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.

The 60km main category of the Santa Cruz Trail Ultra, near Davao in the Philippines, saw yet another race win for Roberto Cain III, in recent months also already the strongest in MUSPO 100, for instance. Cain finished the ATM Candidate Race in 11h 16 minutes and was well ahead of second-placed Remlar Monang. Cain belongs to the new wave of competitive runners from Mindanao, and we are looking forward to seeing more of him in the ATM Championship during this new season.

Third place on the podium was for Angelo Navarro Sabijon. Antonio Anino and Jinky Garcia took fourth and fifth. First woman in the finish was Razzil Sumalinog. However, she arrived 12 minutes outside the time limit and is therefore not considered the race winner.

Santa Cruz Trail Ultra has a tough and technical 60km course with several peaks.

Roberto Cain III

Remlar Monang

Angelo Navarro Sabijon

Razzil Sumalinog crossed the finish line first, but was officially outside the time limit by 12 minutes

Brought to you by Mark Caldez of Marcado Trail Quest and the Maharlika Series team of Sierra Madre Trail Ultra, the second edition of Malico Grand Ultra in Santa Maria West, Pangasinan, in the West of Luzon a little south of Baguio, offers a Grandmaster point to all finishers of the 75km race on 18/19 January. The event was a Candidate Race in 2024.

As of the new Season 10 and following popular demand, a number of events on our calendar will only offer Grandmaster finisher points and no ATM Championship points. Malico Grand Ultra is the third of these.

Stunning panoramic views of Villa Verde ridges and pine forests, Malico Grand Ultra offers a unique blend of history, challenge, and natural beauty. Run through trails that were once significant battlegrounds during World War II. Immerse in the tranquil surroundings of Cabalisian River and move across the Andalasi hanging bridge to witness the crystal-clear waters of Ambayaoan River. Meanwhile, do not forget to take in the breathtaking mountain views of Mt. Ugo and Mt. Pigingan. One of the main highlights in the 75k category is the exhilarating downhill adventure at Mt. Valdez, that will undoubtedly challenge your skills and endurance. In fact, the 2024 edition showed this is a tough 75km that should not be underestimated. Miguel Carranza won the men’s race in 15h39’ and he is by no means mediocre! Carraza even preceeded other established technical trail runners such as Bhert Orpiada and Sai Tonog II. The women’s race had a surprising winner in Michella Aradanas, who managed to outpace Ann Jilian Pulanco.

Another element participants in the 75km GM distance should prepare for is the cold weather. It is January and close to Baguio, you will need more than just a running tee at night!

Registration for the event is open. Please go to RaceTech PHI to sign up. Event details can be obtained via the official facebook page.

Winners of the 2024 Candidate Race

The Mount Apo Sky Race has become a genuine classic over the years in the Asia Trail Master series and we are happy to announce that runners on the Grandmaster Quest can again highlight the event dark red in their agendas. The 7th edition of the event, which is basically a sea to summit race of 100km to the highest point of the Philippines and back, is scheduled for the weekend of 30 November/1 December 2024. Host venue is once again the beach resort Playa de Obuza in Santa Cruz, just 30 minutes’ drive outside of Davao City.

Organised by Vertical To Sky and one of Mindanao’s pioneering race directors in trail running, Doi Calbes, the Mount Apo Sky Race has built up a solid reputation for mountain trail lovers, looking for wild and even unspoilt trails. We were happy to have the event as the 2022 ATM Championship Final, won by Arnie Macaneras and Hau Ha, and continue its legacy in 2024. For one season, we skip the Championship label to give opportunity to another event, but Grandmaster-point seekers will find Mt Apo a very fulfilling race to have on your record. And of course, winning this 100k race still puts you in a very selected list of top runners.

Registration is open and as usual restricted to a fixed number to ensure the mountain area does not get overburdened. This is a protected nature area, after all. The link to the website and registration portal is below.

Last year, Isaiah Paraiso had his breakthrough moment winning the men’s race, while Julieann Morales established herself as the ‘Trail Queen’ of Davao by winning the women’s race.

