The first edition of Zamboanga Ultra Trail, an ATM Candidate Race, took place last weekend in and around the home of Kik Suello. The 75km main race saw an exciting battle for victory between Exeqiel Velez, Ronie Jandong and Roel Castillo. They ran together, pushing one another to their limits until one finally fell behind. In the end, Exeqiel and Ronie reached the finish line together and decided to settle it, with Exeqiel Velez claiming victory followed by Ronie Jandong in 2nd place! Meanwhile, Mich Orbunda managed to still grab 3rd place.

In the women’s category, Shina Bernardo took home 1st place, while Grandmaster Realyn Lugo secured 2nd place.

People who made the long trip to Thailand’s Tulay Trail on the western border with Myanmar did not complain after a very scenic and well-organised event that was part of the ATM Championship and Grandmaster Quest calendar for the first time.

Portugal’s Henrique Nicolau, who actually hails from the Azores islands in the Atlantic Ocean, won his second ATM race in a fortnight. Nicolau was fastest in the men’s tough 45km race in 6h41. Thailand’s well-known Chartchay Inchai took second in 7h01. It was tight between the two until the last 8 km, when Nicolau clearly had some more pace left. With 1000 points already in the bag for winning Luang Prabang Trail 75 and Tulay Trail 45, Nicolau may already be qualified for next year’s ATM Championship Final in Team Asia Expat.

In third place we had Thai youngster Phatchara Sanasen in 7h13. Together with Inchai, Sanasen tried to keep up with Nicolau early on, but dropped back as the race progressed. He still managed to keep a good pace, though. Fourth place went to Preecha Bualuang. Indonesia’s Nizar Surydratama arrived in fifth place, after third in Luang Prabang 75. Weerapong Pongka claimed sixth place.

Krittiya Buabut won the women’s 45km race in 9h21. She led from start to finish. It was Buabut’s first ATM race victory and race participation, and arguably it won’t be her last. Experienced Areerat Kareeklin finished in second place in 10h00. She’s been around for some years and scored yet another ATM race podium.

Tichakorn Hemmakul and Ratchanok Boonkomood were third and fourth. Sawitree Piadech completed the Top five.

On the men’s 100km, victory went to Surasak Somboon in 15h37! Undisputed, Somboon dominated the tough race the entire day and claimed his first ever ATM race victory. Sanya Khancai and Napat Prompataya finished together in second and third place, at considerable distance from Somboon.

Prapaipit Chaowalit secured victory in the very tough 100km for women. Also leading more or less from start to finish, she was nevertheless kept focused by the strong Lao runner Yoth Soulivanthong, winner of V Trail earlier this year. Chaowalit finished in 23h29, half an hour ahead of Soulivanthong. Papichaya Lhosupasirirat was third on the podium

The next ATM Championship Qualifier in Thailand also takes place in Tak province. From 11 to 13 December, runners can score points in Soimalai Trail. The two distances to focus on are the 100 miles and the 65km.

It has unfortunately been rather quiet in Thailand with regard to Asia Trail Master over the past few years, but Season XII will be the big comeback with no fewer than four ATM Championship Qualifiers on the calendar again, and even an extra Grandmaster Quest event, too. What’s more, four of these take place within the next three months - also in Thailand we are now in the main trail running season, contrary to e.g. Malaysia or Indonesia. This weekend, Tulay Trail on the northwestern border with Myanmar kicks off proceedings with a scenic but tough 100km and 45km for Championship points. Besides the 100km, Grandmaster Quest enthusiasts can also choose the 75km race category.

The event takes place in a rather remote venue, but smoothly accessible by road from Chiang Mai city in six hours. The landscape along the way is already gorgeous and just an appetizer of what the many participants will experience on Saturday. The 100km starts at 3:30 am with just under 100 registrants and the 45km one hour later with nearly 330 runners signed up. Tulay Trail is part of the Thailand Trail Series (previously known as Tak Trail Series), which also includes Soimalai Trail in December, organised by the same event crew.

As last year’s Candidate Race proved, Tulay Trail is no joke. The 100km is a big 100, measuring 102km, with a whopping 6000 hm elevation gain. It’s been seriously hot in Chiang Mai and in the Tak province as well over the past days, so we could expect a significant DNF rate in this one. The start is scheduled for 3:30 am and the cut-off time at the finish is 34 hours later. The 45km also has 2900 hm to conquer, but with a race start at 4:30 am does look like a more digestible option.

