours-, so if you can, fly there. From Surabaya or Bali airports you need to account for 5-7 hours of bus travel to reach the destination.

It is possible to book your transport and homestay accommodation straightaway. Please refer to the event webpage for details. 

POST-RACE TOUR PACKAGE TO CLIMB GUNUNG RAUNG!

RACE COURSE MAP & PROFILE 100 KM & 70 KM 

GALLERY

Update 4 April 2020: the event has to be postponed to Q4 due to the corona pandemic

More news coming soon

Introduction

Monkeys Trail is the second Thai points race in the 2020 Asia Trail Master Championship series. Organised by Teelakow, which also brings you UT Chiang Rai, UT Koh Chang and Moon 100, this event takes place on the popular holiday island Koh Samui. The points race for the ATM Championship and the Grandmaster Quest is the 100km category.

This year all the events under the ‘3 Islands Trail’ are part of the ATM Championship, topped by the Thailand SuperTrail, Ultra Trail Chiang Rai in October. The Monkeys Trail will set up its arena at the Teeparatpittaya School on Koh Samui and has 4 am on Saturday as the starting time for the 100km, which features over 5000 metres of elevation gain.

To get a feeling of what the Koh Samui trails are like, have a look at the below teaser video

Video teaser

Details & Registration

By clicking the below buttons you can access the event-specific details, as well as the online registration module.

Contact Teelakow - Event organiser

For more information, please contact

Email: info@teelakow.com

Line id: teelakow

Event location

Introduction

After a successful edition as a Candidate Race in July 2019, we are happy to announce that Muspo Ultra will be a new points race for the Asia Trail Master Championship and Grandmaster Quest in the southern Philippines in 2022! Muspo Ultra features a 100km race to focus on - in the context of ATM - and is scheduled for 23/24 July.

Organised by a well-experienced group in Bukidnon, Mindanao, Muspo takes you the hilly terrains of Mount Musuan of Maramag and around the majestic Lake Apo of Valencia. With about 650 meters of elevation, Musuan Peak gives you a panoramic view of the province. Lake Apo gives you a mystical feel of nature with the lake and nearby mountain ranges.

The event offers a few distance categories: the 100 kilometer distance is for experienced runners the one one that matters for the Asia Trail Master points.

The trails are quite fast and runable with some portions that are technically challenging.

MUSPO ULTRA is not only a run but it’s a haven to connect with nature and marvel at its beauty.

Event details

Please check the local event website for all details and also for the online registration.

Logistics

Bukidnon is kind of in the heart of the large island of Mindanao in the south of Philippines. To reach Valencia, the closest airport is Cagayan de Oro, from where cars and vans take you to the race venue in approx 3 hours. Davao is another option, but the road travel from there takes at least an hour longer.

In Valencia there’s plenty of hotels and guesthouses.

Course map & profile

Venue map

Image gallery

Update 26 August: The 2023 event has been postponed and will NOT feature in Season VIII of the ATM championship series

Introduction

The 50km Cordillera Mountain Ultra turns around Mt. Ugo in Benguet. Topping out at 2150m it features long ridge lines covered in Pine forests as well as superb views of the West Philippine sea, the entire Agno River Valley as well as the Cagayan Valley of Nueva Vizcaya. The event has grown into one of the most popular in Asia Trail Master over the years and a cult event in Asia throughout. While shorter distances are also available in this event, the 50 km - officially 47,5 km - is a great opportunity for beginning trail runners to get a taste of ultra or mountain running. It is tough, yet not excessively so.

Event website

2023 details

Coming soon

International gateway

Fly to Clark if you can to cut the bus journey to Baguio by half. Hong Kong and Singapore have flights to Clark. Alternative is Manila, from where many busses leave for Baguio, some of which direct. V Liner has been sponsor of the event for years. Stay tuned for details. V Liner offered direct busses from Manila for runners.

Accommodation: CMU has the custom of having its participants staying in local village guesthouses. Alternatively, you can stay in Baguio City but be aware it takes 45 minutes at least to reach Tinongdan in the early morning before the race start.

CMU News Reel

Race videos

 Lecka

We are delighted to announce that Lecka is the official nutrition partner of the 2023 Asia Trail Master Championship series. Born and headquartered in Vietnam, Lecka is on a mission to bring delicious & healthy food to the world. Natural, sustainable and nutritious. Founded by German Markus Gnirck in 2020, himself a solid runner, Lecka has quickly developed a great reputation in the outdoor community in Vietnam. Healthy snacks were in high demand during the pandemic years as people rediscovered nature, and in no time Lecka became the market leader for endurance athletes in its home country. All products are created in collaboration with Vietnamese farmers to source the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. The result is unique, yet markedly distinct Asian flavours such as mango coconut and chocolate banana.

