This weekend, trail runners on the Grandmaster Quest can also score a point at the Marilog Ultra event in Mindanao, Philippines. The 70km race was a Candidate Race last year and features on the Grandmaster calendar for the first time . Organised by Team Brad and directed by 2-star Grandmaster and former ATM Finalist Julieann Morales, Marilog Ultra takes place in a district west of Davao City and southeast of Bukidnon.

The 70km has an estimated elevation gain of 3600 hm. The toughest part is the mid-section , as can be seen from the elevation profile , and the trail to the finish line also goes uphill. Last year, the 70km race was won by Roberto Cain III in the men’s and Shekinah Velasquez in the women’s. Among the favourites for this weekend’s edition we have Jomarc Ferrer, ATM Finalist, 3-star Grandmaster Sean Aying, Punisher 2024 co-winner Eldy Bulod and Allan Gadong. The women’s race seems to have less outspoken favourites, but the name of Julie Mae Marquez always sticks out in Mindanao. Lots of Grandmasters on the start list as well, runners aiming to get that extra GM point on the way to their next level on the Quest.

ATM will be reporting from Marilog Ultra thanks to our contributors Christine and Brian.

We have the utmost pleasure to announce our 6th Golden Grandmaster today, and the second runner from Malaysia to accomplish this outstanding feat. Kenneth Mun Keat Yow earned his 4th Grandmaster Star at the Trails des Gombak on home soil in Selangor, close to Kuala Lumpur at the end of June. That’s 20 ATM ultra race finishes for the runner, originally from Ipoh in Perak, but now residing in Kajang, Selangor.

Kenneth had quite a methodological approach to his Grandmaster Quest, basically scoring a star every year since the end of the covid crisis. The first already came in 2022 and Kenneth continued to collect GM points to reach the Bronze level of 2 stars at the end of 2023 (the ATM Championship Final event in Indonesia). Barely eight months later, he was already at Silver level following Akha Trail in Thailand. For the final five ultra races, he required just ten months. And he did not make it easy for himself. Look at his chosen list of ultras: Prenn Trail Summit 103km in Dalat (Vietnam), the 9 Dragons 50/50 in Hong Kong, the Manjushree Trail Race 160km (= 100 Miles), BTR Bali 110km in Indonesia and finally - in his home state - Trail des Gombak 100. A highly deserved 4th star in other words!

Kenneth Mun Keat Yow follows Munin Sundram as the second Malaysian Golden Grandmaster. He is the sixth overall, after Hisashi Kitamura, Masafumi Yamamoto, Rhea Batac, Tomohiro Mizukoshi and the aforementioned Munin Sundram.

GRANDMASTER RECORD KENNETH MUN KEAT YOW

• MMTF 100km (MAS)

• BUTM 100km (MAS)

• Cameron Ultra 100km (MAS)

• UTOP 100km (MAS)

• Borneo TMBT Ultra 100km (MAS)

• The Borneo Miler 160km (MAS)

• Penang Eco 100km (MAS)

• Mantra 116km (INA)

• Lam Dong Trail 75km (VIE)

• Siksorogo Lawu Ultra 80km (INA)

• Lantau 70km (HKG)

• Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths 70km (VIE)

• Silabur 100km (MAS)

• KAR 110km (MAS)

• Akha Trail 80km (THA)

• Prenn Trail Summit 103km (VIE)

• The 9 Dragons 50/50 (HKG)

• The Manjushree Trail Race 160km (NPL)

• BTR Ultra 110km (INA)

• Trail des Gombak 100km (MAS)

The Magnificent Baling 100, also known as TMB 100, featured on our Grandmaster Quest calendar for the first time last weekend, which resulted in many Malaysians taking the opportunity to add another GM point to their tallies. TMB 100 is essentially the follow-up to TMMT, the Magnificent Merapoh Trail that was part of our series for five years 2015-2019. It is organised by Ten Senses, which also manages several road running events in the Putrajaya area, such as the Twin City Marathon. Ten Senses has a significant corporate responsibility angle and helps local communities in more remote areas to set up sustainable sporting events. After TMMT, TMB100 is their second major trail running project. Given the legacy, it was no wonder to see a large field of runners at the event, including some of Malaysia’s finest - even coming all the way from Sabah.

