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)

We are very happy to announce that the popular Minamiaso Caldera Trail on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu has obtained the ATM Candidate Race label for its ‘winter edition’ on Saturday, 20 December 2025. It will be the 11th edition of the event, which features a 50km main race category in and around Minamiaso and one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. For international runners, Minamiaso could be combined with Izu Trail Journey, the ATM Championship & Grandmaster Quest points race taking place six days earlier.

Organised by Local Gain Inc, Minamiaso brings together maximum 1500 runners across three race categories. Apart from the flagship 50km, there is also a 30km, a 18km and 2km for less ambitious runners. The 50km is not to be underestimated with approx 2500 metres of elevation gain, as well as potential snow and chilly temperatures. It is a beautiful course, which is designated as a national park in Japan.

Actually, Minamiaso Caldera Trail takes place twice a year: once in winter and once in summer (July). Runners can therefore enjoy two different experiences each year.

Minamiaso is a village in Kumamoto Prefecture, which has an international airport with flights to a.o. Hong Kong, Seoul, Busan, Shanghai and Taiwan. Of course, there are also plenty of domestic connections to Tokyo, Osaka etc. Note that Fukuoka, Japan’s fifth biggest city on the northside of Kyushu island, is just a 2-hour drive away from Kumamoto and Minamiaso as well. International runners could target Fukuoka airport, too, and take a shinkansen to Kumamoto (50 minutes).

The website of the event is fully translated in English and linked below. Note that registration is open and expected to be full by the end of October.

Photos below by PhotomorU.

For the second year in succession, trail runners can look forward to scoring ATM Championship and Grandmaster Quest points at the Kalaw Ultra Trail Run in Myanmar on 7/8 February 2026. On the programme, once again, two valid race categories for the Championship: 50km and the new 100km, upgraded from the 80km last year. Organised by the Myanmar Ultra Trail Running Association, Kalaw Ultra Trail Run was one of the highlights of Season 10 in our series and therefore comes highly recommended for those runners looking for a great experience in a new trail destination country.

Trail running in Myanmar is growing despite the difficulties many citizens face in the large Southeast Asian country. At the upcoming ATM Championship Final, no fewer than six Myanmar athletes qualified and will effectively take part in the 75km long Mu Cang Chai race in Vietnam on 4 October. Kalaw is a short flight away from Yangon or Mandalay, and a major adventure tourism hub - also thanks to nearby Inle Lake. The event saw almost 900 very enthusiastic runners in 2025 and expectations are that the 1000 barrier will be crossed in 2026. On our ATM YouTube channel you can revisit several videos of the 2025 races.

Kalaw Ultra Trail Run is arguably not the most technical trail run. If you have never done trail before, this is a good introduction. It is the kind of trail race where fast legs can make the difference, even though there is still elevation gain to be conquered as well. Percentage-wise, the 50km course with 1700hm is therefore a bit tougher on paper than the 100km course with 2600 hm.

Accommodation in Kalaw is not so complicated to find, but given the high participation rate, you might wish to book early or seek help from Hansar Travel to ensure you get a place to stay. The town is pleasant in its own right, and after the race you could easily spend some more time around Inle Lake before heading back to Yangon or Mandalay. Check out several options via the official registration website linked below.

In 2025, local hero Jack Speed was fastest on the 80km for men, with Alaska’s Aleta Phelps taking the women’s victory. On the 50km, locals Wunna Lin and Myint Myint Aye took top honours.

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.

New Corella Trail Ultra is a new Filipino entry on the Asia Trail Master Championship calendar of Season 11. The third edition of the event is scheduled for 20/21 December and will therefore be the last points race or championship qualifier before the Christmas and New Year’s break. Focus is exclusively on the 70km category for both ATM Championship points and Grandmaster Quest points.

New Corella Trail Ultra is the second event organised by the AWRA Davao Team, located in Davao del Norte. Their other event, Bislig Ultra Trail, features on our Grandmaster Quest calendar one week after the Season 10 Championship Final. Both events went through the Candidate Race label process last year.

New Corella does not have mindblowing elevation gain numbers with approx 2800 hm for 70km, but numbers can be misleading. Last year’s race proved the trail course is much tougher than one expects at first sight. Views and scenery along the way are sublime, so you will get rewarded for your efforts.

Participants will traverse diverse terrain, from rolling hills and dense forests to river crossings and rugged mountain trails. The course has a number of distinct highlights. Bundok Cave is a remarkable 200-foot-long cave that runners will traverse. The Panas Waterfalls and the Casilak Waterfalls are two breathaking natural falls. Then there is Balaang Bukid, a prominent landmark with significant local cultural and spiritual relevance. Furthermore, runners will also pass by neighbouring municipalities that will show the beauty of Nabunturen and Mawab.