The start list for both race categories logically sees mainly Thai runners given the remote event location and the super busy trail running period of the year in Southeast Asia, particularly. Good old Sanya Khancai maybe over 50 now, but remains someone to be reckoned with for those who wish to score a podium. In the women’s 100k, the same can be said about Natthanan Matthanang. Interestingly, the average age of the 100k participants seems a lot higher than e.g. in similar races in Philippines. More youngsters, runners in their twenties and early thirties can be found on the 45km start list. We are indeed looking forward to getting to know many new faces this weekend, some of whom we may indeed see several times more in the course of Season 12. Let’s also not forget that Thailand neighbours Myanmar, the country that hosts the ATM Championship Final next year. In any case, at least two international participants will also be eyeing a top result. Henrique Nicolau won Luang Prabang Trail two weeks ago and Nizar Surydratama was third in that same race. Both had two weeks to recover from that 75km race in Laos, was that enough time for another top result this weekend on a shorter distance?

ATM will be reporting live, connectivity permitting, from Tulay Trail all day on Saturday.

The 75km race is valid for a Grandmaster Quest point, but is not a Championship Qualifier

Sanya Khancai, here in 2017.

Natty Matthanan has also been around for a long time now in Thailand’s trail scene

Henrique Nicolau from the Azores islands (Portugal) won Luang Prabang Trail just two weeks ago

Bali’s Nizar Surydratama also starts his second ATM race of the season already: he was 3rd in Laos

We are very happy to announce that also in Season XII of the Asia Trail Master Championship series, T8 will continue to be our premium apparel partner! Ever since co-founder John Ellis became ATM Champion in 2019, T8 has been a consistent and very supporting partner of the Asia Trail Master journey and we are indeed delighted that we can continue to collaborate for another season.

Both T8 and Asia Trail Master have continued to grow together over the past seven years, to the extent that in many Southeast Asian countries T8 now often seems the dominating apparel brand. The Ice Tees and the Sherpa shorts have become iconic, and then we cannot even see the T8 Commandos - the functional anti-chafing underwear by the brand - the product that actually started it all. As international manager David Longo states: “T8 is a brand designed and produced with South East Asian runners and trail running conditions in mind”.

Lots of elite runners in the region, but also elsewhere in the world, have been taken under T8’s wings over the years. Those include two-time ATM Champions John Ray Onifa and Priya Rai, Jeff Campbell, Arnie Macaneras, Kristian Joergensen, Rashila Tamang, Jessica Lam, Vanja Cnops and several others. The list is almost a “who’s who” of competitive trail running in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. It proves the good vibes but also the excellence of their products for trail running.

David Longo continues: “In 2027 we are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with the Asia Trail Master series and support the growth of trail running in Southeast Asia, especially at a grassroots level. We also plan to announce some new products and look forward to another exciting season of racing.”

While you can find T8 products in physical stores in nearly every country in the region, you can also order easily from the general online store, accessible via the link button below.

The 6th edition of Sierra Madre Trail Ultra in the Rizal mountains east of Manila has been scheduled for 10/11 April 2027. Registration for this tough, but popular community race has just been opened.

For Season 6, the organisational team of Maharlika Trail Series is bringing you a re-engineered course that defines what true mountain running is all about. With 77.5 km of technical trails and nearly 4,800 meters of vertical climbing, this route will demand everything you’ve got—and give you an unforgettable finish in return. Sierra Madre Trail Ultra remains true to its origins: it’s 75+ km or bust. No short distance categories at this event. This means the organisation and the atmosphere in Sitio Wawa, Rodriguez, must be excellent in order to remain sustainable.

SMTU has also aligned itself with the other major mountain trail event in Luzon, the Philippine Mountain Trail Festival (PMTF), which includes the iconic H1 (Hardcore 100 Miles), taking place three weeks later. Those keen on. a good showing in H1 could see SMTU as an ideal last test for the miler. Both Kik Suello and Angelie Cabalo did just that in 2026, winning SMTU first and then H1. In times when the heart of Filipino trail running has moved south to Mindanao in recent years, in April 2027 it will certainly be beating first and foremost in Luzon.
The Cut-off time for Sierra Madre’s 77km race is 21 hours. Participants need to come mentally prepared as well as it’s usually hot, too, during the race. Registration and details can be found via the event’s facebook page. Sign up early and get rather significant discounts. You can click on the link button below.

The women’s top five in 2026

For the first time since 2019, Vietnam Jungle Marathon in Pu Luong was back on the Asia Trail Master calendar last weekend, albeit only for the Grandmaster Quest in this incredibly crowded event month. The 70km of VJM remains among the most scenic in Vietnam and in ATM, similar but still different from VTM in January.

