MT. APO SKY & VERTICAL RACE 2026
Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race on November 14-16, 2026 (Saturday to Monday) at Playa de Oboza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines. This event is in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sta Cruz and the Department of Tourism Davao Region.
Mt. APO is the highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of not more than 3,000 meters above sea level. This is the 9th edition from yr. 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and this year 2026 with only two (2) distances prepared: 100 Miles (160km) and 50 Miles (80km) categories. This has always been part of the Asia Trail Master series since the beginning, and also ITRA & UTMB points.
Both distances of 100 and 50 miles will summit Mt. APO, the highest peak in the Philippines. From the shoreline at the beach venue of Playa De Oboza, to the summit, and back to the beach. 100 miles will have 10,000 meters of elevation gain, with a 54-hour cut-off. And 50 miles is 4,500 meters of elevation gain with 30 hours to finish.
REGISTRATION PERIOD
*Starts – April 20, 2026
*Ends – October 14, 2026
REGISTRATION FEES
Local & International Athletes (Peso Payment / PHP & US Dollar Payment / USD)
*80KM – 6,000 php / $125 usd
*160KM – 10,000 php / $200 usd
LIMITED SLOTS ONLY
*160KM (100 miles) – 30 runners only
*80KM (50 miles) – 70 runners only
PAYMENT PROCEDURE
FOR LOCAL RUNNERS
*Gcash Payment: Romualdo Calbes 09255566692
*BPI Savings Account: 2149 1983 53
*Account Name: Romualdo B. Calbes
*Swift code: BOPIPHMM
*Branch Address: BPI Bank Matina Branch, Davao City, Philippines 8000
*Holder Address: Ma-a Davao City, Philippines
*Via Palawan Express Padala or M.Lhuillier
*Romualdo B. Calbes
Ma-a Davao City 8000
*0925-5566692
FOR FOREIGN & INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES
*Send Registration Fee via PayPal Account:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/verticaltosky
Please take note: We will not accept Local Payment (Pinoy registrant) through PayPal or else you will pay a Dollar amount. PayPal payment is intended for foreign and international participants only; the fee is quite higher due to PayPal regulation and other necessary fees.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
- *Email your deposit or payment slip, or screenshot to verticaltosky@gmail.com
- *Please wait within 24 hours for the response of your Reference Number to register on our Website.
- *Then wait for the Registration Confirmation of the organizer.
Registration Form
INCLUSION
*High Quality Finisher’s Lovely Shirt (Asian sizing) - both categories 50 & 100 miles
*High Quality Finisher's Medal – both categories 50 & 100 miles
*Buckle Finisher – exclusively for the 100 Miles only
*Trophies - Top 3 finishers (male & female) - both categories 50 & 100 miles
*Logistics (hauling, food, fluids, etc.)
*Trail Fees (trail enhancement, markings, etc.)
*Refreshments (all aid stations)
*Food / Snacks
*International Trail Running Association (ITRA) in Europe Performance Points
*Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in France Qualifying Points
*Asia Trail Master Grandmaster Quest 1 Point both categories - 100 miles and 50 miles distance
*FREE SLOTS for the Male & Female Champions, for the next V2S Mountain Race in Mindanao, Philippines
*No cash prizes!!
HIGHLIGHTS
*Lovely Endemic Birds along the course
*Single Track & Dirt Roads
*Pavement, farm to market road
*Mossy Forest Jungle
*Ridge Running
*High Altitude Running
*Wild berries & strawberries can be seen on trail
*Wild animals like monkeys & pigs can be seen on trails
*Sulfur & rock formation, etc. can be seen on boulders
*Balusong Waterfalls
*Lots of Nature Spring
*Hanging Bridges
*Boulder Face
*Rock Tower
*Crater Lake/ Mt. APO Lake
*Mt. APO Summit
*Bamboo Peak
*Mt. Leong trail Tubison (summit not included)
*Langan River
*Karankaran Peak
*Tambaraan Peak
*Mount Loay Peak
*Mount Tinako Peak
*Mount Byaon Peak
*Mount Dinor Peak
*Pilan River
*Tagaytay Peak
*Mt. Juloy trail (summit not included)
*Mt. Malusing trail (summit not included)
*Mt. Fortune Peak
*The lovely Playa De Oboza, Beach Resort
REQUIREMENTS (160KM & 80KM)
*At least a 100km finisher with 4,500 meters of elevation gain within 2 years time for the 100 Miles category, and 50km finisher trail race for the 80km category.
