It does feel like trail running is making a bit of a comeback in the mountainous Cordillera region in Luzon, Philippines. That’s something that can only be applauded. In pre-covid years, the Cordilleras were pretty much in the spotlight in ATM every season. Afterwards, things quietened down a lot. PMTF has been there of course, but technically Nueva Vizcaya is not part of the Cordillera region.
We are therefore happy to announce a second ATM Candidate Race to take place in the region, just a few weeks after UTCP. The Great Cordillera 100 has big ambitions and will be held on the weekend of 13/14/15 November. Organised by RiCON, the event features several race distance categories with start and finish in the familiar Camp John Hay in Baguio, the city that functions as the gateway to the mountain area. Flagship race is of course the 100km. The course is built on two distinct loops that connect Mt. Marikit, Mt. Bidawan, Mt. Kotkot, Mt. Palanchey and Mt. Ulap. The course moves through pine forest ridges, eight river crossings and the mountain villages of Itogon, Benguet. It tops out at Mt. Ulap, with open ridgeline views across the Cordillera range. The aim is for runners to experience the full character of the Cordillera, its landscape and its communities, in one race. The 100km is serious business, though. It has an estimated 6660 metres of elevation gain for 103km and a cut-off time of 32 hours. The highest peak of the race is 1800 metres above sea level, so that is still quite modest for a Cordillera race. Note that the 100k starts on Friday night at 11 pm.
There is also a challenging 60k race category with 3700 hm of elevation gain and a cut-off time of 18 hours. No doubt that participants will need to keep moving. Less ambitious runners can also opt for a 21km or a 10km.
People keen on taking part should register quickly and be very mindful of the mandatory gear requirements and the race schedule including the various cut-off times at checkpoints along the way. You can find all details on the event’s facebook page linked below.
Provisional course map of the 100k
Provisional profile map
