For the fourth year in succession, MUSPO is one of the ATM points race events in Philippines. The event is scheduled for the weekend of 19/20 July and from an ATM point of view, contrary to last year, will focus on the 100km distance category exclusively. Organised by Try Mountains, the host of MUSPO is the town of Valencia in Bukidnon, a northern province in Mindanao.

MUSPO highlights the popularity of trail running in this province since a few years. Runners such as Yoyong Sacayle, Mary Joy Sumanda, Shally Yuson and also Godwin Mirar have become genuine protagonists and regular podium placers in ATM points races since the end of the covid crisis. No wonder that we also have a number of Bukidnon races in our Championship this season.

MUSPO attracts the country’s finest trail runners as we can tell from its list of winners. 2022 ATM Champion Arnie Macaneras and Shally Yuson took the honours last year, and two years ago it was 2023 ATM Champion John Ray Onifa and Julieann Morales, for example.

Runable at best, mudcrawling at worst. The weather does have quite an impact on the MUSPO trails. Therefore, one can never be certain what one goes in for. However, the atmosphere in Valencia has always been great - even when rain comes down torrentially. Race Director Philip Anthony spares no efforts to ensure every participant has a great weekend experience. Musuan Peak and Lake Apo are two of the scenic highlights runners will come across during the race.

Registration is open and all specific details can be checked via the event’s facebook page linked below. Make sure you also check the mandatory gear list. To get to Valencia, there are basically two options: take a flight to Cagayan de Oro or to Davao. The former choice requires a shorter bus/car drive than the latter. The drive to Valencia is actually very scenic in parts, for those who have never been in the area before.

MUSPO Facebook Page