GO ASIA TRAIL

GO ASIA TRAIL Editorial Team.

Following the corporate transfer, we will also provide content that aggregates and summarizes news related to trail running in Japan and the Asian region. Basically, we plan to deliver this in the form of a retrospective of the previous month's information around the beginning of each month. This month, as it is our first issue following the transfer, we are publishing it today.

Here are the main trail running news and information for September 2025, organized by Japan, Asia region, and gear (shoes, sacks, clothing, and supplements) categories.

Information is drawn from reliable web sources and X (formerly Twitter) posts; September saw a number of World Championships and regional races, as well as a flurry of new gear releases. The situation is subject to change, so check each source for details.

• Race Events and Results: The SHINETSU FIVE MOUNTAINS TRAIL 2025 100MILE/110KM was held on September 13-15, attracting runners from Japan and abroad. Foreign runners were also able to enter from both Japan and abroad, and the mountain course in the Shinetsu region attracted much attention. In addition, active race results were reported at the "OSJ ONTAKE 50/100," with Teru Iwamoto winning 2nd place in the 30s men's short category. The "Hakuba International Classic 2025" (28km), part of the Salomon Golden Trail National Series, was popular for its relaxing post-race hot spring baths. The Flash Trail Challenge Autumn 2025 will be held in Kobe, featuring 70% path, 15% track, and 15% road terrain.
• Related to the World Championships: Twelve Japanese athletes participated in the "World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2025" held in Canfranc, Spain, from September 25 to 28. Rui Ueda and Kento Tamura attracted attention, and the opening ceremony was streamed live. Japan Trail Running Association disseminated information.
• Other activities: "Trail Runners Cup Tsunan 2025 in MUJI Campsite" was held on September 28 with 93 participants, and a report and YouTube compilation are available. The next event will be held at Alps Azumino Park. At the Koubinegahara Kogen Trail Run, participants cheering in the rain was shared on X. Also, information on September-October races was discussed on Reddit, with 10k, half marathon, and trail runs for travelers.

• Race Event and Results: "Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025 presented by Kailas FUGA" was held, with nearly 900 participants and expected to surpass 1000 in 2026, as part of the World Trail Majors series, The event was a test of endurance under beautiful weather. The Malaysia Ultra-Trail by UTMB, "MALAYSIA25," featured a course through the Taiping Lake Gardens. In the latest news from the Asia Trail Master series, we report on the growth of the event. The "Asia Trail Girls intermediate run" was held in September, with active participation by female runners.
• Related to the World Championships: Nepal's Sunmaya Budha finished 2nd in the 82km World Championships in Spain. Her success in overcoming an injury has become the talk of the town in the Asian region.
• Other activities: Ahotu published a list of Asian races in September, including a variety of events such as ultramarathons. The Asia Pacific Trail Run Championships are scheduled for Dunsborough, Australia, and will be linked to the European event.

• Shoes: Salomon Sense Ride 5, Hoka Speedgoat 6, La Sportiva Bushido III, and Altra Lone Peak 9 are recommended as the best trail shoes for 2025. High cushioning and grip are highly valued. New releases include the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 Prototype (shown at UTMB), VEZOR (for rugged terrain), and 361 Taroko 5 (road-to-trail hybrid). The North Face's VECTIV Enduris 4 and Altamesa 500 were reviewed favorably for their durability. The women's Offtrail Hike Mid GORE-TEX is also notable for its water resistance.
• Clothing: Hike x The North Face's "TNFH" last season, with a GORE-TEX jacket and thick-soled sneakers (trail-specific). Waterproof and breathable. Goldwin's "Puffy" Inflatable Air Jacket (new UTMB gear) is unique and the inflatable design is a hot topic. TIGORA by BEAMS DESIGN's 2025 AUTUMN collection includes the Smooth Track Jacket (6,999 yen) from the Training Series, which is stylish and functional. Trailwear from INOV8 is also recommended for its high performance.
• SUPPLEMENTS: DM Mitsui Sugar Group has launched a new energy gel called "WARABEAT!!" Available in two flavors: brown sugar warabi-style and yuzu warabi-style. Release date is October 1, 2025. Online pre-release on September 12. Price is 377 yen per unit, 60g capacity, 104kcal/101kcal

ハイク×ザ・ノース・フェイス「TNFH」最後のシーズン、ゴアテックスジャケットや厚底スニーカー

ハイク(HYKE)の2025年秋冬コレクションから、ザ・ノース・フェイス(THE NORTH FACE)とのコラボレーションによるユニセックスウェアとシューズが登場。2025年10月8日(水)より、東…

https://www.fashion-press.net

The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2025: Salomon, On, The North Face and More

