Season XI of the Asia Trail Master Championship continues this weekend with the Penang Sky Race in Malaysia. One of the absolute highlights of the season last year, we are again looking forward to a great battle on the steep and tough hills around Penang’s capital city Georgetown. Perhaps without the absolute top elites like Hau Ha and Priya Rai this time and without some of the country’s own stars like the Sabahans who just did BUTM, the event may instead put the spotlights on runners who seize the opportunity.

In the men’s 50km we look out for the performances of Wont Kudin from Sabah, Tuan Hafandi Tuan Ismail, Spain’s Jorge Vilanova, Jack Oh, Abdul Rahman and Singapore’s Dias Cao, but most arguably Alex Tilley will get top votes for a potential race win. Tilley is a Penang resident and ran the race also last year.

In the women’s race, let’s watch out for Canada’s Jennifer Lee, Philippines’ Avegail Depanay - who just became Grandmaster - and Golden Grandmaster Yvette Chong Mi Chin.

ATM will be reporting live from Penang Sky Race 50 as of 3 am on Saturday.

Even for Sabahan standards, the 10th anniversary edition of Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon was extremely hot. However, it did not stop many runners from producing remarkable performances around Kiulu, roughly one hour away from Kota Kinabalu. On the 55k local hero Wilsen Singgin and Japan’s Chisato Kario proved their pre-race favourite status was legit, while on the 105k another Japanese runner - Hiroyuki Matsuda - and Singapore-based Filipino Mia Revilla took top honours.

Blue sky most of the day and no rainfall whatsoever was a big contrast with last year’s edition of BUTM. Trails were dry and therefore favoured those with high running pace. Hiroyuki Matsuda, based in Indonesia, felt like a fish in the water, apparently. Immediately taking the bull by the horns, he quickly took the lead of the 105km runners and was even mingling with the front pack of the 55k participants, who all started together at sunrise (over 650 in total). Matsuda already collected 750 ATM Championship points this season, courtesy of two solid fifth places in Tahura Trail and 9 Dragons, but for him to immediately put pressure on the likes of local hero Milton Amat, Willy Wilson, Andrew Farmers and Bernardo Linus was quite surprising. Initial fears that he would blow up beyond halfway turned out to be unjustified: nobody ever saw him again and he finished in a strong time of 14h23. Milton Amat placed his foot wrong just before halfway distance, resulting in a torn shoe and a bleeding foot. Wisely, he decided not to continue for another 50k and DNFd. An unfortunate experience for Milton, who often struggles to get enough races in to qualify for the ATM Championship Final. Luckily for him, there’s still several qualifier races in Malaysia in the next months. In the end, it was Bernardo Linus - also from Sabah - who grabbed a strong second place - his best ever race result in a long ultra. Linus has worked hard to reach this level of performance on a 100k distance and he was obviously delighted. Willy Wilson also continued to develop as a regular podium contender with third place, just a few minutes later.

In the women’s 105km, Adelinah Lintanga finally wanted to add a BUTM victory to her record. Contrary to in many other races, she pressed the speed button from the get-go and reached the first checkpoint after 12km in the leading position. Mia Revilla - originally from Davao but already living in Singapore for 12 years - was a few minutes behind. On the way to the next CP, Revilla caught up with Lintanga and pressed forward. The latter initially resisted, but by km 70 started to struggle with stomach cramps that eventually even led her to an uncharacteristic DNF. Revilla seemed to have the win in the bag, but also for her it was tough going in the end. She finished in 21h05, 49 minutes ahead of a strong Joyce Yong Hie Jing, and Harlin Richard in third, not so much ahead of Silver Grandmaster Ellen Yin Kwan Cheng from Hong Kong.

