Sunday’s UTSG 50 race is the annual celebration of SIngapore’s very active trail running communities. It’s not easy to organise trail events in the city state, nor are there a lot of real trails to choose from. Nevertheless, UTSG is managing to put together a great vibe every year and attract many runners from outside SIngapore as well. Remember a year ago, with Jeff Campbell edging out John Ray Onifa, and Hau Ha having the better of Vanja Cnops. Most trail organisers in the region would pay for these top stars to run in their event and in the same race. This Sunday, now reigning ATM Champion Jeff Campbell is even running it again, spearheading the field.

It will already be the fourth race of the ATM season for Campbell, for whom the runable nature of UTSG is of course perfect. He won Prenn Trail Summit 50 and V Trail 55 in Vietnam and Laos, but had to be content with third place in Lantau 70 in his own Hong Kong. Without Onifa in the race tomorrow, contrary to last year, he is the top favourite tomorrow. Chris Timms, the overall points leader in this season’s ATM ranking, will be one of his logical challengers, alongside Humberto Baeza - who ran Gombak last week, however.

In the women’s 50k race, we look forward to the participation of Japan’s Chisato Kario, the surprising winner of the Mount Ugo Marathon 50k in Baguio early May, ahead of Angelie Cabalo and Hee Joo Jang. With a second result of that kind, Kario would qualify for Team Japan in the ATM Championship Final in October, and given her result in the Philippines, become even a title pretendent. Singapore-based star Vanja Cnops will not be competing tomorrow, as she is still not 100% fit from her wrist fracture, sustained in the Bali BTR race a good month ago. Thailand’s Phitchanan Mahachot could a contender, but she is also taking part in Saturday’s shorter distance race of the same event. Being in SIngapore, we are also likely to discover a few new names.

ATM will be reporting live from the UTSG 50 event, starting at 6:45 am on Sunday morning local time.

Jeff Campbell tanked confidence last year, beating John Ray Onifa

Last year: the reigning ATM Champion John Ray Onifa against his eventual successor: Jeff Campbell

On Saturday we have the second points race event of the season in Myanmar, the Mount Popa Jungle Trail Run near Mandalay. Organised by the same team as the successful Kalaw Ultra Trail Run back in February, the main Mount Popa race is 50km and regarded as more technical than Kalaw. It’s the second edition of the event, and there’s a special guest on the start list in the person of 2023 ATM Female Champion Rashila Tamang from Kathmandu in Nepal.

As a former champion, Rashila only needs to complete 2 ATM races during the season in order to get a wild card for the next and upcoming ATM Championship Final in Vietnam on 4 October. Mount Popa will be her second race, after doing and winning the 100km at her home event, the Manjushree Trail Race. She is the logical race favourite as well this weekend, and it will be interesting to see what some of the local runners may achieve compared to Rashila Tamang. Yi Yi Win was third in Kalaw 80 and with another good result she will be qualified for the ATM Championship Final as well. For many of the Burmese this may be the biggest goal at Mount Popa. There have never before been any runners from Myanmar in the ATM Final and this season we might as well have a small team straightaway!

Jack Speed could become the spearhead of the team. He won the 80km in Kalaw in solid fashion, and may also start Mount Popa, a course he knows well, as the man-to-beat. Other strong performers from February are competing this Saturday, such as Aung Zaw Min, Myint Myat Maung and Thet Paing Oo.

Mount Popa is a dormant volcano with an altitude of 1518m above sea level and located in Central Myanmar. During the 50km race, participants will need to negotiate nearly 2000 metres of elevation gain.

