This weekend’s doubleheader also features Seoul 100K in South Korea, an already established event but a new entry on our ATM Championship calendar. Two points races are included, a 100k and a 50k, providing the local runners with a choice to collect ATM points with a view to potential qualification for the Finals in December. In two weeks, there’s another mountainous event taking place in Korea, Ulju Nine & Four Peaks, and so Korean runners can meet the minimum requirement of two ATM race finishes. Unfortunately, it has until today not been easy to travel abroad for Korean people as covid testing requirements and the related uncertainties remain in place.

It is perhaps no surprise that quite a few Japanese runners will also take part in Seoul this weekend, along with all kinds of nationalities. The event does take place in and around the Korean capital, which makes it very convenient. Being around the city does not mean it is a flat race, however. The 100k has over 4600 hm and also the 50k has 2600 hm.

The Korean Alpine Federation, event organiser, has invited a global trail star in the name of Lithuanian Gediminias Grinius. He is signed up even for the full 100k race. Obviously, he is the top favourite and a runner who has been competing in Asia a few times before with success, and with lots of respect for local Asian organisers. Tsuyoshi Kaburaki is one the Japanese trail names on the start list, and Kazuyuki Takahashi can also be ranked among the podium contenders. Better known for ATM followers is Yuta Matsuyama, recently winner of Ultra Trail Chiang Mai in Thailand, and someone capable of producing the upset. Matsuyama is also ranked in the ATM Japan Top 5 at the moment, which qualifies him for the ATM Championship Final in December. Another Japanese runner on the start list we all know very well is Tomohiro Mizukoshi, but he has reported to be not starting this weekend as he fell ill with a bad cold. Especially on the 100k race, we are likely to get to know a lot of new Korean names, as it has indeed been four years since the last ATM points race in the country.

The 50K could see a great battle between the best known Korean runner Kim Jisub and Singapore-based Frenchman Vincent Casanova. Jisub is a 50k trail specialist with wins in, for example, Borneo TMBT 50 on his record, and Casanova is a 2:35 marathon runner, his PB actually dating from earlier this year! The tall Frenchman from Corsica may be more of a roadie than a trail runner, but if the weather is dry on Saturday he could give Kim Jisub a genuine challenge.

Seoul 100K puts Korea back on the ATM map