Please take note: Both 160km & 80km distances must provide the latest issue of “Fit to Run” Medical Certificate. Thank you.
MANDATORY CHECKLIST (160KM & 80KM)
*Hydration Pack - at least 1.5 liters
*Headlamp - with extra battery
*Whistle - remember the drill
*Jacket - waterproof/thermal
*Gloves - use in mountaineering/trailrunning, not in the ER
*Headwear - anything that covers your head, protects you from cold
*Trail Food - with ziplock and can last from AS to AS
*Cellphone - with load and fully charged battery (coverage up to Camp 2 only)
*MedKit - for LBM, stomach-ache, headache, emergency blanket, etc.
GUNSTART & CUT-OFF TIME
*160KM (100 miles) - 12:01AM Gunstart 14th November 2026 (Saturday) – 54 Hours to Finish
*80KM (50 miles) - 12:01AM Gunstart 14th November 2026 (Saturday) – 30 Hours to Finish
Please take note: Your gunstart is considered Friday midnight at 12:01am or Saturday early morning. Please be mindful of your time. Racekit Collection will be on Friday November 13, 2026 from 1-5pm and briefing around 3pm at the venue at Playa De Oboza, Beach Resort, then your Gunstart on midnight.
INTERMEDIATE CUT-OFF
*80KM (30H TO FINISH) - 12:01AM Gunstart (Saturday) - 1st cut-off @ 3pm on 14th November 2026 (Saturday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point and 2nd cut-off @ 6am on 15th November 2026 (Sunday) or 30 hours from gunstart at the finish line.
*160KM (54H TO FINISH) – 12:01AM Gunstart (Saturday) - 1st cut-off @ 3pm on 14th November 2026 (Saturday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point and 2nd cut-off @ 2am on 15th November 2026 (Sunday) or 26 hours from gunstart at proper Rizal. 3rd cut-off @ 4pm on 15th November 2026 (Sunday) at Sinoron Covered Court Drop-bag, then last and 4th cut-off @ 6am on 16th November 2026 (Monday) at the finish line.
DNF POINT (did not finish) or going to quit
*Barangay Hall Sibulan – 10km from Gunstart
*Lower Tibolo Aid Station – 23km mark
*Proper Jose Rizal barangay – 81km mark
*Junction Langan AS Barangay Coronon – 94km mark
*Sinoron Covered Court – around 115km mark
*Mt. Loay Elementary School AS – around 136 mark
*Patulangon near Elementary School – around 142km mark
AID STATIONS (subject to change for the convenience and safety of runners)
80KM – 6 Aid Stations, 1st AS around 10km, 2nd AS around 23km (drop-bag), 3rd AS around 33.5km, 4th AS around 53km, 5th AS around 63km (drop-bag), 6th AS around 73km water station before finish line
160KM - 14 Aid Stations
*1st AS around 10km – Barangay Sibulan
*2nd AS around 23km (drop-bag) – Lower Tibolo
*3rd AS around 33.5km – Sitio Colan
*4th AS around 53km – Sitio Colan
*5th AS around 63km (drop-bag) – Lower Tibolo
*6th AS around 74km – Bamboo Peak campsite
*7th AS around 76km – Bamboo Peak campsite (after Bamboo Peak summit)
*8th AS around 82km – junction Jose Rizal barangay proper
*9th AS around 94km – water station at junction Langan Coronon
*10th AS around 109km – foot of Tagaytay Peak after Pilan Bridge
*11th AS around 115km (drop-bag) – Barangay Sinoron covered court
*12th AS around 136km – Mt. Loay Elementary School
*13th AS around 142km – Patulangon Elementary School
*14th AS around 149km - water station at junction Langan Coronon
TECHNICAL LOVELY ROUTE
For 80km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Oboza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz – Barangay Hall Sibulan (rough road) 1st AS – then rough road mixed 3km single track – then another single track going to the Hanging Bridge – then switchback uphill – then rough road uphill mixed pavement going to Lower Tibolo AS (drop-bag) – then down to Balusong Waterfalls - Aboitiz Plant A - Tingting - Tudaya Elem. School - Upper Tudaya - Baruring - Desander - Sitio Colan - Sitio Tumpis - Camp 1 - Camp 2 - Boulder Face - Rock Tower - White Sand - 87 Degrees - Mt. APO Crater - Mt. APO Summit (Davao side, the 80km/160km turning point) - then back down to Colan AS, then to your Drop-Bag at Lower Tibolo - then back around 4km, then single track downhill going to Sibulan Bridge – then rough road and single track heading to your last AS. You have 2 drop bags, and pavement is just around 10km, mostly rough road, single track and boulders.
