Get back to nature. Breathe in the fresh earthy scent of a lush forest. Feel the morning sun on your skin. What better way to experience the newly opened Coney Island than with a run?

After an exciting year of challenging races over a dozen different Asian countries, the inaugural Asia Trail Master series has seen the emergence of two champions — Arief Wismoyono from Indonesia and Ma Yanxing from China.

Each year, the Condura Skyway Marathon runs for a different cause. Since its launch in 2008, funds have been raised for conserving the Tubbataha Reefs, whale sharks in Donsol, protecting dolphins in Baclayon, planting mangrove seeds in Zamboanga Sibugay, and other eco-conservation efforts.

When one hears “Beppu” in Japan, images of onsens, or hot springs, spring to mind. Located in Oita Prefecture, Beppu boasts a wide variety of hot springs, each offering a unique experience. One could be buried in black sand, warmed by the heat of the hot springs, or lying on a bed of local herbs spread on a heated floor in a stone hut—the possibilities are mind-boggling!

January is one of the coldest months of the year for semi-tropical Ishigakijima, one of Japan’s southernmost islands close to Taiwan. It is also the best time to visit as pink cherry blossoms begin to bloom, strikingly beautiful against the green landscape and blue coast.

Who says it’s a good thing to volunteer your time to help stage a race — particularly if that race happens to be a charity event? You have better things to do with your time: chat up friends. Shop. Flirt. Get your hair cut. In our humble opinion, becoming a race volunteer isn’t just a terrible idea, it’s one you’ll soon dismiss after reading the following 20 reasons to take a pass on offering your time and efforts down the road.