We are delighted to announce the new cooperation with Australian elite trail runner Majell Backhausen as our official coach and training consultant. Majell is a multiple race winner as part of the international Salomon and Suunto team, and is also a regular member of the national team of Australia for the world championship of trail running. Majell not only offers his practical running experience, but in his backpack he also carries advanced educational degrees in coaching, fitness and effective movement training,  project management, and nutrition. Everyone is invited to contact Majell. Be it for a proper training plan for that first 100km race, seeking a tangible improvement in your running output, or simply for advice on how to actively recover from a big ultra. 

Majell loves trail running, and is known for his friendly approach to all matters. From now on, he is happy to share  his knowledge so all of you can have an even better and more fun experience in your next Asia Trail Master race! 

Please read Majell's brief for the consultancy options that best meets your needs. 

Photos: Andy Lloyd Creative, Andrew Railton, Ben Read Photography

We have 2 FREE race entries for international runners to the ECHIGO COUNTRY TRAIL in Japan on 19 June! The first Asia Trail Master points scoring race in the country features a scenic and cultural 52km (2000 hm) in the pre-Alps north of Nagano. It is the last race for points before the summer break. 

You get to the Echigo Country Trail via Tokyo and a train connection to Nagaoka in Niigata. From there, the organisation has shuttle busses arranged at given times.

To win a free race entry you just need to answer the following question:

What is the name of the forest park that hosts the start & finish of the race?

We accept your answers via private message here on facebook, or via info@asiatrailmaster.com , and this until midnight on Thursday (i.e. in 30 hours).

Find out all details of the event via our cover page:
http://www.asiatrailmaster.com/#/echigo-country-trail/

And don't forget, there is a welcoming party on Saturday afternoon as well!

While this year's Asia Trail Master series is in full swing, we are already beginning to look ahead to 2017 as well. The following three events taking place in June and July have applied to be points scoring races next year and thus are labelled Candidate Races. We will be providing a race report on each of those three events, and of course also welcome comments from participants.  

Stay up-to-date on our 2017 Candidate Races, races Beyond Asia, and great road running events in our designated section.

BATURU TRAIL - Liaoning Province, Northeastern China on 5 June. The event features a tough 50km with approx 3500 Hm in the beautiful hills of Benxi near Shenyang. 

Mount Hamiguitan Trail, Mindanao Island in Philippines on 26 June. Another 50km on a famous mountain that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the area via Davao. 

Altai Ultra Trail, Siberia in Russia on 15 to 17 July. A new event for adventurers with three race distances. Altai borders Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan and is a remote mountain region. You need time to get there (via Novosibirsk, ideally) but your perseverance will certainly be rewarded! 

The last SuperTrail of the 2016 Asia Trail Master series has opened its registration. The 6th edition of Clark-Myamit Falls Ultra in the Philippines will take place on Sunday, 27 November and offers the traditional 50 miles main race, and the shorter 60km B-race. Pay attention: the regular registration is limited to 300 spots! 

CM 50, as it is often abbreviated, has developed into a genuine classic on the Asian calendar and the event organisation was rated very highly by both domestic and international participants last year. While the race course is relatively straight-forward, out-and-back to the Myamit Falls, the atmosphere before, during and after the event are exemplary. Although not the final race on our Asia Trail Master calendar, the 50 SuperTrail bonus points for finishers will be significant for runners aiming for the championship. That includes Manolito Divina, current leader in the points standings, and who is very much at home in this race. He won it the past two years! 

The main race is 50 miles or 82 km long and has a total elevation gain of approx 3100 Hm. There is a cut-off time of 18 hours, and 16 hours for the shorter 60k race distance. 

Check out concise details of the event via our cover page. To register, visit the CM 50 website. 

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This weekend we are in Kazakhstan, but already the 3rd SuperTrail race is coming up soon  in this year's Asia Trail Master series, and it's Malaysia's!  Taking place opposite Penang Island in Bukit Mertajam, famous Malaysian ultra runner Seow Kong Ng has set up a beautiful gem of a race that received applause following its inaugural edition in August last year, when it was an Asia Trail Master Candidate Race. The event has been moved forward to 14/15 May this year, and also features a new 100 miles distance, on top of the existing 100 and 50km races. More than 500 runners will be taking part coming from many parts of the world. In order to be truly prepared for the Malaysia Eco 100, our partners at Gone Running in Hong Kong have selected a few products that come highly recommended for all participants. Selected by John Ellis, himself a very successful trail runner in Hong Kong, here's what his race bag would contain: 

Tailwind

Tailwind is an obvious one given the combo of energy and electrolytes, which is an absolute must for all runners in the Malaysia Eco 100, regardless of the chosen race distance- https://www.tailwindnutrition.asia/collections/all.

KAILAS

2. The Kailas tops are our lightest, most breathable, run tops. They are the same material as this year's HK 100 tops - https://www.gonerunning.hk/collections/run-tops/products/kailas-quickdry-running-tee.