For 160km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Oboza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz – Barangay Hall Sibulan (rough road) 1st AS – then rough road mixed 3km single track – then another single track going to the Hanging Bridge – then switchback uphill – then rough road uphill mixed pavement going to Lower Tibolo AS (drop-bag) – then down to Balusong Waterfalls - Aboitiz Plant A - Tingting - Tudaya Elem. School - Upper Tudaya - Baruring - Desander - Sitio Colan - Sitio Tumpis - Camp 1 - Camp 2 - Boulder Face - Rock Tower - White Sand - 87 Degrees - Mt. APO Crater - Mt. APO Summit (Davao side, the 80km/160km turning point) - then back down to Colan AS, then to your Drop-Bag at Lower Tibolo - then back around 4km, then turn right at Landig 1 extension class – all single track rolling hills going to the Summit of Bamboo Peak – then back to Barangay Rizal proper – then from Rizal to Tubison trail and road going down to the highway – then 4km highway running heading to junction to Langan – then from Langan all single track going up, very high technical climbing all the ridges and peaks (the mighty Mt. Loay, Mt. Dinor and Mt. Tagaytay) – then down to your 3rd Drop-bag at Sinoron covered court – then from Sinoron to Saliducon single track mixed pavement going to the highway – then last 3 mountains to mount before heading to finish line. Pavement or concrete road around 30km, mostly rough road single track at the jungle forest of Mt. APO and other peaks.
HOW TO GET THERE
Participants from outside Mindanao, like Cebu, Manila, and Foreign Country, you can book your flight direct to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, Philippines. Davao airport is closer to Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur than any airport in Mindanao. We have direct international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, and of course local flights as well from Manila and Cebu.
From Davao airport you can take a cab (just outside the airport) going to Ecoland Bus Terminal Davao. Ecoland is only 12kms away from the airport and travel time is approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Then “Take a Bus” bound for Digos, Cotabato, Kidapawan, Malita, etc. and inform the driver or conductor that you're heading to Barangay Darong of Sta Cruz only. Landmark is after San Miguel Corporation is where Oboza Beach Resort is located (our venue) or before Sibulan Bridge. Travel time from Davao City to our venue is only 30-40 mins, or you can ride a “Taxi or Grab Car” at the airport, its only 30km+ from the city.
If you're lost and need directions, inform the Race Director right away. Romualdo Calbes, Mobile & WhatsApp/Viber: +63-9255566692.
WHERE TO STAY
*PLAYA DE OBOZA BEACH RESORT
Darong Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639086611966
*MGL RESTHOUSE AND FOODHOUSE
Zone 2, Highway, Sta Cruz Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639294472789 / +639568442896
*FOUR JEWELS PENSION HOUSE
Lubo Highway, Zone 2, Sta Cruz Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639985619278
*BAY CORONON BEACH RESORT
Coronon, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639100175051
*L’CIRCULIO SEA BLUE GARDEN RESORT
Coronon, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639088211770
*TAJOS BEACH WHITE HOUSE
Zone III, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639399379310
*3L’s BEACH RESORT
Coronon, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639052435791
*MIDORI FARM RESORT
Inawayan, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639090701076
*NANAY SOTING HOTEL BY THE SEA
Patulangon, Zone I, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639631885603
*BAGOBO CULTURAL VILLAGE
Kidaran, Tibolo, Sta Cruz Davao Del Sur
Contact No. +639465690015
You can book in advance your Accommodation, race schedule is confirmed. Thank you!