Today’s best trail running shoes operate at higher altitudes than those of previous generations. Here are some of our top picks.

https://www.gearpatrol.com

スポーツウェアの高い機能性とスマートなデザインを追求した『TIGORA by BEAMS DESIGN』より、2025年AUTUMNコレクション発売

株式会社アルペンのプレスリリース（2025年9月25日 10時00分）スポーツウェアの高い機能性とスマートなデザインを追求した『TIGORA by BEAMS DESIGN』より、2025年AUTUMNコレクション発売

https://prtimes.jp

持久系ジェル＋次世代の天然糖質で “おいしさ革命。” を「WARABEAT!!（ワラビート）」　10月1日（水）発売開始

DM三井製糖株式会社のプレスリリース（2025年9月30日 15時00分）持久系ジェル＋次世代の天然糖質で “おいしさ革命。” を「WARABEAT!!（ワラビート）」　10月1日（水）発売開始

https://prtimes.jp

Vietnam Mountain Marathon | Vietnam Trail Series by Topas

Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) is one of Asia's premier trail running events, set in the Sapa region of northern Vietnam. Below you will find a detailed summary of the history, course, information on the 2025 event, results, and how to participate.

VMM is the oldest mountain race in Vietnam, launched in 2013, and is also known as the country's first ultramarathon.

It is organized by the Vietnam Trail Series by Topas, which aims to promote trail running and support local communities. To date, more than USD 520,000 has been donated to build schools and support children (Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, Operation Smile, Newborns Vietnam, etc.). Since 2025, the event has been a member of the World Trail Majors (a non-profit federation of 12 prominent races around the world), enhancing its international standing. With more than 4,000 participants and 50 countries represented each year, the event is an iconic event on the Asian trail scene. The sponsor has changed to Kailas from 2025 (previously Salomon).

The course is set in the spectacular mountainous terrain of Sapa, traversing bamboo forests, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages. It is described as a "dreamy stage" due to the large elevation gain and diverse scenery. The finish for all distances is at Topas Ecolodge, with free professional photo service.

• 10km: One of the hardest 10km in the world. Suitable for beginners in the mountains, but with many steep hills.
• 21km: Half marathon equivalent. It takes you through valleys, villages, forests, alpine terrain, and offers spectacular views.
• 50km: For experienced runners. Explore unexplored areas, 2800m+ elevation gain.
• 70km: Classic ultra. Diverse terrain and scenery.
• 100km: Extremely challenging. All terrain covered, including night riding.

The course features rice terrace fields, green peaks, and a river crossing in rainy weather.

• Dates: September 19-20, 2025 (Fri-Sat).
• Location: Sapa (300 km northwest of Hanoi). Golden terraced rice field season with the best scenery.
• Number of participants: More than 900 participants are expected, and the number is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2026. Many international runners from 47 countries.
• Registration: Entry at the official website ( vietnammountainmarathon.com). Check website for details (early bird discounts available); ITRA-accredited race, eligible for UTMB points.

The 2025 race was held under favorable weather conditions, with Chinese runners in action. Chinese athletes won multiple categories in men's and women's races. Main results (excerpts):.

Vietnamese athletes also placed high (e.g. Nguyễn Thị Trà Giang 2nd in 100km). A highlight video was released, featuring passionate race scenes. Japanese runners also participated, and sponsor changes were discussed at X.

• Suitable for: Beginners (10km) to advanced runners (100km). Pre-training required, especially for steep hills and humidity.
• Attractions: cultural experiences (ethnic minority villages) and spectacular views. Relaxing stay in an eco-lodge after the finish.
• Note: Easily accessible from Hanoi, check visa and COVID regulations. Gear: waterproof shoes (e.g. Kailas recommended) and hydration pack.
• Next time: 2026 will be of the same size. Register on the official website if interested.

What I saw on social media and YouTube videos of the Vietnam Mountain Marathon held last month was that it was a very energetic event. When I thought about why, what I felt was "youthfulness. The participating runners as well as the volunteer staff are all young, mostly in their 20s and 30s. The average age in Vietnam is 33 years old, compared to 49.9 in Japan. As you can see from the current trail running races in Japan, I felt that there is a correlation between the average age of the participants and the average age of the runners and volunteer staff.

Median age Comparison - The World Factbook

https://www.cia.gov

And this is not limited to Vietnam, but I got the impression that Asia is more passionate and energetic about video and promotional videos than Japan. I had this impression especially during this year's Vietnam Mountain Marathon. I myself would definitely like to participate next year. I hope to be able to schedule it and report on it well, so stay tuned.

For your reference, here is a video from a Japanese runner named "Hachimaki no Run-chan" who participated in the 2025 Vietnam Mountain Marathon.