The event this year also saw the ‘graduation’ of one of Vietnam’s female trail runners as a new Grandmaster. Thuy Bee ran and finished the 70km at VJM, which was her sixth ATM long ultra within two years. She is also a pioneer for her country, as she is the first Vietnamese woman to accomplish this feat. Thuy Bee finished VJM in 15th place in 13h51. It was tough, as she had just done the ATM Championship Final two weeks ago as well, Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail 75km. More on her Grandmaster Quest achievement later this week.

The fastest runners last weekend were Pacome Poignant from France, who finished the men’s race in 7h25. That was fifteen minutes ahead of well-known Vietnamese runner Ngo Van Chinh. Another former ATM Finalist, Adam Nguyen Tien Vo was third in 8h16.

First woman was also an ATM Finalist from two weeks ago: Nguyen Ngoc Anh. She was fifth in the Final even, so she clearly recovered very well. Nguyen Ngoc Anh finished VJM 70 in 10h02. A good twenty minutes ahead of Phuong Thi Hong Nhung. Another established runner in Vietnam, Le Phuong Vy was third on the podium.

Grandmaster Quest runners in Vietnam still have two more events this year, both of them in the wider Dalat region in the southwest. First, Lam Dong Trail 85 in early November and then Prenn Trail Summit in early December.

Two weeks after finishing the ATM Final at Mu Cang Chai, Thuy Bee also completed VJM 70 and in so doing completed the first level of her Grandmaster Quest.

The 6th edition of Ultra Fish N Sheep in the New Territories of Hong Kong was held in sunny and hot conditions last Saturday and saw great racing for the male and female victories and podium places. While Hong Kong-based Nepali Dilu Limbu was in front by herself the whole day - albeit by never more than 20 minutes -, the men’s contenders put up a great show with ever changing positions as the race progressed.

Eventually, local favourite Ferdinand Tsang, also known as Monster, won it in 9h44! Tsang kept the charging Daniel Crisp behind after a great dual between the two in the last 30 km of the race, after early leader Carlos Sanchez Villamil slowed down and former double ATM Champion John Ray Onifa DNFd (headache, see video CP 7). Onifa had initially looked relaxed and in control, but after CP 3 he felt gradually worse with a throbbing headache. The surprising Spaniard Sanchez Villamil, who has been residing and working in Hong Kong for two years, suddenly found himself alone in the lead. But the aforementioned Ferdinand Tsang and Daniel Crisp closed the gap by CP 5. KC Chan lost contact with the front as he also began to suffer from headaches and the heat. Cheng Kasin on the other hand was the fastest man on the course during these few hours and picked up runners one after the other. For a while he looked like he was still going to challenge for victory,. but in the end he got stuck at about 15 minutes from the two leaders. Tsang and Crisp were battling it out. The Britain nibbled away at the gap and briefly came within two minutes. Tsang still had something left in the tank, though, and secured his victory in the last 8 km to the finish. First ever race victory for home runner Ferdinand Tsang. Great and smart performance! Daniel Crisp was a very happy second, a performance he had not expected himself. Cheng Kasing was a great third on the podium.

Patrick Jaeger from Germany still sneaked past Carlos Sanchez Villamil in the last kilometre for fourth place! Limbu Yamanath was sixth and first of the Grand Slam finishers at the event. Tommy Yeung was next followed by KC Chan and Ng Wai Fung. Taiwan’s Ricky Sung, winner of Vietnam Trail Marathon last January, struggled with the hot temperaturs and finished 14th.

Dilu Limbu won the women’s race in 11h52. It was a rather dominant performance today by the HK based Nepali runner, who hopes to be back on Team Nepal in next year’s Season 12 Championship Final. Dilu led from start to finish, keeping a trio of runners always some 20 minutes behind. It’s her second race victory in ATM after Trail Des Gombak 100 in Malaysia last year. Interesingly, her advantage over the others came down significantly in the last 8km of the race to 13 minutes, indicating that the race had been long enough for her, too.

Taiwan’s Hsiu Fangtai scored second, just ahead of Kimmy Leung. Honna Hung couldn’t follow the pace of the two others she spent the whole day with and settled for fourth place. In fifth, Zhang Hualan. Amanda Min Ting Chen was next in sixth place and then it was Colby Chan in seventh. She was 9th in the ATM Championship Final in Vietnam. Natalie Webster scored 8th place, just a couple of minutes behind Colby Chan.

The next ATM Championship Qualifier in Hong Kong will be The 9 Dragons at the end of February, followed by Lantau 70 at the end of March.

