MT. APO SKY & VERTICAL RACE RESULT 2019

Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines
April 13-14, 2019

MT. APO SKY & VERTICAL RACE RESULT 2018

Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines
April 21-22, 2018

Mt. APO is the highest mountain in the Philippines with almost 3,000 MASL high. This year’s edition has 3 categories -100km with elevation gain/loss of not more than 8,000 meters, 50km with almost 4,000 meters of climb, and 15km vertical kilometer. This year we have 18 countries representative, 31 foreign athletes and a total of 178 registered mountain runners. The race started at proper Sta. Cruz at 20 meters asl, a long and tough climb up the highest peak in the country. Finisher rate for this year’s 100km edition of Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race is at 21%.

The cut-off time around 11am (Saturday April 21) at Sitio Colan or 6th aid station or the last 7km+ to the summit turning point was strictly imposed at 43km mark for safety purposes. The last 7km+ stretch to the summit turning point is the most difficult part of the course; it’s a very long climb in the jungle and the boulderface part of Mt. APO, weather is unpredictable especially at night, it could at times get very cold and windy. Paths are sometimes blanketed by sea of clouds which will make it more challenging to reach the summit. The time has been calculated based on the amount of time the fastest (3 to 4 hours), average runners/climber can reach the summit (5 to 6 hours), taking in consideration that one has already been running or climbing for the last 11 hours with 43 worth of kilometres covered.

Probably next year I will make some changes, maybe an early gunstart and adjustment with the cut off time so that everyone will reach at this point on time. The 3 peaks however, will remain part of the course.

To address the incident on why I forced to stop some of the 50km runners on course and cut the distance short for the 100km runners. Yes, there was gunfight with the rebels and army at neighbouring Barangay/Sitio called Bayungon, near Siminto Tubison Astorga. This is few kilometres away or above from Simito church, not on the trails of Mt. APO Skyrace. 6kms away from Kiblan or 8kms away from Sibulan station. When the Tribal leaders called me around 2pm (Saturday April 21) and informed me about the gunfight at Bayungon, I immediately gave them instructions to secure the 7 runners and take them to Barangay Astorga. From there, a call was made to the AFP and PNP. The runners were then safely transported to the venue. I know they heard the gunfight; my sincere apology, we don’t have any intention to cause distress. And to the 100km runners who reached Sibulan Station (75km mark) starting 2pm onwards, I’m so sorry to cut the distance short. This is all for our safety.

Always thankful to all your support! LGU Sta Cruz, Department Of Tourism XI, Tourism Promotional Board, Davao City, Department of Environmental Natural Resources, and Visit Davao Summer Festival. And to all our Sponsors -San Miguel, Aboitiz, Sea Oil, R.O.X., Airasia, Bonamine, Cebu Pacific, Globe, Flanax, Tanduay, Tempra, Ultron, Truestart, Qoolmart, Compressport, Trail Junkie, Tagakan, and Anflocor. Daghang salamat!

And to the backbone of this race thank you so much! My Team Vertical To Sky Mountain Runners who manned the summit turning point (and sweeper), Sibulan aid station, and the starting line. Sandawa APO & M’lang mountaineers who were assigned from Colan aid station up to summit of Mt. APO. Team Brad who crew the second river crossing (marshalls, photographer, and sweeper) and Balusong Waterfalls 5th aid stations at Lower Tibolo. Tibungko and Davao mountaineers who were assigned at 1st aid station, Mt, Juloy Peak, Mt. Loay Peak, Kiblan 2nd aid station, Mt. Leong Peak, and 3rd aid station at Tubison who prepared the Arozcaldo & Coconut Juice with milk (lamaw) at 700masl aid station. Team Dasigun, who captured memorable moments of runners at the summit of Mt. Leong. To the Army Rangers who manned the most critical part of the route, the 1 meter wide ridge from Mt. Loay Peak (10km mark) down to 2nd Aid Station at Kiblan (13km mark), I know some of the runners has misjudged your appearance and shared some false stories in social media. Ps. If you have any issues (complaints, encountered any form of harassment, etc) you can contact me directly or contact the LGU Sta Cruz regarding this matter, not on Facebook. Thank you very much for all your support!

My warm and extended gratitude to all the people and individuals who helped us out in making this race a success! PNP, ARMY, Tribals, LGU Sta Cruz, Rescue and Medics, Barangay Officials, Locals, Mindanao Running Team & Mountaineering Group, VDSF, and of course to all the participants who participated in this year’s 1st 100km Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race. Daghang salamat sa inyong suporta!!

And to the Almighty Father, thank you so much for thy gift of strength, knowledge and understanding. Thank you so much for keeping us safe and making this race successful.

Congratulations everyone! Be blessed! ;)