Mount Anggas Vertical Challenge is a new ATM Candidate Race

It is a pleasure to announce that the new Mt. Anggas Vertical Challenge will be a Candidate Race for Asia Trail Master on 18 January. 2026. It is the first-ever trail running event to be held at the iconic Mt. Anggas in Gitagum, not too far from Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, Phillipines. Designed to showcase the rugged beauty of Misamis Oriental, this race combines stunning ridgeline views, steep ascents, and community spirit into one unforgettable trail experience.

After Davao and Bukidnon, the northwestern area of Mindanao is also clearly developing into yet another trail hub. Only last week, Impasugong Ridge Ultra took place as well. Mount Anggas Vertical Challenge offers several race distance categories, of which the 42km is the longest. It has 1800 metres of elevation gain. Less ambitious runners can also choose the 21km, 15km or 10km categories. 

Mount Anggas has been a popular hiking and trekking destination for a while. It is a grassland mountain range, rich in minerals and rocks. Not very high, but providing great scenic views across the region nonetheless.

The event is organised by Bakyard Events in cooperation with LGU Gitagum. As Jay Lorenzo Amarga states: “We aim to highlight Mt. Anggas as a premier trail running destination in Mindanao while promoting eco-tourism, sustainability, and mental health awareness.”  The event therefore has a long horizon, envisaging gradual growth towards one of the country’s flagship trail events. 

The event is very easy to access for those coming from a bit further away. Mount Anggas is basically next to Laguindingan Airport, the airport of Cagayan de Oro. Via the facebook page below, you can get all details including links to the registration page.