Hong Kong's XTE event organiser has informed us that, regrettably, the Ultra Trail Mount Damavand in Iran has to be postponed to 2019. Originally scheduled for 21-22 June, the timing proves to be too cumbersome for local stakeholders so soon after the fasting month. UTMD will return on the calendar probably in August 2019. 

After the postponement of Tam Dao in VIetnam, this is the second June points race in the Asia Trail Master Championship series that won't take place as scheduled. It means that June will launch the quiet season after a very busy spring campaign. Echigo Country Trail in Japan on 17 June and Mantra Summits Challenge in East Java, Indonesia, on 14/15 July will be the only points races in June and July. 

We are happy to announce an exciting addition to the 2018 Asia Trail Master Championship in a new destination: Iran. Ultra Trail Mount Damavand is technically organised by Hong Kong's experienced XTE team that also brings you HK 168 at the end of the season. UTMD will be the first ever points race in the championship in ancient Persia. Race date - pay attention - is Thursday and Friday 21/22 June. 

On the programme will be a 103km race wth 3650 metres of elevation gain and featuring the climb of Mount Damavand, the highest stratovolcano in Asia! Officially the peak is over 4600m above sea level, but in the race you will reach the highest point at 3500m - more than high enough in any case! Start and finish is in the village of Polour, south of the mountain, a traditional camp for mountaineering people 66km northeast of Iran's capital city Tehran. 

Runners doing the 103 km race - the championship points and Grandmaster Quest distance - will reach the highest point halfway through the course. Less ambitious runners can also go for a 50km race and a 30 km race. 

Tehran is well-connected by air. The local organisers are recommending Asian-based runners to consider traveling via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, both serving Air Asia X flights to Tehran directly. 

Registration is open online via the organiser's event website. 

More information can be found via our cover page below.