One of the race's highlights is the passage through the famous Bundok Cave, a stunning 200-foot-long natural formation, as well as scenic spots like the breathtaking Panas Falls. The race route also extends to neighboring municipalities, showcasing the natural beauty of Nabunturan and Mawab. Beyond the competition, the NCTR50 promotes environmental awareness, supports the local tourism industry of Davao del Norte, and highlights the rich culture of New Corella.

A new talent from Bukidnon won the men’s race a year ago: Vincent Philip Sinanggote . The 24-year-old had the better of another promising runner, Eldy Bulod. Sinanggote finished the 50km in a time of 7h11 , which was almost half an hour quicker than Bulod. In fact, Bulod had to hurry up in the end as Angelo Navarro concluded his race just 30 seconds after him. The women’s 50k Candidate Race was won by Guia Heistaire Angela, who finished quite a way ahead of Janet Arnego and Carmhelle Pilos, who completed the podium.

We are happy to announce that the popular Race To Lake Holon in South Cotabato, Philippines, has obtained the ATM Candidate Race label for its next edition on 6/7 December 2025. Presented by the Barangay Salacafe Council, in partnership with Tribu Pakaras & Tboli Multisports and supported by Municipal Government of Tboli, Department of Tourism- Socckskargen Office, Tboli Tourism Development and Promotion Unit, Race to Lake Holon features a 50km main race category, which in the past two years saw two of Philippines’ biggest names Arnie Macaneras and Angelie Cabalo taking top honours. Less ambitious runners can also choose between the 21km, 12km and 7km.

The 50km race also has 3000 metres of elevation gain, which is not nothing. The cut-off time is 16 hours, which essentially means Sunday, at 4:00 pm in the afternoon as the start is foreseen for midnight at Salacafe Gym.

One of the key figures behind the organisation is Grandmaster Florencio Alave.

Race To Lake Holon can be accessed via the General Santos Airport via domestic flights from Manila or Cebu. Davao’s international airport is a bit further away, but another option.

Arnie Macaneras and Angelie Cabalo have been back-to-back winners of the main race

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.

It was the first ever ATM race win for Indonesia’s Akhmad Nizar in Ijen Mountain Marathon in Banyuwangi, East Java, last weekend. He completed the 50km course in 6h32'. After several podium places and places of honour, Nizar finally got that victory. His biggest opponent was the newcomer from Flores island, who goes by the name of Ino. Akhmad Nizar already scored an 8th place in the ATM Championship Final in 2023. He is again qualified now for next month's 2025 Final in Vietnam. Ino took second place not too far behind, and in third we had Japan's Nuobo Mori.

Also in the women’s 50km race, we had a first-time race winner. Bali's experienced trail runner Dian Pradina led the 50km race across Ijen volcano more or less from start to finish. In second place we found Zoe Wong from Singapore, with Fauziah taking third on the podium. Endang Suryani did not finish the race, citing it was much tougher than she had expected. Dian Pradina has now also officially qualified for team Indonesia in the ATM Championship Final in Vietnam next month . Fauziah, who previously scored a second place in Dieng Trail Run at the very beginning of Season 10, also got herself qualified.

Ijen mountain Marathon was the last qualifier or points race in Season 10. The Championship Final will be held next month in Vietnam, at Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail on 4 october.

Season 11 will start on 18 October with Luang Prabang Ultra Trail in Laos.

This weekend’s Ijen Mountain Marathon in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia closes the qualifying period for the 2025 Championship Final that will be held in exactly one month from now at Mu Cang Chai in Vietnam. It’s the first time Ijen Mountain Marathon, part of the Ijen Green Trail Festival, offers a points race in our series. It’s not a new event by any means, “IGT” was already on the domestic calendar before the corona crisis. The eastern part of East Java remains not so easy to get to, but runners are always rewarded with the most outstanding volcanic scenery there. In fact, ATM has a long history at Ijen with the previous event around the volcano - held on the other side out of Bondowoso - a member of ATM from 2015 to 2019.

The 50km Ijen Mountain Marathon will be an important one for a few runners as they still attempt to qualify for their country’s team in the Championship Final. Indonesia’s Akhmad Nizar and Bali-based Thimo Kilberth no longer need to worry about that, however. They have already scored enough points during the season. Nizar goes into Saturday’s race as the top favourite on paper. Could he finally get that first ATM race victory after so many podiums already? Furqoni is another podium candidate, as well as Indonesia-based Egyptian Ahmed Bedair, who may get himself into Team Asia Expat for the Final.

In the women’s race, we have Bali’s Dian Pradina and East Java’s winner of Dieng Trail Run at the very beginning of Season 10, Suryani Sipayung Endang, as well as the number 2 in that race Fauziah.

As always and particularly in Indonesia, we are likely to see some new names popping up on the leaderboards this Satuday as well.

ATM will be reporting from the Ijen Mountain Marathon in Banyuwangi all day on Saturday on our usual channels.