The men’s 100km race actually had a highly remarkable conclusion, which could even gain in significance in years to come. Sabah’s Wilsen Singgin grabbed victory ahead of his mentor Milton Amat in a splendid time of 10h35! That’s the second time this season he accomplishes this after BUTM 50km back in February. Are we seeing a changing of the guard in purely competitive context? Singgin had an advantage of 16 minutes at the finish line. In any case, he once again illustrated that he is in the best shape of his life this ATM season. It’s now been almost two years since he began to take more rest time between races and do more 50k than long ultras. This change in approach clearly works for Wilsin Singgin, who is one of the very few runners who has qualified now four years in a row for the ATM Championship Final. Milton’s finishing time of 10h51 of course shows he still has great pace himself. Will he take revenge in 10 days when he is again up against Hisashi Kitamura at Borneo TMBT Ultra ? In third place in Baling was Yih Huan Sua in 11h15, ahead of Indonesia’s former Mantra 116 winner Ma’Mun Khariri in 11h52.

The women’s race saw Ritzy Amor on top, which may not have been unexpected and yet. Multisport athlete Amor has been struggling with an injury over the past month that prevented her from training long distance. She was surprised to win a 100km race last weekend. Ritzy Amor, based in KL but originally from Philippines, has been a certain qualifier for the ATM Final in Vietnam on 4 October already quite a long time. Her victory in 15h33, ahead of Malaysia’s Syarifah Hamzah and Indonesia’s Septiana Nia Swastika, in any case proves that she is increasingly comfortable competing in trail running. One of those newbie runners who could spring a surprise in the ATM Final, especially if the going gets tough due to weather or what not.

Check out the TMB 100 facebook page below and see more videos and photos from the event.

Datu Salumay Invitational Trail Run, perhaps better known as ‘DASAL’, is a new entry on the ATM Grandmaster Quest calendar on the weekend of 8/9 November 2025. The popular event takes place in Marilog - some 80km outside of Davao City and - indeed - has a full decade’s history already! This will be the 11th edition and following last year’s Candidate Race label, the organisers continue with the freshly introduced long ultra category of 85km that has instilled fear in many participants. Hence, the race carries the tagline “Leave you fears beehind” At least, it is regarded as a considerable challenge with 5000 metres of elevation gain on paper. Of course, the 85km is the category to go for if you wish to score a Grandmaster Quest point. For less ambitious runners there is still the shorter distances of 42km, 21km and 12km during the weekend. For those wondering: the bee is the event’s mascotte, chosen also to highlight the importance of bees for the natural environment.

The trails of Datu Salumay will have runners passing by waterfalls, streams, rivers, trees, grasslands, and steep hill ascents and descents. It starts and finishes at the Datu Salumay Elementary School grounds, which is just adjacent to the Syre National Highway. The start is usually at 2 pm in the afternoon, meaning nearly everyone will also need to run through the night, which at least has the benefit of being cooler.

Last year, the long ultra saw victories by Roberto Cain III and Metzi Joy Alson.

You can check the official facebook page for more details. Registration is open and you can also order some nice-looking merchandise while you are at it.

This weekend’s Camiguin Island Trail has attracted many hundreds of runners to the island in the Bohol Sea, approximately 10km off the northern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. The 3rd edition is part of the Grandmaster Quest calendar this season and the start list also features many big Filipino names. Jomarc Ferrer, for example, who has just returned from third place at Mantra 116 in Indonesia last weekend. How well has he recovered? Nevertheless, Ferrer will be one of the favourites for victory in the 70km race. Also Leoniel Perez, who recently won the ATM Candidate Race in Arakan, will be one to watch out for in the front of the race. Grandmaster *** Sean Aying is another favourite in the men’s race, alongside local runner Merson Dagondon. Dave Grande is a very young new trail talent, let’s see how he fares in this race. In the women’s competition there’s Ann Jilian Pulanco, Julie Mae Marquez and Rizalyn Lauron, for example. Of course, Camiguin Island Trail offers no Championship points, only Grandmaster points and there’s a lot of people on the Quest who will be starting the race.