2023 ATM Champion Rashila Tamang will run for the first time in Myanmar and can score her wild card for this season’s Championship Final in Vietnam

Jack Speed was the popular winner of Kalaw Ultra Trail Run 80km last February

For the third year in succession Deep Japan Ultra is one of the Japanese events on our ATM Championship calendar, featuring reputed 100 Miles and 80km race categories for points, including for runners on the Grandmaster Quest. From an ATM perspective, the 80km looks like the most interesting this year with Hisashi Kitamura among the favourites, and also fresh 4-star Grandmaster Tomohiro Mizukoshi in it. Taking place in beautiful Niigata, home region of event director Hiroaki Matsunaga, Deep Japan remains a considerable and underestimated challenge by many, especially with regard to the 100 Miles race.

It has become more quiet around Hisashi KItamura since he moved from Kuala Lumpur back to Tokyo after 8 years, but that does not mean the ‘Karate Kit’ is no longer racing. As we saw last year in the ATM Championship Final, we may actually still get to see the best Kitamura ever. He was a little disappointed with his Izu Trail performance last December - his only ATM race in Season 10 so far - , but he feels strong for Deep Japan. As always in Japan, we will get to discover new names of runners this weekend, too, making a race prediction not too easy. Hong Kong’s Vincent Chan and Thailand’s Jaruratchakul Naruchit may also say a few words on the 80k.

On the 100 Miles, apart from the domestic stars, we also see the names of Bali’s Nizar Surydratama on the start list, ATM Finalist last year and already solid again in V Trail in Laos earlier this season. The women’s 100 MIles start list sees Risa Kamiya, winner of Prenn Trail Summit 180 in Dalat last December, and other ATM regular names Ashwini Bhat from India and Rija Gubes from Malaysia.

Deep Japan Ultra is the first of two ATM points races in Japan scheduled on back-to-back weekends. Next week we also have Shiga Kogen 100 in the Japan Alps, nearby Nagano.

Malaysia’s new event entry on the ATM Championship and Grandmaster Quest calendar did not dissapoint. Trail des Gombak not only enjoyed great participation numbers for both the 100km and 50km points races, but it also provided four new race winners in our ATM series and all four went out to get the honours against tough competition. Vietnam’s Nguyen Phuong Hieu even won his ATM race debut! Having begun running in the covid era, Gombak was his first race abroad with qualification for the ATM Championship Final as a key objective. Nguyen Phuong Hieu had achieved some great domestic performances already, but in our series until last weekend. Leading the 100k race from early on, the runner from Dalat steadily increased his advantage over pre-race favourite Wilsen Singgin, Oswald Maikol, Dina Bagale and initially also Aqmal Adzmi. While Adzmi would throw in the towel halfway due to severe cramps, Singgin, Maikol and Bagale had a nice scrap going between them, but they did not come any closer to Nguyen Phuong Hieu. Once darkness set in on Saturday night, the Vietnamese also began to struggle a bit more, but the advantage was more than big enough and he made it to the finish in approximately 14h26 for what was essentially a 108 km long race .Wilsen Singgin finished in second place, visibly exhausted in a time of 14h57, which does mean he made good 30 minutes of time in the last two sections of the race. A superb Dina Bagale - Nepalese but living in Hong Kong - took third place, just 7 minutes behind Singgin! Bagale was part of the Championship-winning Team Nepal last year, but this is his best individual result in an ATM race. Oswald Maikol settled for fourth, followed by Assrul Aminur in fifth.

The women’s 100km had a similar scenario, whereby the Sabahan race favourite - Rejlen James - was chasing a ‘foreign’ runner all the way. Dilu Limbu was expected to feature at the front, though, after her fifth place in Lantau 70 earlier this year. Already at AS2, Limbu was ahead by herself, but James would never let her get further ahead than 20 minutes. However, Limbu would not slow down and even had the better pace still at the end to win in 17h31. Also for her it is the first ATM race victory, and an important one that may see her qualified for the ATM Championship Team Nepal this coming October. In third place was Nurul Emyra Fazira Isnariah Absi, who emerged the strongest of a group of runners who were battling all day for the final step on the podiun. In-form Dazeree Joannes was fourth and Hong Kong’s Rachel Chan fifth.

