Angelie Cabalo and Miguelito Carranza delivered some fine performances in the tough VJ 100 Candidate Race in Baguio, Luzon, Philippines, last weekend. Cabalo won the 100k race and Carranza the 50k in Camp John Hay on a 10km loop course that contained about everything one can imagine in a trail running race, including 700 metres of elevation gain per loop. That made especially the 100k race a pure physical and mental challenge. The men’s 100km saw Thailand-based Russian Dmitry Rusin on the top step of the podium, after overtaking Jon Lacanlale on lap 3. In third place was Tribu Pakaras ace Florence Alave, who finished his last ultra of a very busy year.

Organised by Intrepid Spirit, VJ 100 was held in ideal running conditions, sunny but not really hot. The orga team paid great attention to detail and we are looking forward to some of their other trail events in 2025.

The second ATM Candidate Race organised by the AWRA Davao Team took place last Sunday in New Corella. The New Corella Trail Ultra (NCTU) had three distance categories on the programme, of which the 50km was the main event. Once again, we discovered a new emerging talent from Bukidnon , the landlocked province in northern Mindanao: Vincent Philip Sinanggote . The 24-year-old had the better of another promising talent in Eldy Bulod, whom we have already known since last season. In a tough race , made even more technical and complicated by the heavy rainfall hours before the race start, Sinanggote finished in a time of 7h11 , which was almost half an hour quicker than Bulod. In fact, Bulod had to hurry up in the end as Angelo Navarro concludes his race just 30 seconds after him.

Actually, Romar John Galingan came first into the finish arena, but he got disqualified for missing a checkpoint earlier in the race. Jong Mahinay, a pre-race favourite, DNFd at around the km 30 mark.

The women’s 50k Candidate Race was won by Guia Heistaire Angela, another talented runner on the rise in the Philippines. She finished quite a way ahead of Janet Arnego and Carmhelle Pilos, who completed the podium.

Ever since the then-19-year-old Godwin Mirar finished fourth in The Punisher 80km, hot on the heels of Hisashi Kitamura, Arnie Macaneras and John Ellis, a great future in trail running was promised to him. The smart youngster from Bukidnon has kept his head cool in the past years and focused primarily on developing his pure running ability first, rather than aiming for as many kilometres and as much elevation gain as possible. Flashes of his great talent came out again after covid, for example when he battled with John Ray Onifa and Kristian Joergensen at VMM 2023’s 50km race., and again with Onifa earlier this year on a 30k short distance in Cebu. His youth and relative inexperience as a high-level competitor still costs him sometimes, but Godwin Mirar made another big step forward in his development last weekend at the 7th Mount Apo Sky Race. He came and conquered his first ever 100km race (what a choice for a 100k debut as well!) in 15h21 , a solid 40 minutes ahead of Jevie Cagatin , ATM Finalist at Borneo TMBT last September and already second on Mt Apo last year (behind Paraiso). Cagatin is also the last winner of the Mount Kalatungan Trail Ultra in March and the highest Filipino points scorer in ATM Season 9. Quite a performance by Mirar. Of course, this season’s edition was not a points race for the ATM Championship ranking, but still.

Rhod Axel Butac came third in the race and completed the podium in 19h10.

Fastest female runner was Rizalyn Lauron in 23h27, an hour and a half ahead of Jenny Grace Padillo. Cheryl Bihag completed the podium in third.

This year's Mt Apo Sky Race did not offer any points for the championship ranking, but gave all finishers a point for their Grandmaster Quest. That was the goal for Manila's Cheryl Bihag as well, and by finishing third in the race she even managed to underline her performance of becoming a 3-star Grandmaster! Cheryl has been active on the ATM circuit for many years and was one of the first female Grandmasters ever. Last weekend, she added a third star to her badge!

This weekend, Grandmaster point seekers again have an opportunity in Santa Cruz, Davao, with the 7th edition of the legendary Mount Apo Sky Race - our ATM Championship Final host in 2022. This is probably the race that really started things off for international trail running in Davao and it remains an icon. Running from the beach to the summit of the highest mountain of the Philippines at nearly 3000m above sea level and back still speaks to the imagination of many people, both runners and non-runners.

This season, the Mount Apo Sky Race is focused on the Grandmaster Quest and not the ATM Championship ranking. Host venue is still the Playa de Obuza Beach Resort in Santa Cruz and event organiser is still Vertical To Sky led by Doi Calbes, who also has another Davao classic in his trail portfolio: The Punisher, which will take place again mid-August 2025 as the last Filipino points race of the ATM Championship season before the big Final.