The trail event is held out of the island’s and provincial capital Mambajao. The island has some lush green forest reserves, even protected under the ASEAN Heritage Park label. Camiguin also has a rich cultural history and treasures, such as Old Mambajao Fountain and the façade of the Santo Rosario Church in Sagay. This is a mountainous island, which offers the opportunity for some splendid trail running, including some technical mountain sections. The highest peak is Mount Timpoong, which towers a respectable 1500 metres above sea level.

Santa Cruz near Davao in Mindanao, Philippines, has become one of the trail running hubs in the country and the wider Southeast Asia region and this is illustrated by the now many events being organised there. Today we are happy to announce that Santa Cruz Trail Ultra has entered the Grandmaster Quest calendar. Established by Santa Cruz Trail Runners and with Grandmaster*** Sean Aying as race director, the event was a Candidate last year and is now scheduled for 27/28 September 2025. Runners on the Grandmaster Quest need to aim for the 75km category.

2025 is the third edition of the Sta Cruz Trail Ultra. The event is in celebration of the 141st Araw ng Sta. Cruz, a tribute to the rich heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes of Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur. While the 75km is the main category, less ambitious runners can also choose 3K, 15K, and 30K categories options. As the official SCTU intro reads: “the event will be guiding participants through the heart of the central mountain ranges and across the rugged ridgelines of majestic summits. The course reaches its climax at Mt. Tinako, standing proudly at over 1,300+ above sea level—the highest point of the race—offering not just a test of endurance, but views that will take your breath away. “

Interesting to note is that SCTU is part of the Trailblazer Program under the Sta. Cruz Tourism Office, positioning the municipality as a top trail running destination in Southern Mindanao. A strong focus on eco-tourism and community involvement, the event brings together athletes, nature lovers, and local stakeholders for a cause that goes beyond the finish line.

The start venue is the new Sta Cruz New Municipal Hall and the 75km will be flagged off on Saturday afternoon 4 pm. Santa Cruz can be reached easily by public transport and grab cars from Davao City.

Online registration is open and can be accessed via the button below. It is also recommended to join the facebook page of the event to stay up to date on latest developments.

This year’s Prenn Trail Summit in Dalat, Vietnam, has been moved forward on the trail calendar and is now scheduled for the last days of November. It will be a major Grandmaster bonanza, as there’s no fewer than four GM distance categories on the event programme. The longest one is even a mega ultra of 250km! Slightly less ambitious trail runners looking for a Grandmaster point can also choose for the 187km, 103km and 75km categories. Important: PTS is only part of the ATM Grandmaster Quest calendar in 2025, not of the Championship calendar.

Directed by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Lam Dong Province, and executed by Unique Events & Media in collaboration with Tea Resort Prenn, Prenn Trail Summit presents a unique opportunity for runners to challenge their limits while exploring the unparalleled beauty of Lam Dong in an inspiring setting. ‘PTS’ goes all-in on the long ultra scene, after already producing the longest ever Vietnamese ultra in 2024. As the great event website reads: “ These awe-inspiring and grueling trails will test the endurance, determination, and strength of each participant, providing runners with an experience that goes beyond conquering the race – it is a journey to overcome themselves.”

Prenn Trail Summit centres around the Prenn tea resort and, while also Dalat, offers a different trail course going into different areas than other events, such as Lam Dong Trail. The 250km starts on 27 November already, i.e. on Thursday at 13:00 lunchtime. The 187km runners start early on Friday morning, quasi around sunrise. If you’re aiming for the 100km or the 75km then flag off is at different times on Saturday night late.

