10-year anniversary of BUTM featuring Sabahan stars and Chisato Kario

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

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

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

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

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

Milton Amat is going for the 100 this weekend

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

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

Former BUTM race winner Shamiera Auther