The core idea is to empower active lifestyles. The Lecka range of products therefore goes beyond the standard ‘energy bars’ for athletes to include healthy snacks in the form of protein bars and - brand new - granola bites.

Lecka products are also halal, and the company has a strong focus on sustainability. All products are packaged in eco-friendly manner with compostable packaging for the bars and 100% recyclable packaging without aluminium layers for the granola bites.

Today, Lecka is already available and present in Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and Philippines. More countries will be added soon, and products will be available at selected ATM events throughout the season.

 News reel

 Trail of Man (THA)

** The 2024 edition of Trail of Man is still to be confirmed as an ATM points race **

Introduction

2020 Asia Trail Master Candidate Races

The following events below have been granted Asia Trail Master Candidate Race label for the upcoming season 2019. This means the events are in pole position to become an ATM points race, if a slot opens up in the country in question. 

Event organisers can always apply for Asia Trail Master membership and enjoy all the promotional and marketing benefits this entails. Please contact us on info@asiatrailmaster.com for further details. 

Brisbane Trail Ultra

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
6/7 July 2019
100 miles, 100 km, 60 km, 30 km

Brisbane Trail Ultra Festival is set in the stunning Brisbane Rainforest Hinterland starting 8km from the Central Business District of the City. Enjoy beautiful virgin rainforest trails whilst being challenged on this wilderness course trough sub tropical rainforests, gorges, eucalyptus woodlands and grasslands.

60% of the course is on single trails, with amazing views and vivid wildlife. This is one trail, ultra adventure you don’t want to miss. With the city so close by, you can plan a long weekend for the whole family!

Registration till 1 July 2019

Website

Facebook Page

Labuan Bird Park Eco Ultra Marathon

Labuan Island, Fed Territory of Labuan, Malaysia
7/8 September 2019
70 km (50 km, 30 km also available)

New runable trail race on the island west off the coast of Sabah. The Labuan Bird Park Eco Ultra Marathon features a combination of natural trails, beach trails and road (25%).

Registration open via Racematix .

Solang Sky Ultra

Solang Valley, Manali, India
6 October 2019
60 km (3400 hm), 30 km and 10 km also available

First ever Indian event to join the ATM community. This breathtaking race of 60 km takes place in the north of the country at high altitude. It is quite remote, but your efforts will be highly rewarded. Shashwat Rao, a regular competitor in our championship, is one of the technical advisers.

Registration via the website .

The Great Malaya Trail

Taman Negeri Kenaboi, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
19/20 October 2019
100km (6611hm), 50km (3311hm), 30km and 16km also available

100KM starting line: Kem Ghafar Baba, Kampung Kemensah, Selangor.
50KM starting line: Pangson Trail Head, Selangor
16KM and 30KM: Taman Negeri Kenaboi, Negeri Sembilan

For the first time this type of race in Malaysia

• This is total trail event with ratio 95% trail and 5% road.

• We will go through 3 states for 100KM and 50KM categories.

• 16KM and 30KM will run in Negeri Sembilan only.

• For 100KM we will face 6 mountains and some parts of them twice.

• We will cross countless of stream and river all the way the trail.

• We will also see countless beautiful raw waterfall all the way through the track.

• We have average of 6600-meter (+-) elevation gain for 100KM, 3000-meter (+-) elevation gain for 50KM and 1500-meter (+-) elevation gain for 30KM.

• This is the 1st race with such elevation we have in a Malaysian trail race.

Registration via website,

EcoTrail Putrajaya

Putrajaya, Malaysia
26 October 2019
80km (900 hm), 50km (600 hm), 30km (280 hm),15km (100hm)

First ever EcoTrail-branded event in Asia, hosted by Putrajaya, a planned city and the federal administrative centre of the Malaysian capital. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya because of overcrowding and congestion in the former. Since then, Putrajaya has been the venue for many international sporting events and EcoTrail is the next in line. The technical organisation is in the hands of Ten Senses, who brought you TMMT.

“Trail running comes to the city” is the main slogan of EcoTrail. Start and finish will be in the city centre, and from there the course will lead through parks, forests, hillsides and along rivers and lakes. This is a very runable race that will please the road runners who like to get a taste of off-road running.

SRT Ultra

Pune, Western Ghats, India
8 December 2019
53 km (2320hm) - 25 km (1000hm) -11 km (700hm)

Second 2020 ATM Candidate Race in India after Solang Valley, but SRT Ultra takes place in the south of the large country.

