One week before the conclusion of Season 10 in the Asia Trail Master Championship series in Vietnam, runners on the Grandmaster Quest have a chance to collect another GM point in Santa Cruz, Davao, Philippines at the Santa Cruz Trail Ultra. Established by Santa Cruz Trail Runners and with Grandmaster*** Sean Aying as race director, the event was a Candidate last year and now offers a GM point for finishers in 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. On the start list, several well-known runners and Grandmasters such as Jay Delgado, Elron Joyce Josue, Ryan Arriola, Emman Manongsong, Leoniel Perez, Rhodel Sarande, Mario Yap, Benjamin Nueva Jr and even ATM Finalist Roberto Cain III.

It is true pleasure to announce today the first male Golden Grandmaster from the Philippines in our Asia Trail Master series : none other than Alfredo Reyes Jr managed to collect his fourth Grandmaster star at Marilog Ultra 70 in Davao a few weeks ago! Alfredo is the 7th Golden Grandmaster overall, following in the footsteps of a.o. his compatriot Rhea Batac, who completed her Quest back in July 2024.

Alfredo Reyes Jr required just three years to run and finish is 20 ATM ultras. He began his journey at MUSPO 100 in July 2022 and by the end of 2023 scored his first Grandmaster star in Indonesia. He continued with great determination and added his second star eleven months later in at Lam Dong Trail in Dalat, Vietnam. But it’s only since then - ten months ago - that his engine really came up to speed. From 10 to 20 in less than a year! Alfredo was also not shy to include some really tough ultras on his itinerary , such as The 9 Dragons, Pulag Ultra and Hardcore 50 Miles. He traveled to several countries during his Grandmaster Quest, including Hong Kong, Indonesia and Vietnam while crisscrossing the Philippines from Mindanao to Luzon and back as well.

He may not be a Championship runner, but his amazing achievement - especially in the final year - is an inspiration for all of us, proving that with the right mindset you can do everything. Let’s have a very big and well-earned applause for new Four Star Grandmaster Alfredo Reyes Jr!

Alfredo Reyes Jr.’s Grandmaster Quest Palmares

1. Muspo 100km July (2022),

2. Mt. Apo Skyrace 100 Dec (2022)

3. Sta. Ines Mountain Adventure Run 80k (2023)

4. Sierra Madre Trail Ultra 75 May (2023)

5. Matanao Mountain Marathon 70k Oct (2023)

6. Siksorogo Lawu Ultra 80 Dec (2023)

7. Bagtit Ultra 100k Feb (2024)

8. Mt. Kalatungan Trail Ultra 85k Mar (2024)

9. Bali Ultra 80k Aug (2024)

10. Lam Dong Ultra 75k Nov (2024)

11. Santa Cruz 70 Nov (2024)

12. Malico Grand Ultra 75 Jan (2025)

13. The 9 Dragons 50miles Feb (2025)

14. Pulag Ultra 65km Feb (2025)

15. Vietnam Ultra Marathon 75k Mar (2025)

16. Lantau 70 Mar (2025)

17. Hardcore Ultra Trail 50miles May (2025)

18. Camiguin Ultra Trail Race 70km July (2025)

19. Punisher Ultra Marathon 50miles Aug 16-17 (2025)

20. Marilog Trail Ultra 70km Aug 30-31 (2025)

The Tampin Transnaning Challenge last weekend in Negeri Sembilan, not too far from Malacca, lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest trail running races in Malaysia. The loop-race, each loop featuring Mount Tampin, is 34km long and has about 2400 metres of elevation gain! Runners who completed three or two loops all scored an extra point for their Grandmaster Quest. 13 runners managed to do the “big one”, the 100km race category with three loops. Grandmaster Seng Lip Ku was fastest among them in a time of 24h51’36. He was in the lead all race, already having once done five loops at a previous edition in 2022. Kee Ming Lim was about 40 minutes behind him at the finish. He had tried to chase Ku down, but began to suffer from heat exhaustion and reportedly even contemplated quitting the race. Many participants struggled with dehydration this year. Muhammad Quayyum Bin Suleiman came in third in 26h27. No female runners attempted the three loops this year.