How sexy the Mount Apo Sky Race may look and sound, this remains a tough nut to crack, even for experienced trail runners. The 100km has approx 5000 metres of elevation gain , mostly but not exclusively thanks to the ascent of Mount Apo. On Apo, the final 8km to the summit are adventurous and runners need to make their way up and then down the ‘boulder face’ , also relying a bit on orientation skills to choose the right path up the huge boulders. It’s very technical and over the years participants either love the boulder face or hate it. It’s part of the allure of the race, and the winners certainly cherish this trophy. Runners such as Jevie Cagatin, Rexell Aguirre and - interestingly - Godwin Mirar will all be keen to add their name to the winners’ list this weekend.

From an ATM perspective, however, the main focus this edition is to finish the 100km and score a GM point. And, there is a runner from Manila who may score her 3rd Grandmaster star on Mount Apo. Cheryl Bihag has only just returned to the scene after a bit of a break with a solid finish in the SC 70 race last week. That was her 14th GM point in her ATM trail running journey that started back in 2016! What a great way it would be to collect her 3rd Grandmaster star on the highest mountain of her country. Malaysia’s recently crowned 2-star Grandmaster Munintaran Sundram is also continuing his Quest for a third star.

Live updates on the Mount Apo Sky Race can be found on our facebook page this weekend.

Last year’s winners : Isaiah Paraiso and Julieann Morales

The first Filipino event on our Season 10 Championship calendar is Mount Kalatungan Trail Ultra in Bukidnon, Mindanao, with race start in Pangantucan on Sunday, 2 March 2025. A successful points race already in 2024, runners will again have the opportunity to conquer the country’s fifth highest peak at an altitude of 2860m above sea level. An important distinction should be mentioned between the 85km and the 55km race categories. It’s the 55km that offers points for the ATM Championship ranking. The 85km is for those seeking to score a point on their Grandmaster Quest. .

The event is organised by the Ultra Runners Republic, including the Grandmaster brothers Rene and Ramie Amigleo. Bukidnon is the region roughly between Davao and Cagayan de Oro, from where lots of new trail running talent has emerged in the past few years. The Amigleo brothers have done a lot for the sport there.

Mount Kalatungan is a stratovolcano, albeit with no historical eruptions, and a serious altitude of 2860m making it just a bit smaller than Mount Apo near Davao. Both the 55km and 85km will go to the summit. The mountain features in the first half of the race, which means runners need to save energy for afterwards.

Host venue is Pangantucan and its municipal gymnasium. Runners from outside Mindandao should best look at Cagayan de Oro as the main gateway to the event, well-connected with Cebu and Manila. To go Bukidnon from Davao is also feasible, it just takes a bit longer.

Last March, Jevie Cagatin scored his first ever ATM race win at Kalantungan with the approval of Yoyong Sacayle. Both came into the finish together, but Sacayle argued it was Cagatin who deserved to be called race winner. Kik Suello completed the podium. All three laid a foundation there to qualify for Team Pilipinas in the ATM Championship Final later in September at Borneo TMBT. The women’s race saw Julieann Morales take victory ahead of local Mary Joy Sumanda and Ann Jilian Pulanco. Morales in those months seemed unbeatable on mountain trails in her home country.

Registration is open via Racetech and it is advised to follow the event’s facebook page for latest updates and key details. Questions on logistics and registration payment can also be addressed to the orga team of Ultra Runners Republic.

The 55km is the race for ATM Championship points

The 85km is the race for those seeking a Grandmaster point

Last year’s female top 3 podium with Julieann Morales as winner, flanked by Mary Joy Sumanda and Ann Jilian Pulanco

Last year’s men’s top 3 podium with Jevie Cagatin as winner ahead of Yoyong Sacayle and Kik Suello

SC 70 was the first Grandmaster-only event in Season 10, taking place in Santa Cruz, near Davao City in Mindanao, Philippines. “Grandmaster-only” means there’s only Grandmaster points to be scored, but no points for the Championship ranking. The 70km course had about 4000 metres of elevation gain and is considered tough, with Mount Dinor and Mount Loay as highlights. Moreover, the race had a long nighttime part. Organised by Team Jegol, the feedback from finishers afterwards was generally very positive.