The SRT stands for Sinhagad, Rajgad and Torna: three historic forts on an ancient route that are protected monuments of the Maharashtra State Archeology Department. The event takes place in Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for the Maratha empire of the 17th century India. The ultra marathon takes place in the south-west of the town of Pune which is known as the Sahyadri mountain range. The longest distance category will be 53 km with 2320 elevation gain. The beauty of the SRT Ultra Marathon course is that it is a point-to-point route, without any loops. So every moment will be a new experience in the heart of the Sahyadri mountains. Runners will pass through evergreen mountains, dense forests with abundance of flora and fauna.

SRT Ultra is highly challenging in the sense that almost 70% of the marathon route comprises of technical trails, rocks, mud, scree, grass & roots, at an average altitude of 1000 metres. The SRT Ultra not just involves mountain running, but also considerable amount of climbing, which is encountered while ascending as well as descending one of the most pristine locations in Pune.

Bolaven Trail

Pakse, Laos
Tad Fane Resort
21/22 December 2019
100 km (4900hm), 60 km (3000hm) ,39 km (1800hm), 16 km (300m)

Third event set up by Green Step & Teelakow, following V Trail and UT Luang Prabang. This is Laos, expect a technical jungle mountain trail with a pinch of adventure.

Registration as usual via www.teelakow.com

2019 Candidate Races

 Vietnam Trail Marathon (VIE)

The next edition will take place on 11/12 January 2025

Details coming soon

 Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths (VIE)

Introduction

A new entry into the 2023 Asia Trail Master Championship series last year. This Vietnamese event has two faces. The 100km and 70km are tough - the 100 even very tough - while the 42km is catering for trail runners who like the more runable trails. Organised by Race Jungle, which also brought you Cau Dat Farm Ultra in 2020 and Tam Dao Mountain Trail in 2017.

Cuc Phuong is a large national park near Ninh Binh, a couple of hours south of Hanoi. The Park has been on the adventure travellers and backpackers itinerary for decades now.

Relevant for the ATM Championship ranking are the 100km and 42km race categories. If your main goal is the Grandmaster Quest, however, you could also consider the 70km category.

If you can come to Hanoi earlier, please note there is a race pack collection opportunity there in the famous Old Quarter on Wednesday before the event weekend.

News reel

Teaser video

50 bonus finisher points in SuperTrails & ATM Final

In 2021 we will again select a number of prominent and established races in the Asia Trail Master series as SuperTrails. 

SuperTrail refers to an event that offers 50 bonus finisher points on the relevant race distances for the ATM Championship. While a winner of a regular race scores 500 Championship points (100 finisher + 400 performance points), a winner of a SuperTrail race scores 550 Championship points (150 finisher + 400 performance points).

The selected events who receive the SuperTrail label must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Established international prestige

• High participation numbers

• Competitive field on the longest race distance

• Proven high quality organisational standard

• Long-term vision of developing trail running in line with ATM objectives

There can only be 1 SuperTrail per country.  

2021 SuperTrails 

• Indonesia - Mantra Summits Challenge (July)

• Vietnam - Vietnam Mountain Marathon (August)

• Malaysia - Borneo TMBT Ultra (September)

• Thailand - Ultra Trail Chiang Rai (October)

• Philippines - Cordillera Mountain Ultra (November)

• Japan - Izu Trail Journey (December)

• ATM Final (December)

Asia Trail Master Candidate Races

The following events below have been granted Asia Trail Master Candidate Race label for the upcoming season 2024. This means the events are in pole position to become an ATM Championship points race in the future, when a slot opens up in the country in question. 

Event organisers can always apply for Asia Trail Master membership and enjoy all the promotional and marketing benefits this entails. Please contact us on info@asiatrailmaster.com for further details, and please fill in our application form.

2024 ATM Candidate Races (test races, no points on offer)

• 30/31 Dec 2023 - Vietnam - Dalat - Prenn Ultra

• 13/14 Jan 2024 - Philippines - Luzon - Malico Grand Ultra

• 27/28 Jan 2024 - Philippines - Cebu - Danao City Ultra Trail

• 16/17 Feb 2024 - Brunei - BDUTM

• 9 June 2024 - Philippines - Mindanao - Point Trail Ultra

• 22/23 Jun 2024 - Malaysia - Trail des Lombak

• 6/7 July 2024 - Philippines - Luzon - Pacific Coast Mountain Trail Festival

Introduction

The ATM Final of 2019 and Malaysia Trail Master Final of 2021 has been put forward on the calendar again by 2 weeks and is now taking place the first weekend of November. . Both the 100km and 50km will be awarded ATM Championship points and recognised as A-races with the winners scoring 500 points.

