Ultra Trail Cordillera Philippines is a new ATM Candidate Race

The Cordillera mountain range in the Philippines has been an integral part of our series since the beginning and we are pleased to see continuous excitement for trail running in the area. On the weekend of 24-26 October, a new event enters the calendar: Ultra Trail Cordillera Philippines. Organised by Aid Station Cafe with experienced runners Louie Ganayan and Roflyne Fangayen, the new event has obtained the ATM Candidate Race label.

On the event programme we find a 100km flagship race, but also a 50km, 25km and 10km. As the comprehensive website reads: the UTCP course will traverse the scenic and challenging mountain trails of Itogon, featuring a combination of pine forest trails, mountain ridgelines, technical single trails mixed with wider dirt roads, highland communities and amazing views overlooking the Cordillera.

Event venue will be the familiar John Hay Camp in Baguio, the city that functions as gateway to the Cordillera mountains, and which is connected to Manila and Clark. The 100km will be flagged off at 2 am on Saturday, with the 50km one hour later at 3 am. Elevation gain is estimated at 6600 hm for the 100k and 3300 for the 50k. Runners participating in the longest category have a cut-off time at the finish of 32 hours, those doing the 50k should return within 15 hours.

The UTCP website is a nice piece of work where you can find all other details, plus a great gallery of images to get you in the mood.