Isaiah Paraiso was the fastest 100k runner on Mt Apo last year

Julieann Morales was the strongest woman on Apo last year

We are happy to announce that VJ 100 Ultra Trail Challenge in Baguio City is a new ATM Candidate on Luzon in the Philippines. Organised by the experienced team Intrepid Spirit, VJ 100 aims to highlight the beauty and the challenge of trail running in the Cordillera region. This is a logistics-friendly, and supporters-friendly event at the end of the year, scheduled at the Camp John Hay in Baguio City itself for the weekend of 14-15 December.

VJ 100 is just one event in the extensive portfolio of Intrepid Sprit, Inc. Also e.g. Pulag 100 and the Philippines Mountain Trail Festival are organised by this team led by Robert Watson, a long-time resident and organiser in the country. VJ 100 is essentially an endurance run on a 10km loop that can be done once, twice, five times or -indeed- ten times for a 100k. The course is very solid: there’s 700m of elevation gain in just 10km, and you will be running on soft trails and rolling hills through countless ascents and descents. If you are a beginning trail runner, the 10k - maybe even the 20k - is a perfect start to your (mountain) trail journey. If you are experienced and aim for the 50k or the 100k, you better do not take this race too lightly. No matter what choice you make, you will encounter various different trail conditions and be challenged while enjoying the beauty of the pine forests and the Cordillera mountains.

The cut off time for the 100k is set at 32 hours for both men and women. A distinction is made for the 50km and the shorter distances, e.g. 15h15 for men on the 50km, while women can allow themselves 45 minutes longer (16h).

As the event takes place in the city, suitable accommodation is plentiful and there is no official event hotel. To reach Baguio, you could fly to Clark (CRK), which is a 2,5 hours bus drive from Baguio. Alternatively, just fly into Manila, which will then take you 4,5-5 hours to reach the event destination.

Registration and details on specifics, such as mandatory gear, can be found on the official website, which you can link to below. VJ100 also has a Facebook page that you can follow for quick updates.

A successful Candidate a year ago, SC 70 in Santa Cruz, Davao in Philippines has now been rewarded with a spot on the new ATM Grandmaster Calendar for Season 10. The event organised by Team Jegol Runners will be held on 23/24 November and ‘70’ in the event name stands for the 70km long Grandmaster point distance.

SC70 will be the first Grandmaster-only event on our ATM calendar, following the announcement made last week (read it again here: http://www.asiatrailmaster.com/news/2024/8/30/grandmaster-quest)

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.

The 70k ultramarathon trail has an elevation gain of about 4000hm, and will feature scenic and iconic places in Santa Cruz, namely, 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. 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. That could hurt for some, while be a tactical all-in section for others. The precise 2024 course map will be made available soon.

Last year, SC70 was the event were we got introduced to youngsters Shally Yuson and Eldy Bulod, two competitive runners whom we have gotten to know very well since then! Shally has just completed her Grandmaster Quest and is part of Team Pilipinas at the upcoming ATM Championship Final. Eldy Bulod was the joint-winner of The Punisher, together with Kik Suello, just a month ago. Bulod stated we will see more of him in Season 10.

It is highly recommended to follow the event’s Facebook page, as is common in Philippines, to receive the latest updates and links to the registration portal.

Last year’s winners of SC70 have since then become well-known: Eldy Bulod and Shally Yuson!

Roberto Cain III and Shekinah Velasquez were the great winners of Marilog Ultra 70 in Davao, Philippines, last weekend, one of several events that obtained the ATM Candidate Race label this season. Marilog was blessed with the participation of several Filipino top runners, and their feedback of the 70km long race, over ondulating terrain was generally very positive. Team Brad, including female star and triple-race-winner this ATM season Julieann Morales, is gradually becoming a reference in Mindanao.

Roberto Cain III was also a recent winner at MUSPO 100 in Bukidnon, a race that was not part of the ATM Championship but nevertheless has built a solid reputation with Larry Apolinario and John Ray Onifa as previous race winners over there. To win last Sunday, Cain had to stay ahead of ATM Finalist Jevie Cagatin and recent co-Punisher winner Eldy Bulod. Even when Cagatin said that he did not push 100% with a view to the upcoming ATM Championship Final race at Borneo TMBT, it remains a remarkable performance by Cain III. Yet another upcoming talent from Mindanao!

In the women’s race, Shekinah Velasquez had the upper hand almost from the beginning. Geia Hestra came second.