The first official points scoring race of the 2016 Asia Trail Master series, Ultra Trail Hong Kong, is still one month away, but last weekend in Bandung, Indonesia, we already had a magnificent warm up with the Tahura Trail, a 2017 Candidate Race.  The 4th edition of the event was a big hit with over 2000 participants taking part in the several races! 

Contrary to the previous editions, organiser Agung Adijana, who also does mountainbiking events every year, introduced a proper 42k marathon distance to the programme. The response from the running community was very positive, with a trail course that offered quite a lot of variety and colour. Runners also remarked the many aid stations and the generally positive atmosphere, especially in light of last week's shocking occurrences in nearby Jakarta.

The men's winning time of 4:02:57 indicates that the marathon is not a walk in the park. Champion is local star Abdoullah Mitiche, who is known as a triathlete and aiming to qualify for the IronMan World Championship race in Kona, Hawai this year. Mitiche had an advantage of over one minute to second place Margono Margono. 

The women's champion was Cassidy Jones, who enjoyed a bigger margin over her nearest competitors to grab victory in 4:54:25. 

The champions of the 2016 Tahura Trail Marathon

Top results

Men:
1. Abdullah Mitiche 4:02:57;
2. Margono Margono 4:04:02;
3. Carlos Paz 4:08:26;
4. Rhenaldi Firdaus 4:26:38
5. Aris Sopiandi 4:31:05

Women:
1. Cassidy Jones 4:54:25;
2. Ninik Hauschild 5:14:01;
3. Siti Maemunah 5:35:16
4. Ruth Theresia Hutajulu 5:49:36
5. Ina Budiyarni 6:19:49

A great atmosphere at the start of Tahura Trail 

We are happy to announce a new addition to the 2016 Asia Trail Master series with the 2nd Mount Apo Sky Race.  A 70km run to the summit of the highest mountain, also a volcano, in the Philippines. Scheduled for 23 April, the event near Davao on Mindanao is the third points-scoring race in the Philippines on our calendar. 

Runners will start from almost sea level (the beach is not far from the start), and should consider the elevation gain is very relevant: Mount Apo is 2954m high, and total elevation gain for the 70km race has been measured as 4000hm. Less ambitious runners can aim for a 32km option. As an interesting add-on, the start and finish of the race is next to the San Miguel Brewery. 

This is a young race in a very young running community. Whereas running events on Luzon Island have become quite numerous the last few years, on Mindanao they are still rare. Race organiser Doi Calbes is a fervent trail runner and hiker himself and knows his home region inside out. Davao City is not far from the event venue, and neither are the famous beaches and hotel resorts in case participants wish to relax and extend their stay in the area following the ascent of Mount Apo. 

The main race measures 70km and so qualifies for 1 point in the Grandmaster Quest. 

Registration for international runners will open this week via the Asia Trail Master platform. 

Pioneers of the debut race in 2015

Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines

The Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa continues to grow and on the weekend of 24/25 September will again be a points scoring race in the Asia Trail Master series. In fact, the 4th edition of the event - organised by Topas Ecolodge - gets a new and longest race distance: 100 km! 

On trails beaten by buffaloes is the motto of the event, which saw many  hundreds of participants in 2015 and it is the biggest trail race in Vietnam. Whereas the 70km, 42km, 21km and 10km remain on the programme, the fervent ultra runners can thus now look forward to a loop of 100km and no fewer than 4200hm. This is a tough one, and the race organisers insist that this cannot be your first ultra race. 

As we can read on the official announcement:

The 100k Ultra  will cover all types of landscapes of the mountain range, river crossings and beautiful sceneries. You will start running into the darkness with your (strong!) headlamp just before midnight, and soon the adventure is on.

The Vietnam Mountain Marathon will give finishers on the 100k, 70k and 42k points for the 2016 Asia Trail Master ranking. The two longest races also qualify for 1 point in the Grandmaster Quest. 

The official registration has already been opened, and it is possible to book 3 or 4-day travel packages as well to make your Vietnam trip as convenient as possible. 

Please read key details on our cover page, while for race registration you can go to the official event website. 