Using his vast experience accumulated the last eight years, Wilsen Singgin joined a number of other contenders early on and then pushed the throttle on the most critical uphill section halfway into the race. Nobody had an answer, but a few were certainly not giving up easily. Sheron Sariman was only a few minutes behind at the 42km mark, and he was quickly followed by Unai Garmendia - on holiday in Malaysia coming from the Basque Country in Northwestern Spain. In the descent to the checkpoint, Garmendia suffered quite a tumble, but he escaped unhurt. Christantine Mattan and David Roipin were also not too far back. 2023 Borneo Miler winner Amir Zaki, on his comeback to the racing scene, did very well and would eventually finish 8th. In the last 13km, Singgin extended his advantage to the rest and reached the finish in a good time of 6h20. Unai Garmendia came in 18 minutes later and Sheron Sariman third in 6h51.

Japan’s Chisato Kario is quickly making a name for herself in Southeast Asia. Winner of the Mount Ugo Marathon in Philippines last year (ahead of Angelie Cabalo) and of UTSG in Singapore, Kario finished 5th in the Season 10 Championship Final at the 9 Dragons. But last Saturday, she looked much more at ease with the trails in Sabah than in Hong Kong. Running together with some of the top guys, she was unthreatened for victory and finished seventh overall in 7h55. Behind her, it was quite a toss up between several proven competitors and new name Ryehana Rajap, also Sabahan. While Halimatun Sa’adiah - returning to ATM after a long break - , former BUTM winner Shamiera Auther and Lolita Lintanga were expected to take the first runner-up positions behind Kario, it was instead Rajap who emerged second in the finish in 9h13. Sa’adiah completed the podium in third, ahead of Lintanga and Auther.

The next Malaysian ATM Championship qualifier is Penang Sky Race 50km on 25 April. Grandmaster Quest chasers can focus on Merapoh Trail, returning to the ATM calendar, one week later.

Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon, better known as BUTM, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this weekend in Kiulu, Sabah, Malaysia. Formerly referred to as the ‘little sister’ of TMBT, BUTM has developed into an early season classic of its own right that plenty of trail runners want to add to their finisher collection. Taking place later than usual this season, BUTM has the typical Sabah ingredients: hot and humid weather during a tough, but fantastic run through hilly rainforests and river valleys with a great vibe of local hospitality and support.

Both the 105km and 55km races are again qualifiers for the Asia Trail Master Championship points ranking. The 105 will also give registered finishers a point for their Grandmaster Quest.

The start list sees the usual stars of the Sabahan trail scene, with in the men’s categories Milton Amat aiming for another win on the 100km and Wilsen Singgin on the 50km. Milton starts as the one-to-beat and it will be interesting to see if anyone else can rise to the occasion this season and get closer to the local star. Other contenders such as Jainuddin Sainuddin, Muhammad Hijazi Rija, Willy Wilson and Bernardo Linus can in any case aim for an attractive podium finish. In the women’s 100km, Adelinah Lintanga could eye another victory under ATM. She may need to watch out for SIngapore-based Filipino Mia Revilla and Hong Kong’s Silver Grandmaster Ellen Cheng.

More than 400 participants on the 50km, so we may get to know some new names, but Wilsen SInggin may also be seen as the big favourite on this distance. His main rival for victory may be Amir Zaki, making his return to the ATM scene after a two-year-break. Ahmad Tanjong and Gustin Tiam can also be in the mix for podium at least. The women’s 50km has one of the top finishers of the recent ATM Championship Final and part of the winning national team: Chisato Kario from Japan. Already a race winner in PMTF and UTSG last season, Chisato Kario is a 50km specialist used to the climatic conditions of Southeast Asia. Her main opponents are likely to be Lolita Lintanga and former BUTM 50 winner Shamiera Auther. It will be interesting to see how they fare against the Japanese runner.

ATM will be reporting live from Kiulu and BUTM on the usual channels, with livestream subject to connectivity.

Milton Amat is going for the 100 this weekend

Season 10 Finalist Chisato Kario is arguably the one to beat on the 50

Wilsen Singgin aims to score another ATM race win on the 50 this weekend

Former BUTM race winner Shamiera Auther

One of peninsular Malaysia’s toughest trail races keeps its spot on our Grandmaster Quest calendar this season, but runners should take note of the new event date: Himalaya Sports Tamping Transnaning Ultra has now been scheduled for the weekend of 24-26 July. A race in loops through the heart of Transnaning, featuring seven peaks in 34 km. Grandmaster Quest chasers need to aim for the Ultra race of 68km (4800 hm!) or the Challenger race of 102km (7200hm).

