Mt. Apo Sky & Vertical Race

MT. APO SKY & VERTICAL RACE

Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race on December 16-18, 2022 at Playa de Obuza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines. This event is in partnership with Local Government Unit of Sta Cruz, Provincial Tourism of Davao Del Sur, Department Of Tourism Davao Region (DOT XI), and Boulder Face Challenge.

Mt. APO is the highest mountain in Philippines with an elevation not more than 3,000 meters above sea level. This is the 5th edition from yr. 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and this year 2022. This edition is the most prestige because we have the Asia Trail Master finale or the Championship race of the world class Asia Trail Master series.

Distances & Slots

100km - 100 slots only (50 international athletes & 50 local mountain runners)

50km - 100 slots only (50 international athletes & 50 local mountain runners)

75km - exclusively for the top runners of each country representative

ENTRANT FEE

For Local Registration (PHP)
50km category - P3,500
100km category - P6,000

*For International Athletes (USD)
50km category - $85
100km category - $135

PAYMENT PROCEDURE

FOR LOCAL RUNNERS

*Deposit: BPI Savings Account -2149 1983 53
*Account Name: Romualdo B. Calbes
*Swiftcode: 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 INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES
*Send Entry Fee via Paypal Account:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/verticaltosky

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

Email your deposit/payment slip to verticaltosky@gmail.com
We will send you a confirmation email along with your waiver and reference number that you need for the registration form.
Fill out the form completely through the link below and submit.

Registration Form

You will then receive an email from V2S for the status of your registration within 24 hours.

INCLUSION

*Event & Finisher Shirt (Asian sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL) - both categories
*Finisher's Medal - both categories
*Trophies - top 3 finishers (male & female), both categories
*Logistics (hauling, food, fluids, etc)
*Trail Fee (markings, etc)
*Refreshments (all aid stations) *International Trail Running Association (ITRA) in Europe Performance Points
*Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in France Qualifying Points
*Asia Trail Grandmaster Quest Point & Runners Points
*FREE SLOTS for the Male & Female Champions, for the next V2S Mountain Race in Mindanao, Philippines
*No cash prize!!

COURSE DESCRIPTION

*100% Technicalities both categories
*Forest, boulders, ridges, river crossing, open trail, dirt roads, single tracks, only 10% pavements
*35km+ out & back with 2 loops for 100km category
*25km+ out & back for 50km category
*River crossing all categories
*Ridge running at Tingting both categories
*Jungle trails both categories
*Boulder route (3km+) and summit turning point for 100km & 75km Runners
*Normal Temperature is very windy (open trail) and very cold @ the forest & summit

HIGHLIGHTS

*Single Track & Dirt Roads
*Mossy Forest Jungle
*Ridge Running
*High Altitude Running
*River Crossing
*Balusong Waterfalls
*Nature Spring
*Boulder Face
*Rock Tower
*Crater Lake/ Mt. APO Lake
*Mt. APO Summit
*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

TECHNICAL ROUTE

For 50km Runners Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz - Barangay Hall Sibulan - Mt. APO Elementary School - Kabarizan (Gabrillo's Store) - River Crossing - Lower Tibolo - Balusong Waterfalls - Aboitiz Plant A - Tingting - Tudaya Elem. School - Upper Tudaya (50km turning point) - then back Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort finishline.

For 100km Runners
Start/Finish @ Playa de Obuza Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz - Barangay Hall Sibulan - Mt. APO Elementary School - Kabarizan (Gabrillo's Store) - River Crossing - Lower Tibolo - 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 100km turning point) - then back down to Barangay Hall Sibulan - 1st Loop back of Sibulan Barangay Hall - Patay Sapa - Ayala Coconut Plantation - back to Sibulan Barangay Hall - 2nd Loop to Bagsakan - Barangay Landig - Lower Tibolo - then back to Kabarizan (Gabrillo's Store) - Barangay Hall Sibulan - then Finish Line to Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort.

FOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUTE Start/Finish @ Playa de Obuza Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz - Barangay Hall Sibulan - Mt. APO Elementary School - Kabarizan (Gabrillo's Store) - River Crossing - Lower Tibolo - Balusong Waterfalls - Aboitiz Plant A - Tingting - Tudaya Elem. School - Upper Tudaya - 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 100km turning point) - then back to Playa de Obuza finish line.

CUT-OFF TIME & GUNSTART

100KM (32H TO FINISH) - 10:00PM Gunstart - (16th December 2022 - Friday) - 1st cut-off - 1pm on 17th December 2022 (Saturday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point or around 39km from starting point.
2nd cut-off - 6:00am on 18th December 2022 (Sunday) or 32 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.

50KM (15H TO FINISH) - 3:00PM Gunstart - (17th December 2022 - Saturday) - 1st cut-off - 12mn on 18th December 2022 (Sunday) or 9 hours from gunstart @ upper Tudaya (50km turning point), 25km+ mark and 6 more hours to finish line.
2nd cut-off - 6am on 18th December 2022 (Sunday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.

75KM (24H TO FINISH) - For Championship Category 4:00AM Gunstart - (17th December 2022 - Saturday) - Female Top Runners 5:00AM Gunstart (17th December 2022 - Saturday) - Male Top Runners Female Elites 1st cut-off - 4pm on 17th December 2022 (Saturday) or 12 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point. 2nd cut-off - 4:00am on 18th December 2022 (Sunday) or 24 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.Male Elites 1st cut-off - 5pm on 17th December 2022 (Saturday) or 12 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point. 2nd cut-off - 5:00am on 18th December 2022 (Sunday) or 24 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.

Note for both categories: No headlamp, no extra battery, no jacket, and no gloves - no run!!

AID STATIONS & REFRESHMENT

100KM - 11 AID STATIONS
10km @ Barangay Hall Sibulan
*19km @ Lower Tibolo (drop-bag)
*24km @ Lower Tudaya
*31km @ Sitio Colan
*49km @ Sitio Colan
*56km @ Lower Tudaya
*61km @ Lower Tibolo (drop-bag)
*70km @ Barangay Hall Sibulan
*77km @ Barangay Hall Sibulan
*82km @ Lower Tibolo (drop-bag)
*91km @ Barangay Hall Sibulan
*101km Finish Line!!
50KM - 6 AID STATIONS
*10km @ Sibulan Barangay Hall
*19km @ Lower Tibolo
*24km @ Lower Tudaya
*28km @ Lower Tudaya
*33km @ Lower Tibolo
*42km @ Sibulan Barangay Hall
*52km Finish Line!!
75KM - 8 AID STATIONS
*10km @ Barangay Hall Sibulan
*19km @ Lower Tibolo
*24km @ Lower Tudaya
*28km @ Sitio Colan
*47km @ Sitio Colan
*52km @ Lower Tudaya
*57km @ Lower Tibolo
*66km @ Barangay Hall Sibulan
*76km Finish Line!!

DNF POINT
*For 100km - at Sitio Colan, Barangay Hall Sibulan, Kabarizan Gabrillo's Store, Lower Tibolo
*For 50km - at Barangay Hall Sibulan, Kabarizan Gabrillo's Store, Lower Tibolo
*For 75km - at Sitio Colan, Barangay Hall Sibulan, Kabarizan Gabrillo's Store, Lower Tibolo

NOTE: You will shoulder the DNF fee -P300 @ Barangay Hall Sibulan & Kabarizan Gabrillo’s Store or P800 @ Lower Tibolo & Sitio Colan for your habal-habal ride.

MANDATORY CHECKLIST (100k, 50k, 75k)

*Hydration Pack - at least 1.5 liters
*Headlamp - with extra battery
*Whistle - remember the drill
*Jacket - water proof/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 charge battery (coverage up to Camp 2 only for 100k)
*MedKit - for LBM, stomach-ache, headache, emergency blanket, etc.
*Extra Money - for emergency transportation & snacks at the local store

REQUIREMENTS (100k & 50k)

At least a 42km finisher for the 100km category and 21km finisher for 50km category, mountain races and not a whiner. Must be 18 years of age, if not, must provide parent consent and must have current Medical Certificate (2022 December issue).
NOTE: Strong Finisher (major category) of Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race, The Punisher 50 and Mt. Hamiguitan Trail Race & Everesting Mount Loay 100k is highly qualified to run this race.

