Bukidnon has become a genuine trail running hub alongside Davao in Mindanao in the southern part of the Philippines, and Point Trail Ultra was testimony to that fact. A solid technical organisation supported by a wonderful vibe created by the various local and regional trail communities made PTU one of the standout experiences of the current season. On top, Bukidnon ace Shally Yason scored her second back-to-back ATM race win just five weeks after the renowed Hardcore 100 Miles in Luzon. And in the men’s points race, it was the first ever victory for Kik Suello, after innumerable podium places in the past two seasons. 

Kik Suello’s win did not come by accident either. The runner from Zamboanga, 7th in last year’s ATM Final, went out to get it on merit. Over halfway into the race by the end of the night, he passed the early race leader Eric Candelanza and also got rid of Kristian Joergensen on an uphill stretch. By that time, pre-race co-favourites like Jevie Cagatin, BTR Ultra hero Roberto Cain III, Jomarc Ferrer, Eldy Bulod, Isaiah Paraiso and Marjones Abugan were already looking at quite a gap that they would not be able to close anymore. In fact, Bulod and Paraiso would even DNF and score zero points. As Candelanza gradually faded towards the end, it was Suello vs Joergensen for victory. Both were more or less running at the same pace only some five minutes apart. Suello, sensing he could finally grab that elusive ATM race victory, did not waste any time at the last two aid stations. Joergensen is always a formidable competitor, and kept the pressure on. The result at the end was two amazing finishing times of 8h05 for Suello and 8h15 for Joergensen. And this for a 70k race with over 4000 hm of elevation gain and lots of muddy, slippery, treacherous trails. A fantastic dual between the two, competitive trail running at its best. Candelanza salvaged his 3rd spot on the podium, a great ATM debut for him. He crossed the finish line in 8h39. Almost one hour later, Jomarc Ferrer outsprinted Roberto Cain III for fourth place, and excellent and potentially significant result with a view to his ambition to qualify again for Team Pilipinas at the ATM Championship Final in Vietnam on 4 October. Cain III said afterwards he had trouble with his stomach throughout the race. In sixth, after running fourth for quite a while, was Jevie Cagatin, who also was not yet 100% fit after a bit of an injury recently. Marjones Abugan did well in seventh place, closely followed by Dan Fernandez in eighth. 

The women’s race was more clear cut. At the first aid station, Shally Yuson and Erlicete Paragoso were still together, but in the next section Yuson already went solo. She quickly developed a substantial gap to Paragoso and Kimberly Flores, with Valerie Marcos close behind in fourth place. Most of the race nothing changed, but towards the end Paragoso faded and Marcos launched quite an incredible push and overtook both Paragoso and Flores to look for Yuson. In the end, the gap was big enough for Yuson to just maintain a consistent pace and win in 11h52, but it was nevertheless surprising when Marcos finished just 12 minutes after her. Great final third of the race by Marcos. Kimberly Flores finished about an hour later in 12h46. Paragoso still cramped up and lost fourth place to Metzi Joy Alson, who is having a very solid season that might get awarded come September with a spot in the team for the ATM Championship Final. The same applies for Shekinah Velasquez, who finished seventh last Sunday behind Daryl Palomar. Cristine Montuya never featured at the front this time around, yet still scored useful points for eigth place. 

The next ATM Championship points race in the Philippines takes place in Bukidnon as well. MUSPO 100 in Valencia, a bit closer to Davao compared to Malaybalay. 

Last Sunday's very enjoyable My Home Trail event in the vicinity of Chiang Mai in Thailand, saw Paul Dunn and Nisachon Morgan emerge victorious in the 50km long points race for the Asia Trail Master Championship ranking. For both it was also the second ATM race victory of their running careers, Dunn having won UTKC 100 in 2020 and Morgan was the best female in Trail of Man in 2023. My Home Trail was a new entry in our Championship calendar and the only Thai points race of Season 10. We are certainly hoping more Thai events will join again as of next year. 

My Home Trail refers to the home of celebrated Thai runner and adventure racer Jay Jantaraboon, who hails from Mae Chaem - location of the races. The place is roughly three hours drive from the city of Chiang Mai, quite close to Doi Inthanon. The 50km race was labelled as the “Unknown 50” and had quite a lot of elevation gain to conquer with over 2600 hm. 

