Datu Salumay, better known as DASAL, is on for the 12th time already this weekend. The renowned Filipino event takes place in the Marilog District of Davao and is widely considered one of the very toughest trail races in Mindanao. Once again, runners can score a Grandmaster Quest point if they manage to complete the 80km race distane within the cut-off time.

“Beelieve you can” is the tagline of the event. The bee was intentionally chosen as the race’s official mascot to highlight the crucial role bees play in preserving the natural environment. Historically, the DASAL organisers have always cared about raising eco-awareness among the general population. In any case, participants on the 80km must believe in their capabilities as trail runners given the distance and the 5000 metres of elevation gain on often steep, technical terrain. Rain is also never excluded. Just like H1 in Philippines’ northern Luzon Province, DASAL seems to be a race everyone should have at least attempted once. This year, the 80km category has about 375 registered starters. The event itself has many hundreds more spread out over shorter distances, too. It’s a real trail running festival.

Last year, Jevie Cagatin and Shally Yuson were strongest in the male and female gender categories respectively. Shally Yuson is back again this weekend, along with other podium and victory candidates such as Mia Revilla - winner of BUTM 100 this year - and Anglie Guia Cabigas. Also Jevie Cagatin will be trying to repeat his victory from last year. For the big majority of participants, it will just be about finishing and scoring another Grandmaster point, however!

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

Heat & Run Trail Ultra is a new event in North Cotabato, Mindanao, organised by the Kampo and Mountaineers Trail Runners (KUMTR). The event has received the ATM Candidate Race label for its new edition on 13/14 February 2027. The main race category will be the 60km, which has an elevation gain of approx 2675 hm.

The main race is scheduled to start at 3 am and will have an 18-hour cut-off time at the finish.

The course features scenic yet technically challenging open mountain trails, rolling hills, river crossings showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Mindanao. KUMTR is fully committed to runner safety, eco-friendly trail management, and high-quality race execution. The goal of the event is to establish Heat and Run as a premier international ultra-trail event in North Cotabato, Mindanao, promoting sports tourism and community-led trail conservation.

The event venue is the Presbitero Elementary School, Brgy. Presbitero, Pigcawayan in North Cotabato. To reach the place, you could consider flying domestically to Awang Airport nearby. Cagayan de Oro, which lies north of Cotabato, is another possibility.

You can stay up-to-date with the event via its official facebook page, linked below.

An interesting new entry on the Grandmaster Quest calendar for 2027 is Pangantucan Ultra Trail. Organised by the Ultra Runner Republic - known from Mt Kalatungan Ultra - in collaboration with Sugar Cane Trail Ultra Runners, this event takes place in the southwestern part of Bukidnon in Mindanao, Philippines. On the programme for Grandmaster Quest point chasers is a 70km with approx 3000 metres of elevation gain. Rendez-vous on 20/21 February 2027.

As the aforementioned Kalatungan Ultra cannot be held for the time being, the Pangantucan Ultra Trail will honour the mountain nonetheless by providing stunning views of this fifth highest mountain in the Philippines. The 70km is described as a challenging route with a dirt road to a stunning view of one of the tourist destination,Lake Napalit. Also part of the trails are the famous Kimereges Blue Water and Kidanggin Hot Spring. Less ambitious runners can also choose a 42km and 21km option.

The main objective of the Pangantucan Ultra Trail, aside from promoting trail running as a healthy sport, is building camaraderie among runners and also to showcase the natural beauty of Pangantucan and its trails as an adventure and tourism destination.

All details can be obtained via the facebook page linked below. Note there is a fixed quota of 700 runners at most.

We are happy to announce a new ATM Candidate Race in the eastern Visayas of the Philippines. Sinirangan Trail Ultra will be held for the second time out of Tacloban City in Leyte with a 50km race as main distance category. Set up as a boutique event for proper trail running enthusiasts, the event is directed by Ray Neil Caminong and scheduled for 14/15 November.

The 50km race has considerable elevation gain with nearly 2800 hm. The start will be at midnight on Sunday, thus making it a Sunday race. Cut-off time at the finish will be after 16 hours. Note that there is a registration quota so if you want to be part of the event, sign up quickly. Less ambitious runners can also choose the 32km, 16km or 8km categories.

