Philippine Mountain Trail Festival

It was my second DNF at this race. But route, the people, the communities being traversed will surely keep me coming back.

A superb event!

The 50-miler in Kayapa was one of the hardest races I have ever experienced. Even though it was “only” 77 kilometers, the nearly 5,000 meters of elevation gain, combined with the intense heat and technical terrain, made every kilometer feel much longer. The climbs were relentless and the descents were brutal on the legs.

Despite how difficult the race was, it was also one of the most beautiful. The mountain views were incredible and made the suffering worth it.

The organizing committee also deserves a lot of praise. From the race kit claiming, the venue preparation, and even the apps they required participants to install, everything was organized professionally and smoothly. I also appreciated how strict they were with mandatory gear checking. It showed that the organizers truly prioritized the safety of every runner, which is very important in a race this challenging.

The aid stations were another highlight. They were well stocked with food, and the volunteers were very supportive and welcoming. In such a difficult race, those aid stations gave runners both physical and mental strength to keep going.

This race humbled me, challenged me, and reminded me why I love trail running. Definitely one of the toughest and most memorable races I have done.

The experience was great, and the route was brutal especially the last two segments but I really enjoyed the whole experience. The marshals were incredibly helpful throughout the race. I’ll definitely come back for the next edition.

Tough ascending and descending with scenic view. Friendly support and well marked routes. Hope to have more mountain trails. Food wise limited foods selection especially for vegan/vegetarian. Aid stations many housefly on the foods.

The best world class unforgettable experience

The course was difficult as expected, a true test of grit, resilience, and perseverance. But that is trail running – PMTF made me appreciate the sport more. Will definitely go back. The marshals were trained and knowledgeable of runners’ needs. They were dedicated to their duties. The aid stations were packed with filling food that can replenish runners of any distance. Truly appreciate that. The course was well marked and and well thought off. The maps were provided ahead of time. Overall, it was professionally organized.