No Championship points, but of course there was still a competition going on. Once again, Roberto Cain III proved to be the strongest of the bunch. Leading nearly throughout the race, he concluded in 11:27:39. That was twenty minutes faster than Marjones Abugan in 11:47:43. Eldy Bulod took third on the podium in 13:13:31.

In the women’s 70km race, there was a surprising winner in Julie Mae Marquez, who ran the best second half to overtake Julieann Morales and grab victory in 14:44:40. Morales was second and in third, also with a solid run, came Guia Cabigas.

This weekend SC 70, short for Santa Cruz 70, will test the endurance and technical abilities of runners looking to score an extra point on their Grandmaster Quest. The Filipino event organised by Team Jegol may only just qualify as a Grandmaster race with its 70km, but it’s a tough 70km. Elevation gain is estimated at over 4000 Hm and the course features some iconic places around Santa Cruz, such as Mt. Loay, Mt. Dinor, Tacub Laya Falls, Pilan River, Sinoron, Lipantod, Camotes Ridge, and Mt. 796. The course profile is actually quite distinct and interesting from a competitive point of view, too. Mount Dinor is the cornerstone and highest peak in the first half, Mount Loay in the second half. Runners should also be aware that after the final descent of Loay, there’s still a 10km flattish section to the finish back in Santa Cruz.

Plenty of solid runners will be taking part this weekend, including 2-star Grandmasters. Cheryl Bihag and Alfredo Reyes Jr. It is the first time SC 70 is on the calendar, so all finishers this weekend can score an additional GM point. The race does not offer points for the ATM Championship ranking, but will be interesting nonetheless with many competitive athletes on the start list, including last year’s winner Eldy Bulod. Marjones Abugan, Florencio Alave, Roberto Cain III, Isaiah Paraiso and others will be challenging him for the victory. In the women’s field we find Julieann Morales on the start list, as well Guia Cabigas, Dolly Joy Alonzo and Razzil Sumalinog to name a few.

Santa Cruz, just a half hour drive south of Davao City in Mindanao, has become a real trail running hub since the corona crisis and even more visibly so since the 2022 ATM Championship Final, the Mount Apo Sky Race. That event is how things started in Santa Cruz, which is now not only the main gateway for hikers to the highest mountain in the Philippines, but also the venue for several trail running events during the year.

This weekend, points can be scored in Dalat, Vietnam, during Lam Dong Trail, but we also keep an eye out on the 10th edition of the Datu Salumay Invitational Trail Run, a new ATM Candidate Race. Perhaps better known as ‘DASAL’, the event takes place some 80km outside of Davao City and - indeed - has a full decade’s history already! For this anniversary edition, the organisers have added a long ultra category of 85km that has instilled some fear in many participants. At least, it is regarded as a considerable challenge with 5000 metres of elevation gain on paper. Less ambitious runners will be eyeing the 42km and shorter categories this weekend.

The trails of Datu Salumay will have runners passing by waterfalls, streams, rivers, trees, grasslands, and steep hill ascents and descents. It starts and finishes at the Datu Salumay Elementary School grounds, which is just adjacent to the Syre National Highway. The start is at 2 pm in the afternoon, meaning nearly everyone will also need to run through the night, which at least has the benefit of being cooler.

Julieann Morales is a former female race winner at DASAL and as great technical trail runner ready to pick up the 85km challenge. She is one of a few courageous women on the start list that also includes Shekinah Velasquez, who also has a nice track record on rugged terrain. In the men’s race we will also see some big names from Mindanao, including Jomarc Ferrer, Florencio Alave, Yoyong Sacayle, Reymar Taleon, Roberto Cain and others.

The first Filipino Championship points race in Season 10 is still several months away (Mt Kalatungan Ultra), but there are several Grandmaster point races and Candidate Races coming up. The first Grandmaster points races are SC 70 and the Mt Apo Sky Race 100.

Runners seeking more Grandmaster Quest points should draw a red circle around Saturday, 8 February 2025. That’s the date of the Santa Ines Mountain Adventure Run in the Rizal mountains east of Manila in the Philippines. Alternating with Bagtit Ultra on our ATM calendar, this event is organised by The Pace Republic and 4-star Grandmaster Rhea Batac herself. The main race category is the 80km , that’s also the Grandmaster race distance. Please note that this is a Grandmaster-only race, i.e. there are no points to be scored for the ATM Championship ranking.