On the 50km that started at 3 am in the middle of the night, Malaysia’s Muhammad Faris grabbed his first ever ATM race victory after a few podium spots in the past two years. A great run, keeping Iceland’s Kristjan Chapman behind by a mere three-four minutes for most of the 54k race. Faris won in a splendid 5h33. He is basically guaranteed a spot in Team Malaysia for the ATM Championship Final. Chapman is a new face in our series, impressive debut. From Iceland but residing in KL. Third on the podium in his debut on the 50km is Japan’s Hiroyuki Kawachi in 5h58! Just a few seconds later, Sabah’s Sheron Sariman took fourth place, and Nepal’s Santosh Tamang fifth. Vitus Daimi was sixth and Humberto Baeza, a regular in ATM this season, finished in seventh today. Azzamudin Nurdin came in in in eighth.

Finally it was also the big day of Ritzy Amor, who took her first ATM race victory in her 5th outing of the season! The Filipino runner, based in KL, took the lead in the race early and kept Akane Nemoto behind by about 20 minutes. She finished in 7h26. Amor is the overall points leader in the women’s ATM Championship ranking. With this victory she eliminatedher modest result (8th) of BTR Bali and increased her points total some more. She is therefore assured of qualification for Team Pilipinas in the ATM Final in October. Previously Amore had finished on the podium in Broder 50 and BUTM 50. She was also 4th in VTM 70.

Japan’s Akane Nemoto was second in 8h10. Her first ATM race after finishing on the top 10 podium of last year’s Championship Final at Borneo TMBT . Also her first race since her prolonged injury break. Siti Aisyah Kharuddin was a great third place on the podium, ahead of Guan Shin Law, who saw herself get disqualfied for a mandatory gear infringement. Norlela Ismail inherited fourth place ahead of Megan McKenna.

The next Malaysian points race is scheduled at the end of July: KAR Ultra, again with two distances for Championship points: 110 and 60.

Nguyen Phuong Hieu: fantastic winner on the 100k in wonderful debut

Dilu Limbu: kept Rejlen James behind her to take first ATM race win

Muhammad Faris Azhari keeps on improving and raised eyebrows by taking the 50k race victory

Also for Filipino Ritzy Amor it was the first ATM race win of her trail running journey

We are happy to announce that the 3rd edition of Impasugong Ridge Ultra in Bukidnon has received the ATM Candidate Race label for the event on 28 September 2025. Organised by Trillchaser Sports Promotion Services and directed by experienced trail runner Juliet Chavez, Impasugong offers a challenging and scenic 55km race near Cagayan de Oro on the western side of Mindanao island in Philippines.

The event is even more testimony of the boom of trail running in Mindanao and particularly Bukidnon since the end of the corona crisis. Impasugong Ridge Ultra aims to provide for runners of all levels. The 55km is the flagship race, but there’s also a 30k and a 15k for the less ambitious. Participants on the 55 will need to conquer no less than 2600 hm of elevation gain: not nothing. For competitive runners, the last 10k are downhill and flattish to the finish, so one better keep some juice in the legs.

Registration is open and goes via the established platform RaceTech in Philippines. For more details on the event, you can consult the facebook page, also linked below. To reach the event, you need to fly into Cagayan de Oro. The airport is actually closer to the event site than CDO City.

This weekend’s Trail des Gombak in Selangor, not far from Kuala Lumpur, is the last Malaysian points race of the season on the peninsula, before we are heading to Sabah for the duo KAR Ultra and Borneo TMBT Ultra at the end of July and August respectively. Gombak is a new entry on our calendar, after a successful edition as a Candidate Race a year ago. Organised by Projek Hijo, the event has attracted a big number of participants and features two relevant categories for the ATM Championship points ranking, the 100km and 50km, whereby the 100 is of course also valid for the Grandmaster Quest. Start of the race proceedings is scheduled for 8am on Saturday morning, when 213 registered runners will embark on their 100k journey. The 50k is set to commence at 3 am on Sunday early morning, or middle of the night - as you wish.