The Cordillera Mountain Marathon has become the Cordillera Mountain Ultra and is now scheduled for the weekend of 4/5 June. The new date also comes with a new location and a new race course of 50 km, which now features Mount Ugo as the highlight. Registrations open on Valentine's Day, 14 February. 

In fact, the new race venue, Dalupirip, Itogon, is closer to the nearest main city Baguio and therefore easier to access with Clark as the closest airport.  It is still a mountain race as no fewer than 3000 metres of elevation gain need to be conquered during the 50km. Mount Ugo towers above 2000m of altitude, which should also be taken into account. 

The event is organised by the NGO Cordillera Conservation Trust , which seeks to provide relevant practical and sustainable solutions to environmental problems arising in the Cordillera region that seek to undermine the continued ecological services that the mountain region provides for its people. Working in partnership with the different local communities the Trust develops practical and appropriate solutions to the environmental problems now confronting the Cordillera Region.

You can find key details of the event via our cover page, or you can go the event website for all the small print. 

Ultra Trail Hong Kong opens the 2016 Asia Trail Master series on from 19 to 21 February. The event is also Hong Kong's SuperTrail, and offers three race distances this year: 100 miles, 100km and 50km. If you want to be part of it, sign up this week still as the official registration closes on Friday. 

In order to meet the new regulations by relevant authorities in Hong Kong, the race course has been modified significantly compared to last year. The 100 miles race, which in practice is 156km, starts at section 4 of the Maclehose Trail. The finish will be at the Duke of Edinburgh Training Camp, which will also function as start & finish of the 100km and 50km races. 

Please find more technical info on the race courses here.  The event website also has maps for download. 

A number of strong runners and protagonists in last year's Asia Trail Master series have already signed up for UTHK. Those who are aiming for the Grandmaster Quest, UTHK offers 1 point for both 156km and 100km finishers. 

To sign up , please go to http://registration.asiatrailmaster.com/

Kuai Sports Promotions and the Asia Trail Master series team are happy to announce the cooperation with another fantastic young trail race: the Cappadocia Ultra Trail in Turkey! The 3rd edition follows a successful first two editions and will be held in Urgup on the autumn weekend of 22/23 October 2016. 

Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central part of the large country known for its 'natural wonders' and a rich cultural heritage. Tourists tend to fly over the area in hot air balloons, trail runners will traverse the Cappadocia valleys and conquer the hills on foot for a truly amazing experience. On offer are three different courses and race distances with the longest one being 110km in length with an altitude gain of 3350hm. The medium course is 60km (1850hm) and the short is 30km (900hm). The second half of the 110km race has been modified a bit and will be even more spectacular. 

At Kuai Sports Promotions we are happy to offer interested runners assistance for their registration for the race and for optional multi-day tourist package extensions or just a balloon trip over the area. The travel packages are either Cappadocia-race-only, or a 1-week trip that includes visits to Istanbul and/or Ephesus. Please see details  in the PDF brochures below. If you wish to book one of these, please contact us for details. 

To register for the race only, please note that in order to gain access to our special conditions you need to enter a code in the online form that you can find on the event website. The registration code depends on the race distance you choose. Alternatively, just email us at info@asiatrailmaster.com and we do the race registration for you. 

izlesene.com/cappadociaultratrail | Videoya Git

We received lots of correct answers to our little quiz yesterday, and an innocent hand picked out the name of Mr Isaac Wan Ho Yuen from Hong Kong out of the hat. Mr Yuen thus wins a free race entry for the Beach Bunch Trail Challenge 42k marathon in Brunei on 28 February. 

In the next weeks we will be offering more free spots for races on our 2016 Asia Trail Master calendar, so stay tuned to our pages! 

In order to start 2016 on a fine note, we are happy to give away 1 free race entry for the Beach Bunch Trail Challenge event in Brunei on 28 February. The event is a new entry in our Asia Trail Master series, and excitement is high, given the domestic race slots were already sold out before new year. 

The Beach Bunch Trail Challenge features races over a marathon and half marathon distance. Our lucky draw for the free race entry is ONLY valid for the 42km marathon distance (no changes allowed afterwards neither), and does not include travel and accommodation. 