Sinirangan Trail Quest takes place where the sport remains relatively uncommon and unknown. The event aims to grow trail running culture and community in Tacloban City and Leyte.. The event seeks to promote local tourism by showcasing the area's mountain trails and natural landscapes, while supporting the local economy and communities near the race course. Ultimately, the event aspires to establish Tacloban City and the Leyte Province as a recognized international trail running destination in the Philippines.

You can find out more details on the official facebook page , and also sign up via Racemeister.

It was great to see a new ambitious event taking off in the Cordillera mountains near Baguio in Philippines last weekend. UTCP as the event is now commonly known did not miss its inaugural edition and opportunity as an ATM Candidate Race. A great line-up of trail runners from across the country and a solid organisational team made for a great weekend out of the John Hay camp, close to the city of Baguio. UTCP was serious stuff for runners, however. To the extent some participants argued it was perhaps a bit too technical. Finishing times reflect the tough terrain of the 100km and 50km race courses.

Fastest man on the 100km, named Saleng 100, was Ligorinson Abbugao in a time of 16h18’17”. That was one-and-a-half hours quicker than second-placed Dennies Lajada. Ronnel Valero took third in 18h21, followed by Rafy Ciano and Johnrey Espadon. In the womens’ 100km, Rhea Falitnang was once again outstanding and took the victory in 22h14. Elma Bengwasen and Maria Isabel Reyes were second and third in 24h12. Sandra Patricia Bernal and Grandmaster Ann. Jilian Pulanco finished in fourth and fifth place.

On the 50km we got pleasantly re-acquainted with Randolf Gonzales after a season away from the ATM circuit. Gonzales was fastest in 6h02, twenty minutes ahead of a strong John Taquiqui. They were well ahead of the other competitors, of whom Kart Russel Dela Cruz grabbed third place ahead of Albert Codamon and Vinson Ramos. Also the women’s 50km saw a nice battle for victory with Trisha Reyes eventually taking it in 8h53, just ahead of Myrna Batiyeg. Loraine Dulagan was third in 9h12. One of Philippines’ female trail legends Majo Liao made a nice appearance and finished fourth, ahead of Mercy Tacloy.

100km race winner Ligorinson Abbugao

Great to be back: Randolf Gonzales

Trisha Reyes, fastest woman on the 50km

Rhea Falitnag unbeatable on the women’s 100km

Maria Reyes : third on the 100km

The first edition of Zamboanga Ultra Trail, an ATM Candidate Race, took place last weekend in and around the home of Kik Suello. The 75km main race saw an exciting battle for victory between Exeqiel Velez, Ronie Jandong and Roel Castillo. They ran together, pushing one another to their limits until one finally fell behind. In the end, Exeqiel and Ronie reached the finish line together and decided to settle it, with Exeqiel Velez claiming victory followed by Ronie Jandong in 2nd place! Meanwhile, Mich Orbunda managed to still grab 3rd place.

In the women’s category, Shina Bernardo took home 1st place, while Grandmaster Realyn Lugo secured 2nd place.

The 6th edition of Sierra Madre Trail Ultra in the Rizal mountains east of Manila has been scheduled for 10/11 April 2027. Registration for this tough, but popular community race has just been opened.

For Season 6, the organisational team of Maharlika Trail Series is bringing you a re-engineered course that defines what true mountain running is all about. With 77.5 km of technical trails and nearly 4,800 meters of vertical climbing, this route will demand everything you’ve got—and give you an unforgettable finish in return. Sierra Madre Trail Ultra remains true to its origins: it’s 75+ km or bust. No short distance categories at this event. This means the organisation and the atmosphere in Sitio Wawa, Rodriguez, must be excellent in order to remain sustainable.

SMTU has also aligned itself with the other major mountain trail event in Luzon, the Philippine Mountain Trail Festival (PMTF), which includes the iconic H1 (Hardcore 100 Miles), taking place three weeks later. Those keen on. a good showing in H1 could see SMTU as an ideal last test for the miler. Both Kik Suello and Angelie Cabalo did just that in 2026, winning SMTU first and then H1. In times when the heart of Filipino trail running has moved south to Mindanao in recent years, in April 2027 it will certainly be beating first and foremost in Luzon.
The Cut-off time for Sierra Madre’s 77km race is 21 hours. Participants need to come mentally prepared as well as it’s usually hot, too, during the race. Registration and details can be found via the event’s facebook page. Sign up early and get rather significant discounts. You can click on the link button below.