Paul Dunn was already in the lead at the halfway point of the race and showed that his speed has not decreased in the past five years. If the British runner, living in Thailand, adds another solid ATM race result still this season, he may just as well become a dark horse for the Championship Final at Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail in Vietnam on 4 October. The same applies for two Thai runners who stayed close to him until the finish. Nattawut Raisiri and Kitanon Angkanawaraphan were second and third within 12 minutes of Dunn’s finishing time of 5h46. They all clearly preceeded better-known Job Tanapong by more than 24 minutes. For Job Tanapong, a double ATM race winner in 2019, it was also a return to our scene. Another Thai runner who used to be very active and prominent before the covid crisis, Sukrit Kaewyoun, had to settle for 8th place, just ahead of Santi Phongsraphang, who scored his 3rd solid result of the ATM season and looks already guaranteed for a spot in Team Thailand for the upcoming Season 10 Final in Vietnam on 4 October. Another prominent Thai runner, Danon Rattanatumrong - winner of Luang Prabang Ultra Trail 100 last October - was an unfortunate DNS last weekend. 

In the women’s race, Nisachon Morgan was clearly the fastest runner coming in 12th overall in 7h52. In second place was Philippines’ Mary Ann Leovis, who scored her best ATM race result ever. The third spot on the podium was for Thailand’s Nalin Likithamanit. 

For many Thai runners it was the first ATM race of the season. Those who wish to qualify for Team Thailand in the ATM Championship Final will need to race one more time as a minimum requirement, before we check the country’s Top 5 points ranking early September. 

Thanks to ATM reporter on-site: Mark Jinmin.

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.

Sunday’s Point Trail Ultra in Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Mindanao is the next points race in the Philippines, a country where the battle for ATM Championship points is for real. There’s no shortcuts to earn a ticket to the team that goes to the ATM Championships here, so many of the country’s trail stars will be present for the 70km race that starts at midnight.

It is a debut for Point Trail Ultra in the ATM Championship, after a successful stint as a Candidate Race last year. The 70km race is quite serious business when looking at the estimated elevation gain of 4150 hm, although race director and 2-star Grandmaster Yoyong Sacayle argues the course is runable. Rain might alter that, as there has been precipitation in the afternoons over the past few days and it’s actually the wet season still in Bukidnon. The course is essentially a rollercoaster without distinctive mountain peaks, but to negotiate the relentless ups and downs one better has good legs on race day.

Among the anticipated protagonists in the men’s race, a trio perhaps stands out slightly, but there’s definitely a handful of others who may just take the upper glory tomorrow. Kristian Joergensen, Kik Suello and Roberto Cain III will be the ones most look out for. But then there’s also proven contenders and race winners such as Jevie Cagatin, Isaiah Paraiso, Jomarc Ferrer and Eldy Bulod.

Roberto Cain III, fresh of an impressive 100k race win at BTR Ultra in Bali, will be keen to now also prove himself against Kristian Joergensen, a Filipino resident for years and the benchmark for many in the country. Kristian himself is keen on adding an ATM Championship to his palmares, especially after seeing Jeff Campbell manage that feat at 40+ in Borneo TMBT last year. Point Trail will already be his 5th ATM race of the season, and he finally won again in his last one: Mount Ugo Marathon 50k just over a month ago. A new victory on Sunday would be his 9th ever and put him alongside Hisashi Kitamura and Milton Amat in the all-time ranking. But a victory is exactly what Kik Suello wants, before he becomes the eternal ‘runner-up’. He has been collecting podium places since last season, but an official win has eluded him so far. Already this year, it’s been 1x second and 3x third. He no longer needs to worry about his spot in Tean Pilipinas for the ATM Final in Vietnam on 4 October, but entering that with a race win under his belt would be such a confidence booster. Jevie Cagatin already tasted victory once at Mt Kalatungan Ultra last year. Reportedly, Cagatin has been hampered by a slight injury, though, in recent times. Isaiah Paraiso won on Mount Apo in 2023 and was a Finalist last year, but Point Trail will be just his first ATM points race of Season 10. If he wants to qualify again, he better grabs as many points as possible this weekend!

The women’s 70k race features recent H1 winner Shally Yuson against Julieann Morales, impressive newcomer Kim Flores , Cristine Montuya, Shekinah Velasquez, Metzi Alson and Guia Cabigas, amongst other potential contenders. This race could remain exciting until the finish! Coming off her big win in the Harcore 100 Miler last month, Yuson may have a mental edge, but 70km is different than 100 Miles. Montuya was the race winner at Sierra Madre last year, can she score her second ATM race win on Sunday? It has been quiet so far this season around her, so maybe now will her real start. Velasquez has been a consistent points scorer this year, and if she can continue to do so she may earn herself a spot in Team Pilipinas for the ATM Final. That also applies for Metzi Alson and Guia Cabigas. Kim Flores won the 85km at Kalatungan this year, but that was not a Championship points race. Her account will open on Sunday, and some people tip her for the full 500 points..