Our online competition runs for just 24 hours, and this on Thursday, 7 January, starting and ending at midnight Hong Kong time. Please note that this competition is targeted at international runners, i.e. coming from outside Brunei.

To have a chance to win the free ticket, you only need to provide the correct answer to the following question:

• What is the name of the beach where the Beach Bunch Trail Challenge starts and finishes? 

Participants can submit their answers via the form above, or via a message on the Asia Trail Master Facebook page. From among all the correct answers we will pick the winner by lucky draw on Friday, 8 January.  

GOOD LUCK! 

Best wishes to all of you for a happy, fun and healthy 2016!

The Asia Trail Master Team. 

The course of the 42km Beach Bunch Trail Marathon

Following the success of the first edition, the Tengri Ultra Trail returns to Tamgaly Tas in Kazakhstan on 8 May 2016 . One of the more remote races on our calendar, but therefore a unique chance for international runners to visit and enjoy the hospitality of the Kazakh people. The race course has been redesigned partially and the longest A race will measure 70 km in length. 

The inaugural edition in 2015 saw over 300 participants, amongst which a number of international runners from France, USA, Hong Kong, China and Belgium, spread out over three distances. There are good air connections to Almaty from various Asian neighbouring countries. Direct flights from Beijing, Seoul and Hong Kong are  a given. 

It is now possible to sign up for the 2016 edition via our online registration form. To find out more basic details about the event, you can check our cover page. Please note that this page will be further updated in January as information comes in from the organisation committee in Almaty.  For any specific queries, you can contact us at info@asiatrailmaster.com 

The first Asia Trail Masters in trail running history are Arief Wismoyono from Indonesia, and Ma Yanxing from China. Both were confirmed as the champions two weeks ago, having accumulated most points in races on the Asia Trail Master series' calendar in 2015. Their titles were obtained with panache, as both athletes scored two race victories and places of honour throughout the year. Let's chat with Arief Wismoyono and Ma Yanxing and find out more about who they are and where their hobby - both are non-professional runners - is leading them in the near future. 

Ma Yanxing:
"All people around me who love sports are my idols"

By Xiaozhao Zhao/Kris Van de Velde

Q: Congratulations with your Asia Trail Master title, how does this title make you feel?
MY: I am surprised with this honor, and I feel so happy and excited I became the first women's Asia Trail Master!

Q: You won the Dalian 100 and the Dali 100, which one was the most difficult for you?
I think 2015 Dalian 100km was more difficult than Dali 100. Perhaps because it was my first attempt to race in Dalian.

Q: You also finished second in the Grassland Marathon in Inner Mongolia in summer, are you disappointed you did not win that race as well?
No. I never just focus on my ranking in any races. I am not a professional living on running. For me, attending races is just a great excuse for travelling to some astonishing places, and for socializing there with so many friends who like running as well.

Q: Since when have you been trail running? Do you like it more than road running? Why?
I started trail running in a race in Linhai, Zhejiang Province, in October 2014 and I liked it very much. The reason is very simple, I used to do some mountaineering, so there was a link. 

Q: Do you have a sports idol?
All the people around me who love sports are my idols

Q: What is your best time on the road marathon?
I ran 2 hours and 50 minutes in the 2015 Beijing Marathon last September. 

Q: You live in Shanghai, where do you go training for long distance running in such a big city?
I do treadmill workouts and swimming. 20km is about the longest distance during my road running training.

Q: Have you done any races outside of China?
I have finished marathons in Bangkok and Prague (Czech Republic).

Q: Which races are you dreaming of?
I am eager to try UTMB in France one day in the future.

Q: What is the hardest part of an ultra trail race in your opinion? Did you ever feel like giving up during a race?
I tend to consider aborting the race just before the start...., but actually I just think about this and have never quit once underway. 

Q: By winning the Asia Trail Master championship, you will get quite some attention in 2016 and also be invited to take part in the 1st race of next year's series, Ultra Trail Hong Kong. Are you looking forward to that?
 It is my great honor to be invited to the UTHK as the female champion of 2015 Asia Trail Master series, but unfortunately I cannot go to Hong Kong at that time due to my working schedule and arrangements. In fact, mainly it is my friends who plan my races as they have all the information and know what is possible and what is not. I am registered for the Tsaigu Tangsi Plus race in Linhai in April [China's SuperTrail event in 2016, kvdv]. 