Gurney Goo

3. Sweaty tropical climates are a magnet for running chafe so keep your sensitive bits safe and protected with Gurney Goo - https://www.gonerunning.hk/collections/lubricants/products/gurney-goo.

Cancer Council Repel

4. Repel Sunscreen is designed for harsh Australian conditions (SPF30+) and also has insect repellent - https://www.gonerunning.hk/collections/sunscreen/products/cancer-council-australia-repel-sunscreen-range-spf30.

Gone Running ships internationally from Hong Kong. As a partner of the event, Gone Running will also be rewarding the podium finishers on the long distance with prizes. 

The Magnficent Merapoh Trail in Malaysia on 29/30 July is one of those races the international running community is very much looking forward to. Not only because it takes place at a time when there are few other events, but also because it is a race where runners can truly enjoy the trails on the 100, 60 and 30k courses without too much elevation gain (we all love that sometimes, don't we?). 

To get a better idea of what to expect, please watch the brand new trailer of the event produced by Running Project. 

It is still possible to register for the race, but you need to be quick! 

The 2016 Asia Trail Master series is happy to have partnered with the renowned and truly international trail running brand RaidLight. Together with a pan-Asian team of running ambassadors, RaidLight will share the trail experience throughout the Asia Trail Master tour this year! 

The French brand Raidlight has been pioneering the world of Trail running since its foundation in 1999 by Benoit Laval; an avid runner who has run over 100 trail races across all the continents around the world and was selected for the French Trail running team in 2010.

Raidlight France, the brand's headquarters, is based at 1000 metres of altitude in the heart of the Massif de Chartreuse where it employees a team of 30 highly motivated employees who are each passionate about outdoor activities. From its Eco-friendly designed offices Raidlight continues to develop sport specific lightweight products for every aspect of users anticipated needs; including shoes, bags, clothing, accessories and more. Raidlights desire to pioneer and share, led it to become the first brand to create both an inclusive trail community called “Team Raidlight”, as well a network of Trail Workstations (Station de Trail) across some of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Through this inclusion and integration of its customers, Raidlight’s Research & Development department can truly design collaborative and required trail running equipment in an interactive, innovative and passionate way.

Event organisers in the Asia Trail Master series can benefit from the partnership with RaidLight as well. Not only in the form of quality podium prizes for top runners or for lucky draws, but also for dramatically discounted customised event T shirts, race caps, hats, and all other gear available in the catalogue of RaidLight. Event organisers can contact us for more details if they like to obtain RaidLight as a sponsor of their event. 

RaidLight is also always keen on finding new retail partners in Asia, as the trail scene keeps growing and establishing itself in ever more countries. 

RaidLight products are easily available in Asia via distribution centres in a.o. Hong Kong (e.g. via Gone Running), China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Korea. The online website store has a long reach as well, and within China there is an online Taobao store and info centre in Hangzhou. Via the Asia Trail Master website, it will also be possible to order discounted RaidLight products that will be highlighted or a specific race on our calendar. Stay tuned to this page for more information, and how to order and purchase the items. 

As we are approaching the end of April, the Asia Trail Master series is looking at five big races on the immediate horizon. Beginning with Kazakhstan, runners will score championship and Grandmaster Quest points in Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Bhutan. And with the exception of one (Malaysia's Eco 100 in Bukit Mertajam), you can still do a last-minute registration for these events! As of today, you can even do this via our own custom built registration portal by Race Timing Solutions in Hong Kong, the reputed company that has recently also upgraded our rankings . In case you have not noticed, the rankings now include filters and search functions as well as a results breakdown per runner! The system is available in English, but also in traditional and simplied Chinese with more languages to be integrated soon. Race Timing Solutions also provides time-keeping services at all levels, and race organisers can always inquire with us for details on these services. 

When you sign up for the first time via our registration portal,  you will get a personal ID number and a profile page, which will make your next race registration even faster. Additional features are coming soon. 

But back to the open races in May. Here they are!

Tengri Ultra Trail (Almaty/Tamgaly, Kazakhstan) - 8 May - Registration deadline 4 May HK time

Ultra Tu Wenchuan (Sichuan, China) - 15 May - Registration deadline: 2 May

Ijen Trail Running (Bondowoso, East Java, Indonesia) - 21-22 May - Registration deadline 8 May

GlobalLimits: the Last Secret (Bhutan) - 27 May (programme start) - Registration deadline 6 May

Special offer for those who like to do a road marathon in an exciting location for a change. 

To continue the success of the 2015 event, Halong Bay Heritage Marathon in Northeastern Vietnam officially returns on 26 November 2016 with a wide range of distance options: 42 km Full Marathon, 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km and 2km Fun Run. This year’s running course has been designed to run over Bai Chay Bridge, the longest single span bridge in Southeast Asia, to provide a spectacular view from above over the magnificent landscape of Halong Bay, one of the world natural heritages internationally recognized by UNESCO. The route continues through picturesque spots of mountains and coastal lines along the bay.

For international runners there are a number of travel packages available of 3 days and 2 nights, with variety in terms of hotel accommodation star level. Kuai Sports Promotions Ltd, general manager & promoter of the Asia Trail Master series, is an official partner of the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon, and offers runners the possibility to easily sign up. 

