The first Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships will be held in the South Korean city of Ulju from October 23–27.

The event, organised under the aegis of the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), features elite trail runners across three categories: an 80km long trail, a 40km short trail, and a 15km trail race for under-23s. There will be individual and team categories, with the best team winning a prestigious cup.

Only the top 30 trail runners from each country or region, ranked by ITRA performance index, can compete, the sport’s global body has said.

Teams from Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Macao, China, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam have registered, ITRA has reported on its website.

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Hong Kong will send more than 30 runners, demonstrating their desire to compete globally. With momentum from their June Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup win, the Philippines will field more than 20 athletes. Japan and Australia, trail running powerhouses, expect 20 runners each. Korea will field 28 runners with a home advantage, while Vietnam, a trail-running hotspot, will field 23. India has 18 runners.

Yuri Yoshizumi, Japan’s top female trail runner with an ITRA PI of 772, is excited to compete at the APTRC and aim high. “I am proud to represent Japan at the Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships,” ITRA quoted Yuri as saying.

“Long-distance races have been my focus for years. After a disappointing 2023 World Championships, I will give it my all to win gold this year.”

John ‘Stingray’ Onifa, the Philippines’ fastest trail runner (ITRA PI 861), is equally excited to compete in the event.

“I get to represent the Philippines internationally with my teammates,” Onifa said, highlighting the role of the last Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup in bringing out the best in the participants. “We compete on the course and build friendships off it.”

He believes this opportunity will benefit both runners and the discipline. Sports inspire our nation, and our success in events like this inspires everyone back home. It promotes and grows the sport.”

ITRA President Janet Ng agreed: “Stingray just nailed it. The APTRC promotes top-level competition, camaraderie, and friendship while elevating trail running.

All is not lost, even if anyone comes up short in the championships, according to ITRA. Athletes can still run the Ultra Trail Nine Peaks public race alongside the main event. All trail runners can join this historic event.

“We are thrilled to host the Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships in Ulju, South Korea and to welcome elite athletes from across the region to showcase their skills and passion for trail running,” said Jey Jang, race director of the event. “This championship represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the amazing talent and dedication of trail runners in Asia Pacific and to elevate the sport to new heights.”