The 100km is also valid for the Grandmaster Quest.

The new DUO race of 100km is valid for Grandmaster Quest point, and also for Championship points should the two runners finish inside the top 25 male or top 25 female. Please note, however, that - as has been the case for joint race winners since years -, points will be given according to the ranking of the second of the DUO runners (e.g. should a DUO cross the finish line as winners, they will receive 450 ATM points for 2nd place and not 500 for 1st place. This rule is to avoid tactical games against competitors).

Full details on the 2023 race courses are coming soon. The 100km is expected to have 6250m of elevation gain, making it one of the toughest races on the ATM calendar.

Event website

Check out all details and fine print on the official event website.

International gateway

Fly into Kuala Lumpur or Penang. Both places have plenty of bus transport to Taiping, and runners’ shuttle will also be available.

MMTF News Reel

2019 Event Documentary

Produced by ICARUS and broadcast on a.o. FOX Sport Asia.

Map

Photo gallery 2018

HOKA ONE ONE

PRESS RELEASE - HONG KONG, April 17, 2020 – HOKA ONE ONE®, a division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), has today announced the signing of a one-year deal to become the official shoe of the 2020 Asia Trail Master Series.  

Asia Trail Master is an internationally acknowledged series of trail running races featuring 32 races across 12 Asian countries. It features an annual championship based on a points system of runners results across the series. 

As the Official Trail Running Shoe of Asia Trail Master the presence of HOKA on the Asian trail scene has rocketed in recent years, claiming the No.1 spot for shoe counts at several races across Asia, the latest sponsorship will help to boost its pedigree within the sport. 

“We are thrilled to sponsor the 2020 Asia Trail Master Series,” said Mike McManus, Director of Global Sports Marketing at HOKA ONE ONE. “With this, HOKA is able to extend its support of the development of trail running in Asia at the grassroots level, as well as its support of athletes across the globe.”

For more on HOKA, visit www.hokaoneone.com/ or follow @hokaoneone on Facebook and Instagram.

Oxsitis - Official Hydration Pack of the Asia Trail Master Championship series

Gone Running is delighted to introduce the Oxsitis range of hydration packs to Asia. All Oxsitis products are made in France to ensure the highest quality and constructed for durability including ripstop nylon and YKK zips. They are super lightweight, flexible (with options for bladder or soft flasks plus pole storage and bib holders) and look great. Whether you're an international elites (like Marathon du Mont Blanc winner Sylvain Court) or a weekend warrior, with capacity from 3L to 17L, there's an Oxsitis pack for everyone.

https://gone.run/collections/oxsitis

UPDATE 29 September: the race will be held in minimal format with local runners-only. Hakuba returns on the ATM calendar as a points race in 2021

Introduction

Hakuba Trails returns after a one-year-break following landslides due to heavy rain in autumn 2018. The event offers a scenic and spicy 53 km course with 2800 metres of elevation gain (in 2018). As you can see from the images below, the race takes place in the mountains. Several rivers need to be crossed as well. About 1700 runners are expected to take part in the event that also offers three shorter distances to cater for the whole family. The first start is at 7:00 a.m. and the COT for the 53km is 10 hours, which does imply participants need to move on during the race. 

The nearest city to Hakuba is Nagano, host city of the Winter Olympics in 1998. 

Event website

Check the official event website for details and fine print (2020 details coming soon)

International gateway

Fly into Tokyo is probably the best choice for international runners. From Tokyo, you can take shinkansen trains towards the Japan Alps. Nagano will be your base.

Accommodation options will become available in early 2020

Technical details 2018

English language info sheet

2018 Hakuba Photo Album by Studio Zag

LINK to ATM Facebook

Video of (a wet) 2018 edition

MAP

Capslock (exclusively in Indonesia)

Order the 2019 Asia Trail Master slick racing cap by Capslock in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. This cap, lightweight, breathable and adjustable, is available only in Indonesia and via order on Capslock Instagram store:

https://www.instagram.com/capslock.ltd/

 BV Sport

Details coming soon

 The Locker Room

We are happy to announce our new partnership with the reputed online training portal TBM The Locker Room. Established in Sydney and linked with the successful Physiotherapy clinic, The Body Mechanic, The Locker Room provides specific trail training plans designed to help trail runners achieve their personal best and avoid injury. The portal is created by leading physiotherapist and elite endurance runner, Mark Green (no relation to T8’s co-founder with the same name). Green’s Ultra Base and Race Training Plans have been designed after years of helping runners achieve their personal best. He has helped over 15,000 athletes improve their running and achieve their race goals. His holistic approach to training, including strength, mobility, nutrition and running technique will have you moving better almost immediately.