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 flight from Hong Kong, Singapore, Manado Indonesia, & Sabah Malaysia.
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 Obuza Beach Resort 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 at the airport, its only 30km+ from the city.
If you're lost and need direction, inform right away the Race Director. Romualdo Calbes, Mobile & Whatsapp: +63-9255566692.

ACCOMMODATION

SOTING RESTO & HOTEL BY THE SEA
Contact No. +63-9469473526/+63-9297182667
TABING DAGAT FAMILY INN
Mr. Leonardo Pesante +63-9487683143
4 JEWELS HOTEL
Ms. Letty +63-9097543395
MGL Hotel
Ms. Mercy +63-9075307415
Bay Coronon Beach Resort
Contact No +63-9100175000
L'CIRCULIO SEA BLUE GARDEN RESORT
Contact No. +63-9513835297
PLAYA de OBUZA BEACH RESORT
our venue -for assistant you may contact Ms. Letlet, Tourism Officer +63-9502680831

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 one is not consider 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 100km & 50km entrant who did not qualify (no 42km & 21km mountain finisher proof) and yet made the payment, sorry mate no exception.

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 December 16, 2022 (Friday) from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Playa de Obuza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines.
*No hydration pack for 100km, 50km and 75k, 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.
*No pacer allowed. You are your own. (except if you have previous history of illness, inform immediately the organizer)
*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.
*No drop-off bag for 50km and 75km runners. Only baggage counter near starting line.

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 complain 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 into writings within 1 hour you cross the finish line and pay the LOYALTY Fee of PHP700.00.

3) RULES ON CHECKPOINTS

*100km, 50km and 75km runners should check-in their respective bib number 1-2 hours before gun start.
*1st Checkpoint @ Upper Tudaya or AS 3 around 25km+ from gun start. 50km runners (only) should present their bib number at the assigned Race Official and make sure it's recorded before leaving. This is the Turning Point of 50km category. *2nd Checkpoint @ Sitio Colan or AS 4 around 31km+ for 100km runners and around 28km+ for 75km runners, both categories should present their bib number and make sure it's recorded before leaving.
*3rd Checkpoint @ The Summit turning point, both category -100km & 75km runners should present their bib number and make sure it's recorded before leaving the turning point.
*4th Checkpoint @ the Finish Line. All runners (100km, 75km, 50km) should present their bib numbers to the Race Official right after crossing the finish line. NOTE
*100km and 75km runners who arrived at Sitio Colan checkpoint and lacking of mandatory gear, is 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

*Only the 100km runners are entitled to have drop-off baggage.
*It must be collected @ Race Briefing on December 16, 2022 (Friday) around 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Obuza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines.
*It must be marked with your bib name and number.
*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 2kgs , 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 9:00 AM only on December 18, 2022 (Sunday) at the venue baggage counter.

NOTE:
*Runners who are late to submit their dropbags (beyond 4pm on December 18, 2022) are entitled a PHP800.00 fee for 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 bag is at Lower Tibolo or 2nd Aid Station.
*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

*December 15, 2022 (Thursday) - Arrival of participants - whole day

*December 16, 2022 (Friday) - Press conference - 9am onwards
- Race briefing & kit distribution - 1pm to 5pm
- Gunstart of 100km category - 10pm

*December 17, 2022 (Saturday) - Gunstart of 75km female top runners - 4am
- Gunstart of 75km male top runners - 5am
- Gunstart of 50km category - 3pm
- Estimated Male and Female Championship Finish - 4-5pm

*December 18, 2022 (Sunday) - Awarding Ceremony all categories - 9am onwards
- Fellowship of the Ring after awarding! ☺