WHERE TO DINE
*TABING DAGAT RESTO
Patulangon, Zone 1, Highway, Sta Cruz
*NANAY SOTING RESTAURANT
Patulangon, Zone 1, Highway, Sta Cruz
*DOLLY’S HOUSE OF SEAFOODS
Malusing, Zone I, Sta Cruz Davao Del Sur
*HENRY’S PLACE
Astorga, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*NAY BING’S RESTAURANT
Astorga, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*VRC RESTAURANT
Zone III and Zone IV, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*YDUR’S RESTAURANT
Zone III, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*CAFE BERNADETTE
Zone III, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*SWEET MILES HAVEN
Tagabuli, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*KUSINA KABACAN
Patulangon, Zone I, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
*NINGNANG RESTAURANT
Bato, Tibolo, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur
FOR INQUIRIES:
You may contact Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur Tourism Office, Mobile No.: +639208567991 / +639075834020 / +639465690015
Rules And Regulations
1) RULES ON PAYMENT
*No refund of registration fee.
*No transfer of slot or selling of slot without knowledge of organizer.
*No upgrade or downgrade of category on the race day.
*No alibi shall be entertained - lost of deposit slip, etc.
*Sending fake deposit slip and lacking the amount paid is subject for absolute disqualification (DQ) and banning in the entire running community.
*Upon payment, do not give task to the organizer or race official to book your flight, etc. This act is subject for absolute disqualification (DQ).
*Upon payment, make sure to submit all necessary requirements. Failure to comply with one is not considered as registered runner.
*Upon payment, do not text or call constantly the organizer and race official for your registration. You need to scan email the deposit slip, other requirements, etc. and wait for the confirmation response.
*Upon payment, there is no refund for no qualifying race for the specific distance.
2) RULES ON RACEDAY
*The race will proceed rain or shine.
*On check-in, no entry form (with signature), no current medical certificate, no racebib, and other necessary docs, no run. Mandatory Gear check-in will be on your Race Kit Distribution & Briefing on November 13, 2026 (Friday) from 1:00 - 5:00PM only at Playa de Oboza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines.
*No hydration pack for 160km and 80km runners, no run.
*No mandatory equipment, no run.
*No ziplock for trailfood, no run. Let us avoid a single drop of wrapper or garbage in the wild and on the race route.
*PACER WILL BE ALLOWED, for the 100 miler only, and only 1 pacer allowed at Jose Rizal Barangay proper Aid Station (2nd cut-off or halfway), up to the finish line. Please register complete details of your pacer, no amount to pay.
*No trail cutting or shortcuts, runners should run on designated markers only. This will prevent maximum impact. Caught violating is absolutely disqualified and out of the course.
*No race bib, no run. Your bib must be worn and visible all the time.
*Both categories will have baggage counter near starting line, just look for the in charge.
*2 drop-bags for 80km runners (out & back), and 3 drop-bags for the 160km runners.
NOTE
*You can use trekking pole but I advise 2. This will avoid side/joint pain and trail imbalance.
*If you decide not to continue, you should inform the visible crew and walk to the nearest AID Station or DNF Point (see DNF point at Race Details) for your own safety and transport.
*If you have a complaint or protest against cheating, violation of rules and misconduct (ex. contacts, shouting on trails, tampering of markers, disrespect to the locals and personnel, etc.) you should put it in writing within 1 hour you cross the finish line and pay the LOYALTY Fee of PHP700.00.
*And please take note, bring extra money; you will shoulder your ride going to the venue if you DNF.
3) RULES ON CHECKPOINTS/CUT-OFF AREAS
*160km and 80km runners should check-in their respective bib number 1-2 hours before gun start.
*Mandatory Checkpoint at Sitio Colon for 80km & 160km runners before summiting Mt. APO Peak.