Santa Ines is about a 2h drive from Manila City and therefore quite convenient. Grab cars will take you there. However, the race start is scheduled for 4 am so make sure you arrange accordingly. The event was a Candidate in 2022 and a points race in 2023. From both occasions, we learnt that the 80k should certainly not be underestimated. This is a race to come prepared for, with several technical sections and many river crossings, some narrow, some wide. Accoriding to Rhea Batac, the 2025 course will be amended here and there compared to 2023 and this is still work in progress. Below you can see the profile of back then with Mount Irid as the highest peak of the race at about 1500m above sea level. Total elevation gain is estimated at 4500 hm.

The winners in 2023 were Elmer Retolado and Elizabeth Dangadan.

It is recommended to follow the official facebook page - linked below- to stay up-to-date with the latest news about the Santa Ines Mountain Adventure. Registration is opening soon.

Bislig Ultra Trail can look back to a successful inaugural edition last weekend. The new event in Surigao del Sur, north of Davao in Mindanao (Philippines) is organised by the AWRA Team and had a varied 50k as main race category. The course offered a challenging and exhilarating course that showcased the region's diverse terrain, including barangay roads, scenic trails, waterfalls, river crossings, and ridgelines. The excellent service and volunteer support gave the many participants a memorable trail experience.

The men’s 50k race was won by pre-race favourite Jhon Mahinay. He was 9 minutes faster than Ian Ray Hilapon and finished in 6h42. In third place, a bit later, was Reymar Taleon.

The women’s race went to Lory Gacusan in 10h28. In a rather tight race, she was faster by 19 minutes over Gilda Pagal and Chona Mae Dingal.

The winning times indicate that Bislig is indeed challenging. AWRA organises another ATM Candidate in December, the New Corella Trail Ultra. This one takes place a bit further south and therefore closer to Davao City.

This weekend we also have a new ATM Candidate Race in Mindanao in the Philippines. Bislig Ultra Trail is the first event in Surigao del Sur, which is located to the north of Davao, and features a 50km as main race category. The start list is long for a debut race, showing the enthusiasm of the local trail community.

As the official event tagline reads: “the race routes designed to challenge and inspire you amidst the stunning natural beauty of Bislig. Whether you are tackling the 50km, 25km, or 15km category, you are about to embark on a journey that showcases the very best of our region’s landscapes and wildlife.” The highlight is the magnificent Tinuy-an Falls, often called the "Niagara Falls of the Philippines.

In addition, there is the sanctuary of the Philippine Eagle, one of the world's rarest and most majestic birds. The presence of such unique wildlife adds a special dimension to your run, making it not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of Bislig’s natural heritage.

Among the race favourites of the 50km is Jhong Mahinay, but we are looking forward to discovering quite a lot of new talent from Surigao and surroundings. The event is organised by AWRA, which in December also has another Candidate Race named New Corella Trail Ultra.

Aguila Wanderers Recreational Adventure, in short AWRA, is organising the 2nd edition of the New Corella Trail Ultra in Brgy. Carcor New Corella, Davao del Norte in Philippines on 8 December 2024. The event features three categories of 50km, 30km and 15km and has obtained the ATM Candidate Race label. New Corella is known for its beautiful but challenging trails not too far north of Davao City.

Participants will traverse diverse terrain, from rolling hills and dense forests to river crossings and rugged mountain trails. The course has a number of distinct highlights. Bundok Cave is a remarkable 200-foot-long cave that runners will traverse. The Panas Waterfalls and the Casilak Waterfalls are two breathaking natural falls. Then there is Balaang Bukid, a prominent landmark with significant local cultural and spiritual relevance. Furthermore, runners will also pass by neighbouring municipalities that will show the beauty of Nabunturen and Mawab.

One of the race's highlights is the passage through the famous Bundok Cave, a stunning 200-foot-long natural formation, as well as scenic spots like the breathtaking Panas Falls. The race route also extends to neighboring municipalities, showcasing the natural beauty of Nabunturan and Mawab. Beyond the competition, the NCTR50 promotes environmental awareness, supports the local tourism industry of Davao del Norte, and highlights the rich culture of New Corella.

NCTR 50 will have its flag off at 3am on Sunday, 8 December with the shorter distances respectively one hour and two laters later. The cut-off time for the 50km is set at 16 hours. The course is not flat, but elevation gain is relatively modest at 1900 hm for the 50km. The event has an official hotel , which is the Kojo Hotel in Tagum.

Registration is easy via a Google form linked below. You can also stay up-to-date via the AWRA facebook page. Please note that on 12 October, the AWRA Team is organising another ATM Candidate, Bislig Trail Ultra in Surigao del Sur, further north.