Q: What do you think about the development of trail running in China?
Much like the trend in western countries, I think trail running will continue to boom in China. The number of runners will keep increasing. But the runners will choose and select races based on the assessment from others, so the demands on organisers will increase, too. 

Q: Last week you finished 2nd female in The North Face Hong Kong, how was your experience in one of the oldest and most critically acclaimed trail races in Asia?
The course is well-maintained with good views, challenging terrain and appropriate weather for racing, which means not too hot.  Plus, participants were polite and environment-friendly. The race is recommended, but as for any 100km race, basic knowledge and trail running experience is definitely required. 

Ma Yanxing won the Dalian 100 Ultra in April and the Dali 100 Ultra in October. In between she also scored second place in the Grassland Marathon in Inner Mongolia, TNF Hong Kong in December and ran a 2:50 road marathon in Beijing. She accumulated 1005 points for the Asia Trail Master ranking, 63 points more than Indonesia's Mila Marlina and 105 more than Malaysia's Tan Seow Ping. 
 

Ma Yanxing

Arief Wismoyono, pain in knees, ankles and toes:
"Ullas was a true challenger"

By K. Van de Velde

Q: Congratulations with your Asia Trail Master title, how does this title make you feel?
AW: Amazing! I feel happy for sure, also to be able to be competitive with foreign trail runners, especially in the Mount Rinjani Ultra.

Q: You won the Mount Rinjani Ultra and the MesaStila Challenge, which one was the most difficult for you?
Mount Rinjani Ultra is more difficult, although the distance is only 52km. The elevation gain of nearly 6000m is similar with the Mesastila Challenge 100k.  It takes a huge effort  to reach the very summit of Rinjani (3700m above sea level, kvdv)

Q: You had a very tough race on Bromo, how did you suffer the injury?
At kilometer 30, my knees began to ache. When that happened, I began to rely a lot more on my ankles, especially when running downhill. This then made my ankles hurt, too. So, I spent half of the race with pain in the knees, ankle and toes.

Q: Were you afraid that Ullas Narayana would take away the lead in the Asia Trail Master ranking? Did you think of giving up?
It never crossed my mind to give up. With Ullas being in the Bromo Tengger Semeru 100 Ultra it made me even excited, he was a true challenger. Whatever happens, I will still compete and give as much effort as possible.

Q: What is your biggest strength in trail running?
My Mental state of mind. I will finish what I started.

Q: Since when have you started trail running? Do you like it more than road running? Why?
Since two years I do this sport. When I first ran to the mountain, I immediately liked it. Running in the forest at midnight, alone, made me feel brave. During a trail run, my mind and body become more calm and fresh.

Q: Do you have a sports idol?
Muhammad Ali. It takes hard work and discipline to be able to be in the ring for 15 rounds.

Q: What do you do as a job every day?
I work as an elementary school teacher in Bandung, a city in West Java and the third biggest in Indonesia

Q: Have you done any races outside of Indonesia? 
Not yet. Vibram HK 100 which is held in January 2016 will be the first race abroad for me.

Q: Which races are you dreaming of?
UTMB. I want to feel a different atmosphere running with world trail runners.

Q: Next year there will again be several races in Indonesia where runners can score points the championship. Which race are you looking forward to most?
Mount Rinjani Ultra. That race makes me want to come back. Of course, also with a view to score a better time record. Also, Bromo Tengger Semeru 100 Ultra, it would be wonderful if we can do the route toKalimati in 2016.  I hope to get many points in Asia Trail Master competition again.

Ijen Trail is a new event on the ATM calendar next year, what was your experience in that race this year? 
Blue fire, there are only two in the world and I saw one of them in the Ijen race. Running in the mountains of beautiful Ijen, passing through coffee plantations, meeting friendly locals, it makes me have to go back there.

Q: What do you think about the development of trail running in Indonesia?
Although it’s not as popular as road running yet, trail running has now begun to develop and is followedby many runners bothfrom Indonesia and from foreign countries. This can be seen from numbers of participants in trail running events, and the emergence of various trail running communities, one of them, BDG Explorer,  is in my city in Bandung. Together with them, I am able to do many events throughout the year. 