This is an authentic tropical rainforest trail with lots of local history. Start and finish of the event is at the Tampin Water Park in Negeri Sembilan.

The official website describes the route very well: “ Starting from Tampin Water Park, runners begin by taking on the outer segments of the Trans Naning route. This opening section serves as the warm-up, but make no mistake, it is no easy start. Over the first 14km, runners will face more than 600m of elevation gain, with rolling hills on tarmac and forest access roads through the rural foothills. Along the way, runners will pass Kolam Marine A.R.M and the rustic Malaysian kampung landscape before reaching Gunung Datuk Foothill where the real adventure begins. From there, the next 20km reveals the true heart of Trans Naning: a rugged traverse along the southern spine of the Titiwangsa Range, summiting all seven (7) iconic peaks:

1. Gunung Datuk

2. Gunung Rembau

3. Gunung Gagak

4. Puncak 701

5. Puncak 705

6. Gunung Tampin Utara

7. Gunung Tampin Selatan

A checkpoint/water station awaits at the valley between Puncak 701 and Puncak 705 (a.k.a Kem Ultra). The ascent to Puncak 705 is a true test of stamina, as runners drop to the valley floor, reset their elevation, and climb all over again. After passing Gunung Tampin Selatan, runners will then descend and return to Tampin Water Park to complete one (1) unforgettable loop.

Expect dense jungle, narrow ridgelines, steep ascents, and wild, natural terrain throughout the course. With a generous but firm 14-hour cut-off, this category is built for trail runners ready to embrace distance, elevation, and the raw beauty of Malaysia’s mountain heartland.”

Alongside Mantra 68, Transnaning Ultra 68 is valid for the Grandmaster Quest thanks to its elevation gain numbers of more than 4500 hm. It goes without saying that participants therefore need to come prepared for this race.

Registration and more details can be found on the CPS official webpage linked below.

The 14th edition of Borneo TMBT Ultra Trail Marathon in Sabah is now open for registration. The 2026 edition keeps its end of August slot on the calendar, and once again features 100km and 50km qualifier races for the ATM Championship. Obviously, the 100km is also valid for the Grandmaster Quest.

TMBT is Malaysia's oldest long ultra in Malaysia with the inaugural race held in 2011. The acronym stands for "The Most Beautiful Thing", and makes reference to the iconic Mount Kinabalu, which at 4,100 m is one of Southeast Asia's highest peaks and a world heritage site. The course is considered one of the most beautiful of the season and has plenty of incredible views on Kinabalu and the surrounding areas. A true trail classic, and also the host venue of an incredible Championship Final back in 2024.

While a few changes are expected for this year’s edition, the event takes runners from the native villages at the foothills on the western side of Mount Kinabalu towards the southern side of the mountain with 50k category finishing at the viewpoint to Mt. Kinabalu at the township of Pekan Nabalu. The 109k category continues around the base of Mount Kinabalu and to the South-Eastern ridges of the mountain to finish in the village of Kundasang.

While TMBT may not be the hardest trail race of our series, it is also very often underestimated. The race has a combination of runable bits, steep terrain and technical trail sections, and the weather, usually hot in the first part of the day and with a good chance of tropical showers in the afternoon, often add to the challenge. In other words, come prepared and pay attention to the mandatory gear list for this race.

Last year, Hisashi Kitamura finally got his victory at TMBT, after four consecutive second places. One would think the Japanese “Karate Kit” finally had enough of the race, but in fact he has added it again to his race schedule! Will home hero Milton Amat, or who knows Daved Simpat, take revenge this season?

TMBT is rather easy logistics-wise. Just fly into Kota KInabalu and take a rest at one of the many comfortable yet cheap hotels or guesthouses in the city, before the race shuttle bus at 3 am. All details can be found on the website below.