Season XII had a very nice kick-off in Laos last weekend with Luang Prabang Trail and the good vibes will certainly continue this weekend in Hong Kong with the 6th edition of Ultra Fish’n Sheep - widely seen as one of the best newcomers on the ATM circuit last year. 75km through the New Territories on a tough course, also for Hong Kong standards, from Fanling in the north to Tseung Kwan O and in particular Lion’s - YMCA Junk Bay Youth Camp. The race is both a Championship Qualifier and valid for runners’ Grandmaster Quest records. Elevation gain is estimated at nearly 4000 hm and the cut-off time at the finish line is 18 hours.

Last year, Hong Kong-based Dutchman Lodewijk Vriens very much dominated the race against strong opposition, such as Wai Hei Ng and Jeff Campbell. None of those are on the start list for tomorrow, but instead we have some other big names. Two weeks after losing his ATM Championship title, John Ray Onifa will already be back in action in his beloved city. Still not 100% recovered from a painful hip, which bothered him in Vietnam as well, Onifa aims first and foremost to finish the race with a comfortable feeling. Always a logical victory favourite nonetheless, he should see Wai Hung Wong around him on Saturday. A runner with name in Hong Kong, but whom we haven’t seen yet in an ATM race. Other victory and podium contenders are expected to be Limbu Yamanath and Dina Bagale from Nepal (based in HK, though), Aditya Kothari from Belgium, Alexander Lithgow, Tommy Yeung, Richard Kimber, Daniel Crisp and Andrew Graham. There’s also a group of Grandmaster Quest runners in Hong Kong, including Malaysia’s Munin Sundram, the Golden Grandmaster who last week also ran Luang Prabang Trail 75km. Fish ‘n Sheep will be his second race on the Trail to Immortality.

In the women’s 75km, another HK-based Nepali could be the woman-to-beat. Dilu Limbu was an ATM Finalist in Season 10 and that season also won Trail des Gombak in Malaysia. She will be up against Colby Chan, 9th two weeks ago for Hong Kong in the ATM Championship Final in Vietnam, 2018 ATM Champion Ruth Theresia, Kimmy Leung and Natalie Webster.

ATM will be reporting live from start to finish tomorrow. The 75km starts at 8 am local time.

Lodewijk Vriens was unstoppable last year

John Ray Onifa: not wasting any time to secure another wild card for next year’s ATM Final

Colby Chan ran a great ATM Final to finish 9th

Last year she scored her 4th Grandmaster star here: Ruth Theresia is back in Fish’n Sheep

A new ATM Championship Qualifier in Philippines has opened registration for its second edition on 22/23 May 2027. Kibalabag Trail Ultra near Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, Mindanao, is the successor of Point Trail Ultra, but considered spicier and more technical. That’s also what the first edition - an ATM Candidate - showed us a few months ago. The highlands around the city are relentless and both the 70km and 42km race categories need to be taken very seriously. Kibalabag cannot be your first ultra.

Catering for lovers of tough mountain trails, the 70km course has a whopping 6000 metres of elevation gain to conquer. Even the 42km has an estimated 4000 hm. They are both characterized by densely forested and mountainous terrain, with a deep gorge carved by the Kibalabag River running lengthwise through the barangay. Both distance categories are qualifiers for the ATM Championship points ranking and the 70km is of course also a valid Grandmaster Quest distance. Please read the conditions of entry carefully on the registration portal, accessible via the link button below. Registration has just opened.

The precise course map will be made available soon. Race director is Silver 3-star Grandmaster Yoyong Sacayle, himself also a triple Championship Qualifier for Team Pilipinas, including in Vietnam two weeks ago.

While you will be tested on the trails, you will also be treated very well by the organisational team and by the enthusiastic trail running community in Bukidnon. Malaybalay is accessible via highway from Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Last weekend, the Dahilayan Baby Trail was held in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - a new ATM Candidate Race by the MUSPO series team. The longest distance on offer was 42km with just under 1500 hm of elevation gain. Dahilayan is the name of a forest park at the foot of Mount Kitanglad.

The men’s 42km race saw an impressive performance by John Delgado, who crossed the finish line in 3h29’!! We are already looking forward to seeing him in a Championship Qualifier this new season. Delgado was more than an hour ahead of Jan Barangan and Melquisedec Akut.

In the women’s race, Jessa Vicente had the upper hand and finished first in 6h19. That was ten minutes quicker than Maricel Barde, who in turn was a few minutes ahead of Rechael Rosales.