The 2024 edition indeed had very good feedback from also the many international participants, which included reigning ATM Champion Jeff Campbell, Chris Timms, Tomohiro Mizukoshi, Risa Kamiya, Yvette Chong Mi Chin and plenty of other very experienced trail runners in the Asian region.

Registration is open, and you can also check all the details of the requirements and the course maps on the website. Latest updates are also frequently posted on the official facebook page of Prenn Trail Summit.

We are happy to announce that the Tampin Transnaning Ultra in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, joins the ATM Grandmaster Quest calendar this year on 19-21 September. The event, which was a Candidate Race two years ago, is a loop event and has two GM distances: 102km and 68km. The latter is officially not 70km, but has 4800 metres of elevation gain - enough for a GM point, similar with Mantra 68km. The 102km is essentially 3 loops and named “Challenger”, the 68km is 2 loops and named “Ultra”. The ‘loop’ is 34km on and around Mount Tampin.

Tampin Hill is close to Malacca and a popular hiking destination away from the hustle bustle of nearby Seremban city, which is approximately 1 hour drive or 60km away. One of the nation’s oldest forest reserves, Tampin Hill is a hill dipterocarp forest. By geographical definition, Mount Tampin stands at the southern end of the Titiwangsa Mountains, the longest and most contiguous mountain range in Malaysia and part of the Tenasserim Hills. Being a twin-peaked mountain, it consists of the main peak (North Tampin Peak), measuring 764 m (2,507 ft) above sea level; and the lower Tampin Hill, of the height of 560 m (1,837 ft) above sea level, connected by a saddle. The South Tampin Peak, situated just south of North Tampin Peak and north of Tampin Hill, is 733 m (2,405 ft) above sea level.

The race course is not just an ordinary loop; it follows for more than 21 km of the famous Trans Naning Trail. That’s a reputedly tough trail with thick forests, steep slopes, and two genuine mountain peaks. The looping concept has the advantage that spectators and friends can see the runners a few times as they return to Tampin Water Park after each lap. Runners aiming for a Grandmaster Point need to complete 2 or 3 laps.

Registration is open and is easy with the usual Checkpoint Spot system, linked via the button below. On that page, you can also read more basic details, including on mandatory gear and prizes in case you also end up on the podium.

To stay aware of latest developments, you can also follow the event’s Facebook page, which is also linked below.

Bislig Ultra Trail in Surigao del Sur, north of Davao, this year offers a Grandmaster Quest point to all finishers of the 80km course on 11/12 October. The event, a Candidate Race last year, is organised by the AWRA Team, which also brings you the New Corella Trail Ultra in December.

As the official event tagline reads: “the race routes designed to challenge and inspire you amidst the stunning natural beauty of Bislig. You are about to embark on a journey that showcases the very best of our region’s landscapes and wildlife.” The highlight is the magnificent Tinuy-an Falls, often called the "Niagara Falls” of the Philippines.

In addition, there is the sanctuary of the Philippine Eagle, one of the world's rarest and most majestic birds. The presence of such unique wildlife adds a special dimension to your run, making it not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of Bislig’s natural heritage.

The 80km course is an extension of last year’s 50km. It is a challenging and exhilarating course that showcases the region's diverse terrain, including barangay roads, scenic trails, waterfalls, river crossings, and ridgelines. Last year, the excellent service and volunteer support gave participants a memorable trail experience. The men’s 50k race was won by pre-race favourite Jhon Mahinay and the women’s race went to Lory Gacusan in 10h28.

Bislig is located 200km north of Davao City in Surigao del Sur Province. Davao is your main airport for those who need to fly in. It’s certainly listed among the ‘new destinations’ for trail runners.

The official facebook page has all details and can be accessed via the button below.