Registration fees:

* = Early Bird rates until 31 August 2016

Marathon only: USD 80 * / USD 95
Half Marathon only: USD 60 * / USD 80
10 km only: USD 30 * / USD 45

Package deals

The Halong Bay Marathon event offers 3 day / 2 night packages. There are three options depending on the level of hotel accommodation desired.

5 star hotel + Marathon: USD 470 * / USD 500
5 star hotel + Half Marathon: USD 435 * / USD 475
5 star hotel + 10k run: USD 395 * / USD 420
Single room surcharge: USD 115

4 star hotel + marathon: USD 432 * / USD 462
4 star hotel + half marathon: USD 397 * / USD 432
4 star hotel + 10k run: USD 357 * / USD 382
Single room surcharge: USD 100

3 star hotel + marathon: USD 390 * / USD 420
3 star hotel + half marathon: USD 355 * / USD 395
3 star hotel + 10k run: USD 315 * / USD 340
Single room surcharge: USD 80

You can sign up for the Halong Bay Marathon and other race distances easily via our online form. Payment goes via PayPal. 

For more details on the event, you can check the official event website. 

Ultra Tu Wenchuan is an exciting newcomer on the trail running scene this season

The 2016 Asia Trail Master spring campaign gets going this weekend with Tsaigu Tangsi Plus, China's SuperTrail race with 50 bonus points for finishers on the 50 miles and 60k race distances. From now till the middle of June, points will be scored nearly every weekend for the 2016 championship, and of course also for each runner's Grandmaster Quest in the case of +70k races. While some events have already closed their registration phase, others are still open for you to join. In particular:

• 8 May - Kazakhstan - Tengri Ultra Trail
• 15 May - China - Ultra Tu Wenchuan
• 22 May - Indonesia - Ijen Trail Running
• 29 May (start) - Bhutan - GlobalLimits: the Last Secret
• 5 June - Philippines - Cordillera Mountain Ultra
• 19 June - Japan - Echigo Country Trail

As announced earlier, the Mt Apo Skyrace has had to be postponed to a future date due to heavy forest fires on the mountain. 

You can register for all the above races by following the link on the event cover pages. 

Picture from this week's Tengri Ultra Trail clinic in Almaty with race director Timur on the left.

The Indonesia SuperTrail in this year's Asia Trail Master series has now officially opened the registration book. The MesaStila Peaks Challenge is a fantastic volcano run in Central Java, and accessible for the whole family. Ultra runners will focus on the 100k race across five volcano peaks, including Gunung Merapi with an altitude of over 2900m above sea level. 

Total elevation gain is 7576 Hm on the 100k race, aka the 5 Peaks Challenge. If you feel Merapi is just one too high or too many, you can also go for the 65k and the 4 Peaks Challenge. Furthermore, the MesaStila Marathon over 42km is the perfect distance and race to get a solid taste of long distance mountain running. Less ambitious runners can also opt for the half marathon and the 13k run.

Host of the race is the 5-star luxury resort MesaStila, located in Magelang and a short distance away from the legendary Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur, which you can easily visit during your stay. 

Last year the long distance race was won by eventual 2015 Asia Trail Master champion Arief Wismoyono, and Mila Marlina. As MesaStila Peaks Challenge is chosen as Indonesia's SuperTrail, finishers on the 100k and 65k will score 50 additional bonus points for the 2016 Asia Trail Master ranking. 

Read more key details about the MesaStila Peaks Challenge via our event cover page . Registration for the event works both via our form , or via the MesaStila event website. There are early bird rates until 31 May, and there is also package on offer that include the race fee, accommodation at the resort, airport transfers and a sightseeing trip to Borobudur at sunrise or sunset. 

The 5 Peaks on the 100k

2015 Asia Trail Master champion Arief Wismoyono won the 100k race last year

View from Mount Andong, one of the five peaks in the 100k race

R.O.X Trail Run Mapawa has been a popular event in the northwest of Mindanao island in the Philippines for several years, and on 30 October the organisers will increase the race distance to 50k. What's more, the scenic run inside the Mapawa Nature Park joins the 2016 Asia Trail Master calendar! Plenty of other innovations are being planned as well. 

The gateway to the event is Cagayan de Oro, the biggest city in northern Mindanao and a tourist drawcard for plenty of outdoor enthusiasts, not only hikers but also rafters and kayakers. The city has an airport, so you can fly in from any major airport in the Philippines. The Mapawa Nature Park, where the race is held, is just 30 minutes away from Cayagan de Oro. 

The course of the Trail Run Mapawa goes across a series of hills rather than mountains, which makes it different from the other points-scoring races in the Philippines. Nevertheless, the total amount of elevation gain is significant as close to 2000 Hm. Apart from the hills, there are also a few water streams that need to be crossed. Precise numbers will be officially announced in due course. As every year, this event caters for the whole family, as shorter distances are also on offer. 

Stay tuned for more details on the race course, and the opening of registrations.