Why should foreign runners come to Indonesia and do races in your country?
If they want more challenge, then they should come to Indonesia. Complete terrain characteristics, beautiful scenery, friendly locals and holds customs. In addition, they will find a lot of climbs.

Finally, what is your favourite piece of music when running? Do you have it on mp3?
I never listen to music when I run. The sound of nature makes me more focused and excited.

Thank you and good luck in 2016!

Arief Wismoyono burst onto the Asia Trail Master scene in August when he became the first Indonesian runner to win the brutal Mount Rinjani Ultra on Lombok Island. Later in October he also put the MesaStila Peaks Challenge on his record, and scored places of honour in a.o. Ijen Trail Running. Despite injuries, he finished sixth in the Bromo Tengger Semeru Ultra 170, securing his Asia Trail Master title ahead of India's Ullas Narayana with 1362 points against 1302. Patrick Singh from Guyanan accumulated enough points in stage races to get third place. 

Arief Wismoyono

The Mesa Spa & Hotel Resort group is happy to officially announce the official date of the 2016 MesaStila Peaks Challenge event. On the weekend of 8/9 October, trail runners from Indonesia and abroad will compete with each other over the traditional distances of 100km, 65km, 42km, 21km or 11km against the amazingly beautiful backdrop of Central Java's volcanoes.

Start and finish of the 6th edition of the event will be the MesaStila Resort in Magelang, which is close by the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur. Runners have the option of pure comfort and stay in the resort, which is ideally suited for families also, but there is other more modest accommodation nearby. In 2015, participants labelled this event a "hidden gem", given it has been taking place in the shadow perhaps of the more illustrious Indonesian races on Mount Rinjani and Mount Bromo. 

The main race courses offer a good mix of pure climbing and runable sections over various kinds of terrain. The ultimate goal of the event is the MesaStila 5 Peaks Challenge: 100km and over 7500m of elevation gain, that takes participants up to Gunung Merapi volcano at a height of nearly 3000m above sea level. For the slightly less ambitious participants there is the option of skipping the ascent of Merapi and do the MesaStila 4 Peaks Challenge over 65km, or the MesaStila Marathon over 42km. All three races will provide finishers with points for the 2016 Asia Trail Master ranking, and the 100km also qualifies for the Grandmaster Quest. 

In 2015 Arief Wismoyono won the race and laid the foundation for his overall championship victory there. Mila Marlina was the best woman. 

The official race registration will open soon, but travel packages are already available for those who wish a hassle-free experience. Packages include the race registration and race services, park fees, airport transfers (from Solo or Yogyakarta) and 2,3 or 4 nights at MesaStila including breakfast in double, triple or quadruple bungalows. The 3 and 4-night packages also include a sightseeing tour to Borobudur. Interested? Please contact us on info@asiatrailmaster.com for further details. 

Meanwhile, check our event cover page , and watch the below video clip to get a first impression of the race. You can also link to the event website itself. 

Trail running in South Korea is witnessing a boom, which will be clearly reflected in the 2016 Asia Trail Master series. Korea 50k, scheduled for 24 April, will be the first Korean race on our calendar and at least two more races will follow later in the year. High time to get to know some of the runners in the country, and we are happy to feature Gyesook Lee and Kim Yongkee in our Talking Trail Running series this week. 

The registrations for the 2nd edition of  Korea 50k, which takes place in Dongducheon City, close to the country's capital city Seoul, are open. You can read key details on our cover page, or go to the event website. The event makes for a great weekend getaway in spring with options for families! 