The 70k race starts at midnight in the town centre of Malaybalay and can be followed live via the ATM Channels as usual, subject to connectivity.

Together with Kik Suello perhaps the 2 top favourites for the men’s race: Joergensen and Cain III

On Sunday at 5 o’clock in the morning, the only ATM points race in Thailand this season will start in the hometown of Jay Jantaraboon. Pointing to his involvement, the event’s name is quite simply called “My Home Trail”. Approximately 2-3 hours from Chiang Mai, ATM points seekers will undertake a tough 50km with over 2600 metres of elevation gain. It’s the first time the event, organised by Nongkwaitong Co., Ltd, is part of the Asia Trail Master Championship calendar.

Long sold out already, My Home Trail’s "“Unknown 50 category” features several well-known competitive runners, some of whom we haven’t seen since covid. Take Paul Dunn, for instance. The Englishman was the big winner of UTKC 100 just before the pandemic struck (with beside him on the podium the late Fredelyn Alberto as female race winner that day). Dunn had the better of none other than Arnie Macaneras and Hisashi KItamura in that race! Five years later, it will be interesting to see if Dunn has retained that kind of performance level. One of his main competitors for the victory is likely to be Danon Rattanatumrong, winner of Luang Prabang Trail 100 early in the season. With another good result this weekend, Danon can in any case score his ticket for the ATM Championship Final in Vietnam on 4 October. Another top contender , and also returning for the first time since 2019 , is Sukrit Kaewyoun. Back then, he was a regular race protagonist who kept on improving as the ATM season developed. Let’s find out how he fares these days. And last but not least in this list is Job Tanapong! The young top talent, who burst onto the scene in 2019 with race wins at Moon 100 and Ijen Trailrunning 100, is also on the start list this weekend!

The women’s race has Nisachon Morgan in it, she won the ATM race Trail of Man 55km in 2023. Ella Wildenberg is familiar with the Chiang Mai area, and Filipino Julie Mae Marquez could as well spring a surprise like she did in Mount Kalatungan Ultra this season with a great second place that day. The women’s race may in any case surprise us with many new names on the list.

Paul Dunn returns to the scene five years after winning UTKC 100, alongside the late Fredelyn Alberto

In 2019, Job Tanapong won Moon 100 - and next to him as female winner: Fredelyn Alberto, once more

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 a new entry in Hong Kong for Season 11 of the Asia Trail Master Championship series : Ultra Fish’n Sheep joins the ATM Championship and Grandmaster Quest calendar with its event scheduled for Saturday, 25 October 2025. It will be the 5th edition of the popular Ultra Fish’n Sheep, but the first time it will feature a 75km long course, which will be run during daytime from Fan Lin in the north of the New Territories to the finish at the YMCA Junk Bay Youth Camp. It’s a typical Hong Kong trail course, which means a decent amount of elevation gain as well. The 75km is estimated to have over 4300 metres of elevation gain. The start is at 8am and the cut off time at the finish is 2 am on Sunday morning, i.e. maximum 18 hours.

Joining The 9 Dragons and Lantau 70 in the early part of each year, Ultra Fish n Sheep will thus be the third Hong Kong points race in Season 11 of the ATM Championship, which begins the week before in Laos with Luang Prabang Ultra Trail on 18/19 October. Hong Kong continues to have a vibrant trail running scene, in which this event has managed to secure a solid footing over the past four years. Ultra Fish n Sheep is organised by Sky Sportage.

Registration is open and it is recommended to sign up early. Apart from the 75km there are other distance categories, but note that only the 75km provides ATM points. On the official website linked below you can also download the GPX file of the race course. Remember, just like 9 Dragons in February, this is a race from A to B. Luggage can be transported by the event crew from the starting point to the finish point at the YMCA Junk Bay Youth Camp.

The 6th edition of the high altitude mountain trail race between Jumla and Rara in remote Western Nepal saw the absolute confirmation of Kolpana Budha’s trail running talent. The local teenager, just 17, won the women’s 50k race with a remarkable advantage over another young talent, Rayja Laxmi Rawal, and is set for this year’s ATM Championship Final in Vietnam on 4 October. Previously this season, Kolpana Budha had already finished second behind reigning champion and compatriot Priya Rai at the MTR 50k race in March, and last November in India, she also took the victory in Malnad 30km (not an ATM points race, but still). Rawal took second place, and after winning Malnad 50 and third in MTR 50 she is the points leader in the Nepalese ATM ranking. At this stage of the season, she can also look forward to the ATM Final. Most likely so can Sandipa Budha, because after a fourth place in mTR 50, she now took the third spot on the podium in JRU. All three runners are coached by Karnali Sports in Jumla. Quite an astonishing group of runners they have there, and that also includes many men.

