On 7 February 2025, for the first time ever, trail runners can score ATM points in Myanmar. The Kalaw Ultra Trail Run goes international and offers 80km and 50km options for points, alongside a few shorter distance categories for less ambitious runners. Outdoor enthusiasts, trekkers and travellers in Southeast Asia are well-aware of Kalaw, a pleasant town north of Yangon (Rangoon) and relatively close to the beautiful Inle Lake. We are indeed delighted to include Myanmar and its trail running community into the Asia Trail Master network this season, and hope to see a number of local Grandmasters and Championship qualifiers soon! .

The Kalaw Ultra Trail Run has been around for a while, but with the help of the Myanmar Ultra Trail Running Association the organisation feels ready to step up and is welcoming runners from the region to the event. The 80km long ultra, also valid for the Grandmaster Quest, starts at 5am on Friday, 7 February - pay attention - and has an approximate elevation gain of 2500 hm. The course is quite runable with the biggest climb coming after about 20km. That climb is also part of the 50km race course.

International runners should first fly to Yangon, which has a lot of connections in the region. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Singapore are the most straight forward, but even from Hong Kong there are cheap options. To get to Kalaw there are various options. From Yangon there are domestic flights to Heho, nearby Kalaw. Busses and cars (up to five people) are another option. To take the hassle out of your trip, runners should consider contacting Hansar Travel, which offers travel packages including accommodation for the event from Yangon. Details can be found on the registration page via the ‘travel packages’ tab. Hansar can also assist with visas, should these be required. Check it all out via the ‘Momentum Timing” link below.

 

Trail runners can treat themselves to an early Christmas gift and take part in the first ever major trail running race in Myanmar, previously known as Burma. The Shaman Trail between Kalaw and the southern point of the magnificent Inle Lake measures 70 km and is also the final race of the 2015 Asia Trail Master series. 

The race course follows natural trails used by villagers every day and with approx 1500 elevation gain is a solid but not a super tough run. The highest hills will be negotiated in the early part of the race, before it goes gradually down towards the lake. 

The course goes past three villages where the local shaman will bless the runners as they pass. 

Beginning runners can also opt for a shorter version of 15 km, which will start at the penultimate drinking station of the main race and finish at the same jetty point directly at Inle Lake. After the finish, runners will be taken by small boats to their five star accommodation on the Northeastern shore of the lake. An outdoor after party at the Novotel resort is also part of the programme. All details of what will be a memorable long weekend can be found on the event website, where you can also register easily online.