Gyesook Lee

•   Q: Where are you from in Korea, and what do you do for a living?
GL: I am from Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea. Until last year, I worked at a securities company and currently I am a stage actress.
•    Q: When did you start running? And what has attracted you to do trail running? 
In 2010, I finished my first half marathon and on the same year I also finished the first full marathon. That’s how I started running. I had interests in trail running and desert races, because I wanted to try new unconventional running experiences.
•   Q:  Is running part of your family background? 
No, it is not.
•    Q: Do you have any idols? Whose poster was hanging in your room as a teenager?
I do not have any poster in my room, but I am a fan of the masters runner Jaeduk Sim. 
•    Q: What is your best time in a road marathon?
Doing a dead run in front of the finish line is the best part.
•    Q: What feeling does running give you?
Running gives me the feeling that I am energetically alive. Also I am so thankful that I can run.
•    Q: How many kilometers do you tend to run each week, and do you do anything special in your training when you have a trail race on your race calendar?
I usually run about 30km a week. When I have a trail race scheduled, then at least once a week I go for a training at a mountain site for 5 to 6 hours. 
•    Q: Do you follow a specific diet?
I do not have a specific diet.
•    Q: What was your best achievement in trail running so far, according to yourself? 
The biggest achievement I made in trail running is that my body became stronger and healthier. 
•    Q: What is the longest distance you have run in a race? 
80km
•    Q: Will you attend Korea 50k next April and what do you think of the race course?
Yes I will. I already registered. The course that crosses 5 tops of the mountains in Dongducheon is difficult, however running beautiful forests with nice sceneries is very wonderful.
•    Q: Do you like mountainous races or would you like more runnable courses on the trail running calendar?
I prefer the course that contains both styles. 
•    Q: What race are you running in your dreams?
Desert Race, UTMB
•    Q: Trail running in Korea is very young, what is your favourite race in your country?
KOREA 50K!
•    Q: What do you think of the establishment of  KTRA (Korean Trail Running Association) and the development of trail running in Korea? 
I think KTRA is an important foundation for runner-centered trail events. I assume, with KTRA’s contribution, Korean trail run races will be well prepared with a high degree of safety measures and professionalism that will lead to the best international standards. 
•    Q: What is your personal running ambition for 2016?
My goal is to finish all 4 races of the Trail Korea Championship.
•    Q: What do you think about the Asia Trail Master series? Could the 2016 championship be an objective for you?
I did not know Asia Trail Master series have various races from many countries that I would all love to participate in. But since I am a beginner of trail running, I am not aiming for the 2016 championship. I enjoy running. Results depend on my efforts and condition on the day, sometimes the mere enjoyment produces good results. I do not feel much pressure, since I put more meanings on own satisfaction rather than other people’s attention and expectation. 
•    Q: What tips would you give to other Korean female runners? 
Eating well and sleeping well are important. If you are training for a race, experiencing similar geographical features are helpful. When you run, you will find the answer. 

Kim Yongkee

Q: Where are you from in Korea, and what do you do for a living?
KY: In Suwon City, and I am an engineer.
Q: When did you start running? And what has attracted you to do trail running?
In 2013. Actually I like mountain, river and nature. It’s very nice to run in open nature.
Q: Is running part of your family background?
Never. There are no runners in my family except me.
Q: Do you have any idols? Whose poster was hanging in your room as a teenager?
No.
Q: What is your best time in a road marathon?
3:40:15
What feeling does running give you?
Happy, Happy and Happy.
Q: How many kilometers do you tend to run each week, and do you do anything special in your training when you have a trail race on your race calendar?
100k per week, 250k when training for a race.
Q: Do you follow a specific diet?
No.
Q: What was your best achievement in trail running so far, according to yourself?
The 1st place in the under 30 age group in Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2015.
Q: What is the longest distance you have run in a race?
100k.
Q: Will you attend Korea 50k next April and what do you think of the race course?
If I have a time, I will attend the race in 2016. Actually I don’t know about the race course. The race director of Korea 50k changed the course recently.
Q: Do you like mountainous races or would you like more runnable courses on the trail running calendar?
I love both.
Q: What race are you running in your dreams?
UTMB!!
Q: Trail running in Korea is very young, what is your favourite race in your country?
Ultra Trail Jeju 100k (a stage race for 3 days).
Q: What is your personal running ambition for 2016?
HK 100, UTMB and UTMF
Q: What do you think about the Asia Trail Master series? Could the 2016 championship be an objective for you?
Every race looks nice, valuable and well-organized. I will try all those races in the future. Now, I am just a slow runner.
Q: You have taken part in the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, why did you decide to take part in this specific international race?
I joined the Vietnam race because I needed the points for UTMB 2016. So I researched some races to score the points, and this one was most convenient