Filipino runner John Ray “Stingray” Onifa (center) becomes the first two-time champion of the Asia Trail Master (ATM) series after ruling the Season 10 Championship Final of the 9 Dragons Ultra in Hong Kong, China on Feb. 28-March 1, 2026. He won his first title in 2023 edition. (Photo courtesy of John Ray Onifa)
Filipino endurance ace John Ray “Stingray” Onifa etched his name deeper into Asian trail running history after becoming the first two-time champion of the Asia Trail Master series, conquering the men’s Season 10 Championship Final of the 9 Dragons Ultra in Hong Kong from February 28 to March 1.
Onifa powered through the grueling 72-kilometer course, which featured a punishing 3,800 meters of elevation gain, in eight hours, six minutes, and 38 seconds. The race began at 1 a.m. under wet and slippery conditions after rainfall soaked the rugged trails, adding another layer of difficulty to what is widely regarded as one of the toughest courses in the region.
“Salamat sa mga sumuporta. We started at 1 a.m., slippery ang course kasi umulan,” Onifa said, thanking supporters who followed his midnight charge through the mountains.
The Antique native outlasted Lodewijk Virens of Hong Kong and Japan’s Hiroki Kai, who finished second and third, respectively. His latest triumph comes two years after he first captured the ATM overall title in 2023, solidifying his reputation as one of Asia’s premier ultra trail athletes.
Onifa entered the championship final in formidable form. Earlier this year, he dominated the 9 Dragons 50/50 race in Hong Kong, showcasing his mastery of multi-day ultra formats and endurance-heavy terrain. His 2025 campaign built on an already decorated resume.
In March last year, he successfully defended his crown at the Vietnam Ultra Marathon 75km race in Mai Chau, marking his 15th career victory in an Asia Trail Master-sanctioned event and earning a coveted wild card berth to the championship final.
His impact has extended beyond individual success. In October 2024, Onifa spearheaded the Philippine campaign at the Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships in Ulju, South Korea, capturing gold in the men’s 40-kilometer short trail event with a time of 3:47:00. His performance propelled the national squad to a second-place overall finish, one of the country’s strongest showings in continental trail competition.
Onifa’s ascent traces back to 2022, when he became the first Filipino to compete in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, breaking new ground for Philippine mountain runners on the global stage.
The Filipino charge in Hong Kong extended beyond Onifa. Joebert Elmaguin topped the Ultra 50 Miles category in 10:26:47, while Arns Acarenas secured second place in the Ultra 72km event, underscoring the country’s growing depth in ultra trail racing.
In the women’s division, Nepal’s Priya Rai claimed the championship title. Team Japan captured the ATM Team Championship, unseating Nepal after posting the fastest combined times from their top three male and female finishers, edging out squads from Hong Kong and the Philippines.
For Onifa, however, the spotlight belonged squarely to history. Under rain-soaked skies and in the dark hours of a Hong Kong dawn, “Stingray” once again proved that Filipino trail runners can not only compete with Asia’s best — they can dominate them.