*Please read the Intermediate Cut-Off details above.
NOTE
*160km & 80km runners who arrived at Sitio Colan checkpoint and lacking of mandatory gear, are no longer allowed to continue the race.
*No bib or lost of bib number are not allowed to run the entire race course.
*Only the time of cut-offs are made to be final - for Race Result and for your personal or course record, nothing more nothing less.
4) DROP-OFF BAG
*Both 160km & 80km runners are entitled to have drop-off baggage. 2 drop-bags for 80km runners (out & back), and 3 drop-bags for the 160km runners.
*It must be collected @ Race Briefing on November 13, 2026 (Friday) around 1:00 - 5:00PM at Oboza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines.
*It must be marked with your bib name, number, and category.
*It must be put in a white plastic bag or drawstring bag.
*It must be light weight, not valuable and disposable if possible.
*Maximum weight of Drop Bag is only 2.5kgs, excess weight will no longer entertain.
*Food in your drop bag must be new and not decomposable in a day.
*Lost or damage of drop bag is not accountable to any Race Official. Make sure to repack it sturdy as oak tree.
*Remaining item of your drop bag must be collectible until 8am for the 80KM and 6pm for 160KM runners on November 15, 2026 (Sunday) at the venue baggage counter.
NOTE:
*Runners who are late to submit their dropbags (beyond 5pm on November 13, 2026) are entitled a PHP1,000.00 fee for private transport.
*You can put your trekking pole, food, etc. at your drop bag but make sure you have the complete Mandatory Equipment before climbing the summit.
*Pick-up point of your drop bags is at Lower Tibolo and Sinoron Covered court aid stations.
*Checking of your Mandatory Equipment is strictly implemented; lacking one is considered as Disqualified especially at Sitio Colan before climbing the summit.
5) POWER OF RACE DIRECTOR, RACE OFFICIAL & PERSONNEL
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director can stop the race at any moment for the safety of runners and participants.
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director can change, postpone or cancel the race schedule due to typhoon, fire, force majeure, etc. for the safety of runners and other participants.
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director, Race Officials and Personnel can change the designated post, checkpoints, turning points, etc. due to bad weather for the safety of runners and other participants.
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director can change the venue (start & finish), race course, aid station location, assigned crew and marshals for the benefit and safety of runners and other participants.
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director can impose disqualification to those runners who started late without prior consent.
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director, Race Officials and Personnel can impose disqualification to any runners who caught cheating, riding a “habal-habal”, bike, off-road jeep, personal vehicle or any means of transportation. (ex. horse, cow, carabao, etc.).
*The Race Director/Technical Race Director, Race Officials and Personnel can impose disqualification who are caught tampering the trail markings (changing and taking off), disrespect to race officials and fellow runners, shouting on trails, and other misconduct.
PROGRAM AND AWARDING
*November 13, 2026 (Friday) - Arrival of participants - whole day at the race venue
- Race briefing & kit distribution at the venue - 1pm to 5pm
*November 14, 2026 (Saturday) - Gunstart of 160km & 80km - 12:01am
*November 15, 2026 (Sunday) - Awarding Ceremony both categories - 9am onwards once the Top 3 Male & Female Arrives
Prepared by:
ROMUALDO CALBES
Race Director & Mountain Guide
CEO & President – V2S Mountain Sports Philippines
CEO & President - V2S Printing & Sports Apparel
Asia Trail Master (ATM) 2 Stars Grandmaster
(http://www.asiatrailmaster.com/romualdocalbes)
Email Address: verticaltosky@gmail.com
Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber: +63-9255566692
*Asia Trail Master: http://m.racetimingsolutions.com/profile?id=102091
*DUV Statistics: http://statistik.d-u-v.org/getresultperson.php?runner=591068
*ITRA Profile: https://www.itra.run/RunnerSpace/CALBES.Romualdo/1839291
*UTMB Profile: https://utmb.world/en/runner/1839291.romualdo.calbes
*Official Website: https://www.verticaltosky.com/
*Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/verticaltoskysports
*YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@verticaltoskysports
*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verticaltosky/