Hisashi Kitamura finally won TMBT last year, ahead of Milton Amat, in his fifth attempt

Running back in time

We are happy to announce that Taman Negara Ultra in Malaysia has received the ATM Candidate Race label for its upcoming edition on 24/25 October 2026. Organized by Persatuan Rekreasi Taman Negara, the event centres around Kuala Tahan in Jerantut and aims to showcase the area as a premier eco tourism destination. It is also the gateway to the world's oldest rainforest.

The event programme features four distance categories, of which the 100km and 50km claim most attention. Less ambitious runners can also sign up for the 30km, 15km and 7,5km. As the website reads: “Participants will embark on a journey through pristine trails surrounded by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and the dense humidity of Taman Negara, offering one of the highest levels of tropical immersion in the world.”

The races have a decent number of altitude metres to conquer as well. The 100km measures approx 4560 hm and the 50km almost 2400hm. The cut-off time for the 100km is set for 35 hours after the start on Saturday morning. The medium distance runners have 20 hours of time for what is planned to be a nighttime race.

Participants in the event will also discover the rich heritage of the Orang Asli, the indigenous people of the region. On the website we read: 'These remarkable communities share their timeless traditions and harmonious way of life, which are deeply rooted in their connection with the natural wonders of Taman Negara. From traditional crafts to captivating stories of the rainforest, runners will gain a deeper appreciation of this region's cultural richness.”

Taman Negara has major ambitions and is much more than just a sporting event.

“ Aligned with the vision and mission of Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS) to shape a more prosperous, harmonious and united Malaysia through youth development and the culture of sports, this event supports the holistic advancement of youth and sports to fulfill the nation's aspirations. By participating, runners not only celebrate health, unity and the spirit of adventure but also become ambassadors of Malaysia's rich natural and cultural heritage.”

You can find all details on the official website linked below, and you can follow the latest news and announcement via the facebook page. There, you can also see the event’s extensive transportation schedule - including from Kuala Lumpur to the event venue in Kuala Tahan. Plenty of accommodation options and activity options are also on offer.

For any queries, you can also contact Miss Hani as mentioned on the poster below.

The 2025 course map for 100km. The updated 2026 map is coming in due course

The 2025 course map for 50km. The updated 2026 map is coming in due course

One of the most exicting and successful newcomers on the ATM Championship calendar last year was Trail des Gombak, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The 5th edition of the event organised by Projek Hijo retains the same weekend of June with the race dates fixed for 20/21 June. As in 2025, both the 100km and 50km are qualifiers for the ATM Championship points ranking. Being over 70km long, the 100 also offers a Grandmaster Quest point for finishers.

New this season is a brand-new start & finish venue and some redesigns to the trail course. TDG will be hosted by the Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS), offering a more dynamic race village, improved facilities, and a world-class start/finish environment for runners, crew, and supporters. The running route has been redesigned to better highlight Gombak’s unique forest landscapes, cultural heritage, and trail diversity. The precise course map will be revealed in due course.

Trail des Gombak is tougher than many expect. The 100 km has an approximate elevation gain of over 6000 hm, which already puts it in the ‘rather serious’ category. The start of the race is also an unusual 2 am on Saturday early morning. The 50km will be flagged off two hours later at 4 am and features about 3200 metres of elevation gain. Yes, you are close to Kuala Lumpur but it is surrounded by hills!

There’s hotel accommodation nearby the race venue if you wish to stay close. There’s also a shuttle bus service scheduled with details to come soon.

Registration is already open and can be accessed via the button below. The web page also contains all other necessary information.

Last year, the 100km was won by upcoming Vietnamese talent Nguyen Phuong Hieu and Nepal’s Dilu Limbu in the women’s. The 50km also went to first-time race winners in ATM, Muhammad Faris and Ritzy Amor.

A bit later on the calendar in 2026 due to a rather late lunar new year in most parts of Asia, BUTM will celebrate its 10th anniversary edition on the weekend of 11/12 April. Taking place in Kiulu, Sabah, the event programme retains its 100km and 50km categories, which both offer points for the ATM Championship ranking. The 100 is of course also valid for the Grandmaster Quest.

Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon, in short BUTM, is really no longer the “little sister” of TMBT. Organised by the same team, BUTM is a wonderful event in itself taking place in a different part of Sabah, in and around Kiulu. For international runners the set-up is very similar: you fly into Kota Kinabalu and can base yourself in the city. Shuttle busses will take runners to the starting line at night. The 100km and 50km races start together at 6 am.

The overall layout of the race courses with start and finish area at Kiulu will be retained, but the actual location has been changed as the Riverside Park has been closed due to ongoing construction works for a road bridge. Having Kiulu as a central start/finish area works well logistically and is convenient for runners - in particular for those driving to the venue themselves. All race categories make single loops out from the start/finish area. The 100km is still kind of a figure 8 loop. The 50km keeps the redesign that was done last year. While the total elevation gain of 5270 hm for the 100km is not excessive (2315hm for the 50km), the heat and humidity can make it feel a lot more than that. Unless it rains like last year, turning some parts of the course into genuine mudfests. In general, BUTM is a pure jungle trail experience!

Registration for the event is open and can be done after checking the website with the necessary details to read. Pay attention to the mandatory gear list and requirements. The organisers here are very serious about it and for good reason. .

Last year’s fantastic Top 3 in the men’s 50km with the Sabahan Stars

Kadamaian Ultra, perhaps better known as KAR Ultra has redesigned its event in order to celebrate its 10-year-anniversary in style. Scheduled from 24 to 26 July, KAR offers a new 100 Miles category and 80km category - both providing ATM points for the Championship ranking and the Grandmaster Quest. KAR is organised out of Kota Belud in Sabah, Malaysia.

As the official event website reads: “Each category leads runners deep into Sabah’s wild landscapes through dense rainforests, across clear rivers, and up the steep slopes of Bukit Bogung, where the terrain demands both strength and determination. Along the way, participants will witness the natural wonder of Kadamaian Valley, framed by the towering majesty of Mount Kinabalu, axx UNESCO World Heritage Site.” As beautiful as it is tough, however. Sabah is on Borneo island, and runners not only need to conquer the rugged terrain, but also the high degree of heat and humidity.

The new 100 Miles category will be a serious test of strength and determination, as we also remember from the 2023 Borneo Miler, organised by the TMBT team in Sabah. The cut-off time has been set at a generous 52 hours, however. The 80km is tough in its own right and has a COT of 29 hours. KAR 2026 is a true long ultra edition. The precise course maps will be revealed in February, but the estimated elevation gain for the miler is 6500 to 7500 hm.

KAR has been a remarkably popular event over the past decade. According to the event organisation “ it’s a movement built on passion, perseverance, and people. The event continues to embody the spirit of Kota Belud, with the unwavering support of the local Kadamaian community, volunteers, and runners who return year after year to celebrate the trail-running spirit of Borneo. Recognized internationally for its challenging terrain, cultural warmth, and unmatched natural scenery, KAR Ultra stands as a symbol of endurance and unity among runners across Asia and beyond.”

To get to Kota Belud, you fly to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. Details on the event shuttle busses can be found on the website and checkpointspot page, where you can also register for the races. Please note that the registration has been open for a while and has been a tremendous success. BE QUICK if you still wish to be part of the 100 Miles in particular.

Running back in time

We are happy to announce that the 5th edition of Pahang Eco in peninsular Malaysia joins the ATM Grandmaster Quest calendar on the long weekend of 21 to 23 August 2026. Known as one of the toughest trail races in the country, Pahang Eco has gained a lot of prestige over the past four years. The event was an ATM Candidate back in 2023 as well.

Organised by Elpis Event Management, the race’s event blurb describes a journey that will take you across breathtaking landscapes, from pristine white sandy beaches and shady coastal pines to rugged cliffs and scenic trails through Bukit Pelindung Bukit Tokki and historical Bukit Galing. Along the way, you’ll experience the coastal charm of Pantai Pelindung, Pantai Beserah, and Pantai Batu Hitam. The start and finish venue is Teluk Cempedak. Trail runners should expect a good blend of tarmac, beach, and forest trails, featuring challenging hill sections designed to test your endurance and determination. Be sure to include hill training in your preparation so you can take on the climbs with confidence and maintain your strength throughout the race.