Not only are the numbers impressive, the start lists also have quality and feature lots of well-known names from across Asia. It promises to be an exciting race weekend, as the course is not overtly demanding with an estimated 3500 hm elevation gain for the 100km and half of that for the 50km. On paper, Gombak is one of the more runable races of the season.

Gombak is the name of the district located just 80km north of KLIA, Malaysia’s international airport. The area has been a drawcard for tourists thanks to the proximity of the Batu Caves. The venue of Trail des Gombak is located just to the north of the caves at Dewan Sergabuna. “Exploring Possibilities” is the tagline of the event. The route of the race consists of jungle trails, river creeks, waterfalls, asphalt, rolling hills, and more .

Looking at the 100k start list, with bib number 1, is Wilsen Singgin. In top form last time out in the Penang Sky Race, Singgin returns to the longer ultra for the first time in a while. An ATM Finalist already three years in a row, and always a podium finisher, Singgin has upped his game even more this year. Focusing more on speed and 50km races has clearly benefited his competitive performance, and Singgin might still pull off some surprises this season - who knows event at the Championship Final in Vietnam on 4 October. In Gombak, he will start the 100k as the top favourite, but he will face some very solid competition from the likes of Oswald Maikol, Gustin Tiam, Haziq Aysraf, Andrew Farmers, Nguyen Phuong Hieu, Asyraf Ghazali and certainly also from Aqmal Adzmi. The winner of UTOP 100 Miles early in Season 10 could in any case position himself as a serious candidate for a spot in Team Malaysia at the ATM Finals this season, which would be a first for him.

For the women’s 100km, the favourite has to be Sabah’s Rejlen James, as usual within Malaysia. However, she can expect to be challenged by Hong Kong’s Rachel Chan , who last year already gave James a run for her money once at SIlabur 100. Also Hong Kong-based, but originally from Nepal, is Dilu Limbu. Limbu was fifth in Lantau 70 at the end of March, so let’s keep an eye out for her. In fact, a second good result this weekend may put Limbu into Team Nepal for the ATM Championship Final. Lynda Marylyn is also on the 100k start list, and always a podium candidate. Other known potentials for a good placing are Dazeree Joannes and Yvette Chong Mi Chin.

An important starter on the 100km this Saturday is also Kenneth Mun Keat Yow. The Malaysian ultra specialist is aiming for his 20th ATM ultra race finish, meaning his 4th Grandmaster Star. If he manages, he will be only the second Malaysian to complete the fourth golden level of the Grandmaster Quest after Munintaran Sundram at PMTF in early May!

The 50km race also promises to be exciting to follow with several potential winners and podium candidates in both male and female races. Singapore’s Malachy Kirwan is a contender on this type of course, for sure. Muhammad Faris Azhari has been in-form all season and looks one of Malaysia’s certitudes for the team in the ATM Championship Final. Singapore-based American Humberto Baeza won Lam Dong Trail in Dalat early in the season, and may wish to erase his DNF due to injury in the Penang Sky Race. Also from Singapore and a solid-paced runner: Deric Lau. Hong Kong-based runners Jeremy Ritcey, Luis Alvelais and Mark Iandolo are all in with a shot at the podium, and so is Alex Tilley - based in Penang - although he may find Gombak a bit too runable for his liking. More runners can pull off a surprise.

In the women’s race we will see Ritzy Amor back in action as one of the race favourites, alongside Japan’s Akane Nemoto, back from injury.Nemoto was on the podium in the past two ATM Championship Finals. Guan Shin Law is also among the usual podium contenders in what will also be a large field.

ATM will be reporting live from Trail des Gombak as of Saturday morning 7:30 am local time, with the 100km starting at 8 am.

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.