Ultra Trail SIngapore is on again this weekend, known as the annual ‘most runable’ trail race of the ATM season. It’s also a popular event with a good vibe, and who doesn’t enjoy spending a weekend in Singapore? This year’s edition has been significantly redesigned, however. The ATM Championship Qualifier is now held on Sunday and has been beefed up from 50 to 60km. On Saturday, runners chasing the Grandmaster Quest are already on call, as they have a new 80km on the programme.

The 60km features again reigning ATM Champion John Ray Onifa in his second outing of the current season. That implies he can get his wild card for the next ATM Final at Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail in Vietnam on 3 October. For that he needs to finish, and obviously he would like to do that also in first place. Onifa was scheduled to compete against his fellow countryman Godwin Mirar, but the latter is not starting as he could not get the funds together for a trip to SIngapore. The reality that still hits plenty of elite runners in Asia. A walk in the park then for the ATM Champion? Perhaps not. Singapore is not exactly a trail city and plenty of fast runners have found themselves off course during races here, as markings are not always easy to spot amidst all the concrete and constructions. Keeping your head cool is of the essence. Apart from that, Onifa should also look out for the speed of excellent local marathon runners like Vincent Casanova. Remember, last yeat even Jeff Campbell saw himself beaten by a local. Others who may say a word for the victory and certainly the podium are Kristjan Chapman, Philippe Daniel and Scott Pugh. And if someone has a bad day, Golden Grandmaster Tomohiro Mizukoshi - now age group 50 - will still be there to pick up the pieces.

The women’s 60km race is potentially a bit more open, even though Japan’s Akane Nemoto probably will get most votes as race favourite. On the ATM Final podium three times in a row and winner of a couple of ATM races already, running in Singapore typically suits Japanese runners very well. Last year, her compatriot Chisato Kario also won here. Akane Nemoto has some interesting challengers, though. Local Zoe Tan won Penang Sky Race 50 five weeks ago and that may strengthen her morale for this Sunday. Also Jennifer Lee was good in that race and will be in the mix again. Mia Revilla is also on the start list. Filipino, but based in Singapore. She won BUTM 100 in April and was third in Hardcore 100 Miles a month ago.

ATM will be covering the 60km race on Sunday on our usual channels.

UTSG 60: Onifa and Nemoto facing local challengers for victory