Also due to the typical Malaysian humidity and heat, Pahang Eco tends to have a high DNF rate on the longer distance, so proper preparation is indeed a must. Less ambitious runners can also go for the 50km, 23km or 12km - but note these obviously do not offer a GM point. Make sure you also check the mandatory gear list.

Pahang Eco takes place on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, in Kuantan. The town has plenty of accommodation options and is well-connected by highway to Kuala Lumpur.

Registration and all details can be found via the button below. You can also stay up to date via the event’s facebook and instagram pages.

Penang Sky Race is one of Malaysia’s qualifiers for the Asia Trail Master Championship and rapidly becoming a classic race on the calendar. The 2026 edition retains its end-of-April spot, with the event marked on 25/26 April. Co-organised by MMTF Consultant, Penang Sky Race not only saw a fantastic competition in 2025 in both the men’s and women’s categories, but also proved once more that you don’t always need a 100km to feel completely squeezed out like an orange. Penang is beautiful, but also hot and very humid.

As the event name suggests, Penang Sky Race is also part of the global Skyrunner series and in particular the 30km race, which almost has the same elevation gain as the 50km (approx 2300 hm vs 2700 hm). Please note that runners seeking points for the ATM Championship ranking need to focus on the 50km.

The 50km Sky Ultraks race category has start and finish at the Youth Park in Georgetown, main city in Penang. As such, this is a convenient event logistically with also an international airport to the south of Georgetown. Following the 3 am start, the course will take runners on ondulating terrain with Penang Hill as a highlight. The highest point of the course is Western Hill at 833m above sea level. Hills can be very rugged and technical, and then there’s the heat and humidity. But once you finished, the beach is also not far away and Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site do definitely worth your time to wander about. The Pearl of Orient State of Penang is also famous for its tantalizing local street food (specifically Peranakan cuisine) and for being one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia. It is a place where cultural tradition and modernity blend seamlessly into one.

Last year, Godwin Mirar took his first major international win ahead of Wilsen Singgin, while Hau Ha managed to keep Priya Rai behind her.

Registration for the 50km is easy via the button below that links to the Checkpointspot website.

We are happy to announce a new ATM Candidate Race in peninsular Malaysia, taking place in Selangor not too far from KLIA Airport on the weekend of 4/5 September 2026. The 2nd edition of Tunggul Melati Trail builds on the experience of its debut event and offers trail runners now also a long ultra course of 80km with nearly 3500 metres of elevation gain. Organised by Pasak Adv Empire, ‘TMT” as Tunggul Melati Trail is known in short, has great ambitions going forward.

The race village is based in Jenderam Hilir, where there will also be a sports tourism expo, cultural activities , local vendors and runner services. The long-term objective is to establish Jenderam Hilir and its surrounding attractions as a premier national and international hub for trail running, sports tourism and eco-recreation.

In brief, Tunggul Melati Trail seeks to:

• Position itself as one of Malaysia’s leading trail running races with regional and internation participation

• Promote Selangor as a key destination for nature-based and adventure tourism

• Create long-term economic opportunities for local businesses, homestays, vendors and tourism operators

• Foster healthy lifestyles through inclusive sports programmes and community-driven wellness initiatives

• Discover and develop new talents in trail running and endurance sports, especially among the youth

• Strengthen environmental awareness by encouraging responsible recreation and conservation of Bukit Tunggul, Bukit Melati and the surrounding green areas.

• Ultimately, the event aspires to become a signature annual attraction that contributes to tourism growth, supports local socio-economic development and builds a strong identity for the region through spots, nature and culture.

The event features several race distance categories of which the 80km is now the key attraction. Less ambitious runners can also opt for the 60km, 40km or 15km. Pay attention to the start time of the 80km: Saturday at 18:00h, meaning faster runners are looking at a nighttime race. The 60km starts at midnight, with the two shorter distance at 4:00 and 7:00 am respectively. Cut-off time for the 80km is 22 hours, 17 hours for the 60km and 12h and 6h for the 40km and 15km.

Registration goes easily via the well-known Checkpointspot site, linked below.