Marilog Ultra 70 in Mindanao, Philippines, offers finishers of the 70km race a Grandmaster Quest point at the event scheduled for 30/31 August. Organised by Team BRAD, last year’s ATM Candidate Race received acclaim from many participants

Marilog Ultra aims to be more than just a race. It's about giving back to the community, protecting the environment, and promoting eco-friendly tourism in the area. The race director is 2-star Grandmaster and 2-time ATM Finalist Julieann Morales, herself one of the leading trail runners in Mindanao and a multiple race winner in ATM.

The Marilog event has four different distance categories on the programme. The 70km is the Grandmaster distance and has an estimated elevation gain of 3629 hm. The course map will be available in due course. Start and finish is MWES Marahan in the Marilog district of Davao, to the west of the main city.

Registration is already open via the button and form below. To stay up to date on what is happening, please follow the facebook page of the event.

Today we have the utmost pleasure to announce a NEW GOLDEN 4-STAR GRANDMASTER: Munintaran Sundram! The Malaysian runner from Taiping has achieved a truly remarkable performance, both in terms of speed and diversity of races. Munin had become a 3-star Silver Grandmaster just last January after Vietnam Trail Marathon 70 in Moc Chau, and proceeded straightaway to reach 20 ultra race finishes by the first weekend of May. He ran the 9 Dragons 50 Miles in Hong Kong, Vietnam Ultra Marathon 75, Lantau 70 back in Hong Kong, followed by the Filipino Luzon duo of Sierra Madre Trail Ultra 75 and Hardcore 50 Miles, part of PMTF. He is the first Malaysian Golden Grandmaster, and the fifth overall. It took Munin 3,5 years to complete the Grandmaster Quest, having started at his home event, MMTF, at the end of 2021. “The Grandmaster Quest is a good avenue for many races to garner runners to join as not all can fight for championship points. A great means to motivate runners,” said Munintaran Sundram, who will be celebrated at the upcoming Malaysian events in ATM. Huge congrats and a big round of applause for new Golden Grandmaster Munintaran Sundram!

His record:

• 1. MMTF 2021

• 2. CULTRA 2022

• 3. VMM 2022

• 4. TMBT 2022

• 5. Penang UTOP 2022

• 6. Dalat Ultra Trail 2023

• 7. Malnad Ultra 2023

• 8. BUTM 2024

• 9. Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths 2024

• 10. Silabur 100 2024

• 11. KAR Ultra 2024

• 12. AKHA Trail 2024

• 13. Mt Apo Sky Race 2024

• 14. Prenn Trail Summit 2024

• 15. VTM 2025

• 16. 9 Dragons 2025

• 17. VUM 2025

• 18. Lantau 70 2025

• 19. Sierra Madre Trail Ultra 2025

• 20. PMTF 2025.

We are happy to announce that the 3rd edition of Camiguin Island Trail race, scheduled for the weekend of 12 July, has entered the ATM Grandmaster Quest calendar. Organised by Vertical To Sky under Doi Calbes, this event has been growing rapidly in popularity and for the first time will feature a 70km race category - long enough to offer a Grandmaster point to finishers.

Camiguin is an island in the Bohol Sea, approximately 10km off the northern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. The trail event is held out of the island’s and provincial capital Mambajao. The island has some lush green forest reserves, even protected under the ASEAN Heritage Park label. Camiguin also has a rich cultural history and treasures, such as Old Mambajao Fountain and the façade of the Santo Rosario Church in Sagay. This is a mountainous island, which offers the opportunity for some splendid trail running, including some technical mountain sections. The highest peak is Mount Timpoong, which towers a respectable 1500 metres above sea level.

The event has already opened for registration and in no time secured 650 entries. Contrary to other Vertical To Sky events, this one does not have a limited participation quota. However, better sign up fast to also secure your personal desired accommodation. The course map of 70km is currently being updated and will be released in due course. Via the official facebook page you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments regarding Camiguin Island Trail.

To register, Doi likes to keep it simple. Just send him an email on verticaltosky@gmail.com with your usual event registration details, and his team will come back to you within 48 hours.