Over the past few weeks a lot of social media posts have been going back and forth, it is a sign of the times. Long-term commitments are unfortunately difficult for many people nowadays, especially in the event industry , as the world keeps struggling with the covid 19 pandemic and all the restrictions and mitigation measures this entails. The (very) good news, however, is that ‘real’ events are no longer a nostalgic memory from the recent past, but again something to look forward to in the coming weeks and months!

Later than usual, but also we are happy to announce that the 7th edition of the Asia Trail Master Championship series is a definite go, with the first four events of our ‘intended’ race calendar last December now all confirmed to take place. Four races in four countries in March, within the frame of three weekends! A great way to initiate the new season, and it’s Ultra Trail Koh Chang (UTKC) in southern Thailand that has the honour of opening the runners’ points accounts for the ATM Championship and the Grandmaster Quest. The regulations for the Championship have been changed somewhat in the light of the ongoing covid situation, and the main objective for runners is now to get ranked in the top 5 of their country and join its national team, in order to enter the ATM Championship Final mid-December. Grandmaster Quest challengers still need to register their intention via this online form, but can relax as all pre-pandemic points remain valid (as long as the runner registered for the GM Quest via aforementioned form).

UTKC has become a classic event on the ATM calendar and has witnessed the emergence of great trail talent over the years, and indeed some superb head-to-head battles between protagonists as well. Two years ago, UTKC was the last truly international ATM points race before the world shut down. In 2022, it is a great season’s opener. As always here, runners score points on both the 100k and 70k race distances.

One weekend later we have a doubleheader with Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) in Sabah, Malaysia and the 2nd edition of EcoTrail AlUla, a pioneering trail event in Saudi Arabia. BUTM is often referred to as the little sister of Borneo TMBT Ultra, and the organisation is managed by the same team, but it’s an awesome and tough race in itself. BUTM participants can also score points on both the 100km and 50km race distance categories. In AlUla, the focus is exclusively on the 80km race. This is a pure desert race, and mostly runable except when runners climb and go through two rocky canyon sections. Definitely an outlier in terms of running terrain, but highly recommended for those looking to have a different kind of trail experience.

The last weekend of March then sees the return of Dalat Ultra Trail in Vietnam. The event features a 70k race that was one of the best races of the 2019 ATM season. What’s more, it takes place in the pine forests nearby a great tourist city so it makes for an ideal family outing.

After these four events, there may be a bit of a breather in terms of the ATM Championship, as the next event, Korea 50K is yet to be confirmed. South Korea is still struggling to come to terms with the pandemic inside its borders. What was confirmed earlier this week ,however, is that Bali Trail Running Challenge is joining our Championship calendar on 15 May! In addition, Echigo Country Trail in Japan is on for 19 June. From that point onwards, it will become very busy, as the majority of the year’s points races are being scheduled in the second semester and culminating in the ATM Final on 17/18 December.

Throughout the season, we will of course also pay attention to our Candidate Races. Events that are keen to join the Championship calendar next year or in the near future. The first one of those is highly likely to take place near Manila in the Philippines at the end of April. Stay tuned for more on this one!

Update: Flagging off with a bang!