Dal Bdr Kunwar was the clear winner of the men’s race in 5h53. He was followed by Hom Lai Shrestha, already fourth in MTR two months ago. Chandra Rawat was third on the podium.

Jumla and Rara is the area where many of the country’s finest mountain runners come from and it once again showed during the race, held in good conditions this spring. It is a very remote area and mobile connectivity is very limited, hence the delay in the race report.

Men:

1. Dal Bdr Kunwar (5124) 05:53:57 Karnali Sports Club

2. Hom Lal Shrestha (5122) 06:07:55 Nepal Army

3. Chandra Rawat (5127) 06:19:28 Karnali Sports Club

4. Sher Bdr Budha (5128) 06:3:42 Karnali Sports Club

5. Dhira Bdr Rawat (5123) 06:42:08 Karnali Sports Club

Women:

1. Kalpana Budha (5125) 07:51:25 Karnali Sports Club

2. Rajya Laxmi Rawal (5126) 08:28:41 Karnali Sports Club

3. Sandipa Budha (5130) 08:46:03 Karnali Sports Club

4. Ummakali Budha (5108) 10:04:18 Karnali Sports Club

5 Anisha Gurung (5135) 11:07:08 Kathmandu

We are glad to announce that the first edition of Mulu Ultra Trail in Sarawak, Malaysia, has obtained the ATM Candidate Race label. The new event is organised by Evendura Enterprise and is scheduled for Saturday, 14 June. Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the highlights of any adventure travellers’ itinerary on Borneo Island and a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its incredible biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and intricate cave system.

Mulu Ultra Trail is offering three distance categories for the inaugural edition. The longest is 50km, but runners can also opt for the 21km and 10km. Start and finish is at St Edward’s Hall, a key local landmark and gathering point for the local trail running community. The course features a rich blend of challenging terrain including dense jungles, river crossings, and steep climbs. Participants will experience the raw beauty and biodiversity of Borneo’s rainforest, far from urban distractions. The 50km starst at 5am and has an estimated elevation gain of nearly 1800 hm. The shorter distances have 662hm and 262hm, respectively.

The organisers have great ambitions to establish Mulu now also as one of the region’s marquee trail running destinations. It’s a sublime mountain jungle area, with lots of cultural history and customs. It’s indeed deep into Borneo. Sarawak’s northern neighbour state Sabah has attracted trail runners’ attention for well over a decade now , but after the covid period it is clear that Sarawak is playing catch up. Since last year, we have had Silabur Ultra Trail on the ATM Championship and Grandmaster calendars, an event relatively close to Kuching in the south, while Mulu Ultra Trail is close to Miri in the north of Sarawak, and close to the border with Brunei as well. A big bonus point: there is a domestic airport in Mulu, too.

Evendura Enterprise also puts a lot of emphasis on environmental conservation awareness and collaborates with the Sarawak Forestry and other relevant agencies to ensure a minimal impact of the ecosystem. At the same time, Mulu Ultra Trail also wishes to boost the local economy and empower the communities. The event wishes to serve as a platform for sports tourism, fitness and mental wellness in pure nature.

Registration and all race details can be found on the official event website linked below.

The 4th edition of Lam Dong Trail in Dalat, Vietnam, has been scheduled for 8/9 November and will once again feature a 85km points race for the Asia Trail Master Championship ranking and the Grandmaster Quest. As such, it will be one of the first events in Season 11 , which will be launched on 18 October in Laos with the Luang Prabang Ultra Trail.

The past three editions of Lam Dong Trail have seen many of Vietnam’s top runners take part, including Hau Ha, Quang Tran, Julia Nguyen Thi Duong, Loi Luong and so on. The main race is characterised by its quite runable character, as most races in the Dalat area are. Nevertheless, with over 4000 metres of elevation gain this is by no means an easy flat run in the park. The event centre is again at the Valley of Love, which is located just 4 km outside of Dalat City. There’s accommodation available around the venue, but it is certainly also possible to just stay in the city. The start is at 3 am , implying a few hours of darkness and rather chilly temperatures before sunrise. The course goes through several sublime pine forests and across numerous hills. The cut off time is 21 hours , which means midnight on Saturday night.

For those who have never been to Dalat, the city is located in the Central Highlands in the Southwest of Vietnam. It lies at an altitude of approx 1500m above sea level, which means it is one of those areas that can have all four seasons in one single day. Dalat has a domestic airport, but you can also go there on road from Ho Chi Minh City.

Registration for Lam Dong Trail has already opened. Just go to the official website, which is also in Englsh, and make sure you also look at the list of mandatory gear. GPX files of the route will also be available for download.

Running back in time