The 68km race, two loops, saw Chong Han Sia and Real Ho having a good competition. Eventually, Chong Han took top honours in a time of 15h05, about 40 minutes ahead of Real Ho. The men’s podium was completed by Ares Hee in 16h14.

Yu Tongcheng was the quickest female runner on the two loops in 17h35. She was followed by Tsui Chin Ho, about half an hour later at the finish. In third was Grandmaster Roan Biguasen in 18h53.

Seng Lip Ku the fastest runner on the 100km

Wayne Tang scored his Grandmaster 1 star at Transnaning

David Khoo

This weekend, trail runners have the opportunity to collect another Grandmaster point in Malaysia at the Tampin Transnaning Ultra in Negeri Sembilan. It’s the penultimate Grandmaster Quest event of Season 10, with Santa Cruz Trail Ultra still upcoming in the Philippines next week as well. In a fortnight, all eyes are of course focused on the ATM Championship conclusion at Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail in Vietnam on 4 October.

Tampin Transnaning was a Candidate Race two years ago and is a loop event with two GM distance categories: 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.

The 102 km is considered very tough, and a true challenge for all participants to complete.

For the second year in a row , trail runners looking to score Grandmaster points can draw a red line around SC 70 into their diaries. One of the annual events in the ever growing trail hub Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur, SC 70 takes place this year on the weekend of 22/23 November. On the menu, just like last year, is a 70km main race - exactly the required GM distance. ‘Challenge your limits’ is the event’s tag line.

Less ambitious runners can also take part in the shorter 32km and 16km categories. The event venue is the L' Circulio Sea Blue Garden Resort, Brgy. Talisay, Coronon in Santa Cruz. SC 70 is organised by Team Jegol.

Registration is open and can be done HERE: https://forms.gle/VrMqQ6vxenXSvse16

The 2024 course map of SC 70

We are happy to announce that the Merapoh Rainforest Trail enters the 2026 Grandmaster Quest calendar on the weekend of 1 to 3 May. Under a new event management since the end of covid, Merapoh Rainforest Trail is the successor of TMMT, which was part of ATM from 2016-2019 already. We are indeed delighted our series returns to Merapoh for what has always been a true adventurous ‘jungle’ trail run. 2026 will already be the 5th edition of Merapoh Rainforest Trail, which enjoyed 1600 participants this year.

Merapoh is a small town located in the Lipis district of Pahang, known as "The Caving Paradise." There are approximately 200 caves around Merapoh, rich in historical value and unique features. Additionally, Merapoh serves as one of the gateways to Taman Negara Pahang. Taman Negara Pahang is part of Malaysia's largest national park, covering an area of 2,477 km², and is a renowned eco-tourism destination in the country. The main attractions in Taman Negara Pahang include its geological and biological features, particularly its tropical rainforest that is over 130 million years old.

The event has always had a major community angle. Organising such running events not only promises an increase in local tourism but also benefits the local economy. Persatuan Pencinta Alam Semulajadi Merapoh and MT Tahan Ventures, as the organizers, hope that this event will continue to promote Merapoh as an eco-tourism destination and provide economic benefits to the local community of Merapoh and the Lipis district. This event is fully supported by the Lipis District Council, Pahang State Forestry Department

The event features several distance categories of 10km, 30KM, 55KM, 100KM and 100 Miles. Of these, the 100km and 100 Miles offer a point for runners’ Grandmaster Quest challenge.

Merapoh has several homestay options for runners, which can be checked via the website linked below. Gua Musang is a slightly larger town nearby. International runners can fly into KLIA or also Penang, and take a bus from there.

Registration is already open via checkpointspot Asia - see link below. Note that registrations will close already at the end of March 2026.

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.