The women’s top five in 2026

A new ATM Championship Qualifier in Philippines has opened registration for its second edition on 22/23 May 2027. Kibalabag Trail Ultra near Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, Mindanao, is the successor of Point Trail Ultra, but considered spicier and more technical. That’s also what the first edition - an ATM Candidate - showed us a few months ago. The highlands around the city are relentless and both the 70km and 42km race categories need to be taken very seriously. Kibalabag cannot be your first ultra.

Catering for lovers of tough mountain trails, the 70km course has a whopping 6000 metres of elevation gain to conquer. Even the 42km has an estimated 4000 hm. They are both characterized by densely forested and mountainous terrain, with a deep gorge carved by the Kibalabag River running lengthwise through the barangay. Both distance categories are qualifiers for the ATM Championship points ranking and the 70km is of course also a valid Grandmaster Quest distance. Please read the conditions of entry carefully on the registration portal, accessible via the link button below. Registration has just opened.

The precise course map will be made available soon. Race director is Silver 3-star Grandmaster Yoyong Sacayle, himself also a triple Championship Qualifier for Team Pilipinas, including in Vietnam two weeks ago.

While you will be tested on the trails, you will also be treated very well by the organisational team and by the enthusiastic trail running community in Bukidnon. Malaybalay is accessible via highway from Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Last weekend, the Dahilayan Baby Trail was held in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon - a new ATM Candidate Race by the MUSPO series team. The longest distance on offer was 42km with just under 1500 hm of elevation gain. Dahilayan is the name of a forest park at the foot of Mount Kitanglad.

The men’s 42km race saw an impressive performance by John Delgado, who crossed the finish line in 3h29’!! We are already looking forward to seeing him in a Championship Qualifier this new season. Delgado was more than an hour ahead of Jan Barangan and Melquisedec Akut.

In the women’s race, Jessa Vicente had the upper hand and finished first in 6h19. That was ten minutes quicker than Maricel Barde, who in turn was a few minutes ahead of Rechael Rosales.

We are happy to announce that Hamugaway Ultra Trail in Barangay Kibatang, Don Carlos, Bukidnon has entered the Grandmaster Quest calendar. The 2026 edition will take place just before Christmas on the weekend of 19/20 December. Organised by the MUSPO Team - known from the MUSPO Bukidnon 100 in July - the race to focus on is the 70km category, the minimum distance for a Grandmaster point.

Contrary to many other races in Mindanao, Hamugaway is considered runable with a total elevation gain not exceeding 2300hm for the 70km. The route is scenic and offers plenty of beautiful viewpoints. On paper, that means it is an ideal end-of-year run. Cut-off time is set at 20 hours, with the race flag off scheduled for 1 am on Sunday, 20 December. We are in Bukidnon, meaning air access can be either via Davao or Cagayan de Oro, but the organiser recommends flying into Davao for this one, if you are coming from abroad or from the other islands.

Less ambitious runners can also opt for a 42km, 21km or 10km race option. The MUSPO events have become very popular in the region over the past few years and Hamugaway is likely to fill up soon. Registration is open and can be accessed via the link button below.

Argel Dave Estrologo and Rearose Abi-abi ruled the F’lomlok Trail Run 70-kilometer held last September 5-6 at the Landan Elementary School in Polomolok, South Cotabato. The event received the ATM Candidate Race label. Local runners had the upper hand in the competition, with the 70k as the main distance category and a potential new Grandmaster Quest race for next season.

Estrologo of Tupi, South Cotabato clocked 15 hours, 4 minutes & 38 seconds to win the men’s open 70km race. Second was 37-year-old Anthony Tenefrancia, also of Tupi at 15:08:12 followed by Roger Piloton [15:11:08]. Abi-abi, on the other hand, finished 5th overall and the first in the women’s side at 17:13:46. Jonalyn Sevilla [20:32:10] is second followed by Hannah Aivie Miranda [20:32:14].

Lawyer Kathrina Vanessa Hagoriles of the Lady Justice Endurance Events is the race chairman. She recently also became an official ATM Grandmaster.