The Locker Room has built a Base and Strength training 12-week plan that they have already used very successfully in the lead up to the Ultra Trail Australia last year. To help you train smart all the way to race day, the Locker Room recommends you follow a 12 week base training block prior to starting a race training block. This will help you build the strength required to ramp up the pace and volume.

As the website reads, “Base training is the first phase of a training cycle. It helps you to develop the endurance and strength you need to prepare your body for the more challenging, race-specific workouts that come closer to race day. If you always train hard, it is likely, you will over train, burnout or injure yourself.”

The 12-week Base & Strength plan designed for trail runners in the Asia Trail Master Championship series will assist you to:

• Improve your endurance – or aerobic capacity in a safe way

• Train consistently, without breaking your body or over training. (Consistent training = improved performance)

• Improve muscular strength to prevent injuries and smooth the transition to challenging workouts included in your race specific training phase

A weekly plan with increased weekly mileage as you build to your ultra race plan to ensure you stay on track. There are training options for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners, and you will also receive Information on trail running technique, how to incorporate "B" races into your training, how to use running poles plus more!

Sign up now for the plan offered to you at a very democratic price of AUD 59 (approx USD 37) only!

In a nutshell, this is what the TBM Locker Room provides you with:

• 12 Week Base Training For Asia Trail Master Events

• Build Strength and Endurance Before A Race Training Block

• Easy to Follow Videos to Improve Your Trail Technique

• Online Members Running Community To Keep You On Track

• Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Training Program

• Designed by Physio and Elite Trail Runner, Mark Green

Examples of The Locker Room 10-minute strength workouts:

• Essential core work out for runners

• 10 Min Kettlebell Workout For Runners

• 10-Minute Medicine Ball Workout For Runners

For all details and registration to the Base & Strength Plan, please enter the Locker Room via clicking on the button below:

ULTRON 

We are delighted to present ULTRON as the official partner of Kuai Sports Promotions, founder and managing company of the Asia Trail Master series. ULTRON is a leading homegrown sportswear and lifestyle brand in Malaysia for general sports activities such as running, cycling, yoga, zumba, football and fitness. 

Officially launched in 2015, ULTRON made an impact in the Malaysian sports scene securing strategic collaborations with more than 100 sporting events to date. ULTRON also endorses a number of world-class athletes including SEA Games medalists and renowned Yoga practitioners. 

ULTRON's tagline 'Change The Game'- signifies the revolution it has created in the Malaysian sports scene by introducing locally designed and produced superior quality products at an affordable price whilst raising the awareness of a healthier lifestyle for a fitter nation. 

ULTRON's General Manager Mark Chua explains: "ULTRON and Asia Trail Master share the same belief that Asia accounts for the fastest growing economy in the world in the sporting and fitness sector. As both brands share the root of an Asian identity, it is the common vision of both Asia Trail Master and ULTRON to bring the best of Asia in innovation and sports product quality to make an impact on the global stage."

To date, ULTRON is mainly known in running circles for its lightweight shirts and shorts favoured by road runners. Their apparel not only feels comfortable while running, but also in every day life. Best known is its quality sporting top made from it’s Micro-dry fabric - that weighs from as low as 125g/m2 - one of the most lightweight in the market. It’s Ultra light weight, yet knitted in a unique weaving structure that prevents the material from becoming transparent-looking, while retaining ultra-softness and all the various functionalities of fast-dry, breath-ability, stretch-ability, anti-UV and chafing-resistant, making it a cut above the rest. To further enhance the product durability, ULTRON also innovated on the manufacturing aspects. 

"ULTRON made its name in the Malaysia running scene primarily among road circuit event because road circuit events have been largest market segment especially among amateur runners," says Chua.  "Moving into its 3rd year now ULTRON is riding on its established brand-following to take it a step further and grow its presence both among the elite runners segment, as well as the regional Asia market. In 2017 ULTRON is increasing its exposure in Trail, Ultra, Triathlon and Duathlon events to 30% of the total events partnership from 15% in the year 2016. Other than Asia Trail Master, ULTRON is also proud to be the Official Apparel Partner for many other renowned international events in the region including XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championship 2017 and Powerman Asia Duathlon Championships 2017."

Another major expansion for ULTRON in 2017 is the Ultron Women label that will introduces a wider range of women collection specially designed for the Yoga, Zumba and Women Fitness segment.  Applying the same Micro-dry technology to women sportswear, ULTRON aims to #ChangeTheGame in a much broader scale and sporting segments within the ASEAN region in the coming year. 

If you are in Kuala Lumpur, you can visit the home store of ULTRON in KL Nu Sentral Mall.