We are happy to announce that Hamugaway Ultra Trail in Barangay Kibatang, Don Carlos, Bukidnon has entered the Grandmaster Quest calendar. The 2026 edition will take place just before Christmas on the weekend of 19/20 December. Organised by the MUSPO Team - known from the MUSPO Bukidnon 100 in July - the race to focus on is the 70km category, the minimum distance for a Grandmaster point.

Contrary to many other races in Mindanao, Hamugaway is considered runable with a total elevation gain not exceeding 2300hm for the 70km. The route is scenic and offers plenty of beautiful viewpoints. On paper, that means it is an ideal end-of-year run. Cut-off time is set at 20 hours, with the race flag off scheduled for 1 am on Sunday, 20 December. We are in Bukidnon, meaning air access can be either via Davao or Cagayan de Oro, but the organiser recommends flying into Davao for this one, if you are coming from abroad or from the other islands.

Less ambitious runners can also opt for a 42km, 21km or 10km race option. The MUSPO events have become very popular in the region over the past few years and Hamugaway is likely to fill up soon. Registration is open and can be accessed via the link button below.

Official Premium Sponsor | Official Footwear and Hydration Vest Sponsor

We are excited to announce a new chapter in the partnership between Asia Trail Master and Salomon, the French-born modern mountain sports lifestyle brand, for Season XII.

Born in the French Alps 75 years ago, Salomon has always been driven by a desire to help people connect more deeply with nature through mountain sports, while discovering their best selves through exploration and challenge.

Trail running has always been at the core of Salomon’s DNA. Our partnership with Asia Trail Master (ATM)—the continent’s premier racing series founded in Hong Kong in 2015—is driven by a shared vision: to expand the footprint of trail running across Asia and discover and support a new generation of talent.

From ATM's iconic Grandmaster Quest to elite ATM championship battles, we share the same passion for the mountains. Armed with our industry-leading footwear and hydration gear, we are proud to back the community, empower emerging runners, and help everyone Master the Quest.

As the Official Premium Sponsor and Official Footwear & Hydration Vest Sponsor of Asia Trail Master Season XII, Salomon will equip runners with a range of high-performance gear designed for trail running, supporting runners through every challenge on the long-distance trail.

ADV SKIN Hydration Vest

Built for long distances. Designed for freedom of movement.

As one of Salomon’s most popular trails running hydration vest, ADV SKIN combines efficient hydration, versatile storage and long-distance comfort in one streamlined design.

Designed for high-intensity endurance events and long-distance trail running, ADV SKIN gives runners quick access to hydration and essential gear while providing a secure, comfortable fit that moves naturally with the body.

Available in 5L and 12L capacities, ADV SKIN is built to support everything from trail races to extended outdoor adventures. We also offer a women-specific version, designed around the female body to provide a secure and comfortable fit over long distances.

Key Features

• Adaptive Fit

The adjustable chest strap allows runners to quickly fine-tune the fit while on the move. The vest naturally stretches with the body, making it easier to breathe.

• Easy Hydration

Elastic flask pockets securely hold soft flasks in place while keeping runners easy to access during the run.

• Y-Shaped Construction

The back features a new Y-shaped SensiFit construction, combining stretch and supportive materials to help stabilize the load and keep the vest securely in place as you move.

• Easy Access

The redesigned tunnel pocket provides additional storage space while making it easy to access and store your essentials.

GENESIS 2 Trail Running Shoes

Built to explore. Ready for the mountains.

GENESIS 2 is designed for trail exploration, balancing comfort, stability and grip to help runners move confidently across changing mountain terrain. Whether tackling long-distance runs or technical and unpredictable trails, GENESIS 2 provides reliable support for every adventure.

Key Features

• Stable Support

The updated activeCHASSIS system provides support and guidance for runners while maintaining the agility needed to move naturally across technical terrain.

• Responsive Cushioning

OptiFoam features cushioned EVA foam, delivering lightweight, springy cushioning and comfort for day-long mountain runs.

• Reliable Grip

The All-Terrain Contagrip outsole features an updated lug pattern for reliable grip across a variety of terrains, helping runners move with confidence.

• Durable & Breathable

The Upper Matryx is a highly resistant technical upper material that combines durability, lightweight construction and breathability, built to handle demanding trail adventures.

Salomon will support selected races on the ATM race calendar and Season XII Championship Qualifiers Final, with vouchers for podium finishers.

Runners registered for any ATM Season XII race can enjoy an exclusive offer by joining Salomon S/PLUS member and presenting a valid race registration confirmation — up to 15% OFF.

Available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, both retails store and .com.

More details at your local Salomon website.