Season XI of the Asia Trail Master Championship continues this weekend with the Mount Apo Sky Race, one of the oldest and more prestigious events in Mindanao. The races from the sea to the summit of the highest mountain in the Philippines have been redesigned for its 8th edition and for the first time features a 100 Miles distance category., alongside a 80km, 42km and 21km category. Runners aiming for Championship points need to choose between the 100 Miles and the 42km , while runners looking to score a Grandmaster point can also opt for the 80km besides the 100 miles.

Despite it’s decade-long history and impressive winners’ list, the Mount Apo Sky Race has always remained a boutique trail running event with modest participation rates, but by design. Event director Doi Calbes from Vertical To Sky is himself a 2-star Grandmaster and fan of ‘authentic trail experiences’ . No big mass at the starting line this weekend, but a group of distinguished and experienced ultra trail athletes. The traditional Mount Apo Sky Race was already a tough and in parts technical affair (the Boulderface towards the summit of Apo is legendary, not in the least after the event hosted the ATM Championship Final in 2022 with Hau Ha and Arnie Macaneras as winners). Now adding another 60-80km to the course creates a lot of unknowns for every participant, so it’s clear this cannot be someone’s first miler.

Roberto Cain III is one of the big favourites in the men’s race. Winner of BTR 100 in Bali this year and ATM Finalist for the upcoming Season 10 Final at the 9 Dragons in Hong Kong, Cain has already won several of the toughest ultras in Mindanao. Mount Apo is still missing on his record, though. He will be challenged for the win by Yoyong Sacayle, who is making his return to the ATM Championship after a break of more than one year. Sacayle is also no stranger to adventures. Rexell Aguirre will also be a serious contender. A runner who doesn’t race often, but usually performs well when he does. The dark horse will be Sabah-based Australian Andrew Farmers. Used to similar mountainous jungle terrain, Farmers will in any case not be afraid of the 100 miles distance. He likes doing even longer ultras! Incidentally, the same can be said of the women’s race favourite, Ann Jilian Pulanco. A race winner at Sierra Madre in 2023, Pulanco can collect her second ATM race win this weekend.

The 42km race does not go to the summit of Mount Apo and caters for medium distance trail runners. ATM Finalist Jomarc Ferrer will be the one to beat, on paper, with Kimberly Flores the favourite for the women’s race.

Start and finish is still at the Playa de Oboza resort venue on the beach in Santa Cruz, close to Davao City. Last year, the event offfered GM points only and was won by rising star Godwin Mirar on his 100k debut. Rizalyin Lauron was strongest woman last year.

You can follow the action live on our ATM Facebook page this weekend, with focus on the 100 Miles and 42km races.

Mount Apo Sky Race goes 100 Miles