Mt. Apo Sky & Vertical Race

MT. APO SKY & VERTICAL RACE 2025

Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race on November 29-30, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) 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, Provincial Tourism of Davao Del Sur, and Department Of Tourism Davao Region.

Mt. APO is the highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation not more than 3,000 meters above sea level. This is the 8th edition from yr. 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and this year 2025 with only four (4) distances prepared -100Miles (160km), 50Miles (80km), 42KM and 21KM category. This is always part of Asia Trail Master series since the beginning. This year, the 100 miles and 50miles are Grandmaster Quest Point, and Championship Points are the 42km distance and 100 miles also.

Please be reminded that only the 100 miles (160km) and 50 miles (80km) will summit Mt. APO, the highest peak in the Philippines. Thank you. ;)

DISTANCES & SLOTS

*21KM – 50 slots
*42KM – 75 slots
*80KM – 63 slots
*160KM – 37 slots
Please take note: No reservation of slots!

REGISTRATION FEES

For Local Athletes (Peso Payment / PHP)
*21KM – 1,500 php
*42KM – 3,000 php
*80KM – 6,000 php
*160KM – 10,000 php

For Foreign & International Athlete (US Dollar Payment / USD)
*21KM - $35 usd
*42KM - $70 usd
*80KM - $125 usd
*160KM - $205 usd

PAYMENT PROCEDURE

FOR LOCAL RUNNERS

*Gcash Payment: Romualdo Calbes 09255566692
*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 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 intended for foreign and international participants only, 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

REGISTRATION PERIOD

*Starts – August 28, 2025
*Ends – October 29, 2025

INCLUSION

*High Quality Finisher’s Lovely Shirt (Asian sizing) - all 4 categories
*High Quality Finisher's Medal – all 4 categories
*Buckle Finisher – exclusively for the 100 Miles only
*Trophies - Top 3 finishers (male & female) - all 4 categories
*Logistics (hauling, food, fluids, etc)
*Trail Fee (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 Championship Points 100 miles and 42km, and Grandmaster Point for 100 miles and 80km category
*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

GUNSTART & CUT-OFF TIME

*160KM - 12:01AM Gunstart 29th November 2025 (Saturday) – 48 Hours to Finish
*80KM - 12:01AM Gunstart 29th November 2025 (Saturday) – 27 Hours to Finish
*42KM - 4:00AM Gunstart 30th November 2025 (Sunday) – 14 Hours to Finish
*21KM – 5:30AM Gunstart 30th November 2025 (Sunday) – 6 Hours and 30 Mins to Finish

Please take note: for 160km, 80km and 42km category, no headlamp, no extra battery, no jacket, and no gloves - no run!

INTERMIDIATE CUT-OFF

*21KM (6 HOURS & 30 MINS TO FINISH) – 5:30AM Gunstart (Sunday), cut- off around 12nn at the finish line. No in between cut-off.
*42KM (14H TO FINISH) - 4:00AM Gunstart (Sunday), cut- off around 6pm at the finish line. No in between cut-off.

*80KM (27H TO FINISH) - 12:01AM Gunstart (Saturday) - 1st cut-off @ 3pm on 29th November 2025 (Saturday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point and 2nd cut-off @ 3am on 30th November 2025 (Sunday) or 27 hours from gunstart at the finish line.
*160KM (48H TO FINISH) – 12:01AM Gunstart (Saturday) - 1st cut-off @ 3pm on 29th November 2025 (Saturday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point and 2nd cut-off @ 10pm on 29th November 2025 (Saturday) or 22 hours from gunstart at proper Rizal. 3 rd cut-off @ 12nn on 30 th November 2025 (Sunday) at Sinoron Covered Court Drop-bag, then last and 4 th cut-off @ 12mn on 30 th Novmber 2025 (Sunday) at the finishline.

DNF (did not finish) POINT

*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
*Pilan Bridge AS – around 128km mark
*Mt. Loay Elementary School AS – around 136 mark
*Patulangon near Elementary School – around 142km mark

TECHNICAL ROUTE

For 21km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz – Barangay Hall Sibulan (rough road) – then loop around 3.5km single track - then back to Playa De Oboza, finish line. Only around 4km+ pavement, mostly rough road or offroad route.

For 42km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz – Barangay Hall Sibulan (rough road) – then rough road mixed 3km single track going to 2 nd AS – then another single track going to the Hanging Bridge – then switchback uphill – the rough road uphill mixed pavement going to Lower Tibolo AS – then back around 4km, the single track going to Sibulan Bridge – then rough road and single track heading to your last AS - then back to Playa De Oboza, finish line. Only around 8km+ pavement, mostly rough road or offroad route.

For 80km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz – Barangay Hall Sibulan (rough road) – then rough road mixed 3km single track going to 2 nd AS – then another single track going to the Hanging Bridge – then switchback uphill – the 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 turning point) - then back down to your Drop- Bag at Lower Tibolo - then back around 4km, the single track going to Sibulan Bridge – then rough road and single track heading to your last AS. You have 2 drop bags, pavement is just around 10km, mostly rough road, single track and boulder.

For 160km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz – Barangay Hall Sibulan (rough road) – then rough road mixed 3km single track going to 2 nd AS – then another single track going to the Hanging Bridge – then switchback uphill – the 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 turning point) - then back down 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 3 rd 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.

AID STATIONS

21KM – 2 Aid Stations, 1 st AS around 7.5km and 2 nd AS around 15km

42KM – 4 Aid Stations, 1 st AS around 7.5km, 16km 2 nd AS, 23km 3 rd AS, and 34km 4 th AS

80KM – 7 Aid Stations, 1 st AS around 7.5km, 16km 2 nd AS, 23km 3 rd AS (drop-bag), 33.5km 4 th AS, 53km 5 th AS, 63km 6 th AS (drop-bag), 74km 7 th AS

160KM - 16 Aid Stations
*1 st AS around 7.5km – Purok Cardava
*16km 2 nd AS – Sitio Balabag
*23km 3 rd AS (drop-bag) – Lower Tibolo
*33.5km 4 th AS – Sitio Colan
*53km 5 th AS – Sitio Colan
*63km 6 th AS (drop-bag) – Lower Tibolo
*74km 7 th AS – Bamboo Peak campsite
*76km 8 th AS – Bamboo Peak campsite
*82km 9 th AS – Jose Rizal barangay proper
*94km 10 th AS – Junction Langan Coronon
*105km 11 th AS – Mt. Dinor Campsite
*115km 12 th AS (drop-bag) – Sinoron covered court
*128km 13 th AS – Pilan River highway
*136km 14 th AS – Mt. Loay Elementary School
*142km 15 th AS – Patulangon Elementary School
*149km 16 th AS – Junction Langan Coronon

MANDATORY CHECKLIST (100 Miles, 80KM, 42KM)

*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 100miles and 80k)
*MedKit - for LBM, stomach-ache, headache, emergency blanket, etc.
*Extra Money - for emergency transportation & snacks at the local store
*For 21km category – at least you have water bottle and trail food.

REQUIREMENTS (160KM, 80KM & 42KM)

*At least a 100km finisher with 4,500 meters of elevation gain within 2 years time for the 100 Miles category, and 42km finisher trail race for 80km category, and 21km trail finisher for 42km distance.
*For 21km, at least you run. The route was designed for the beginners, kids and seniors. Thank you!
Please take note: 160km, 80km and 42km distance must provide latest issue of “Fit to Run” Medical Certificate. Thank you.

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, and ofcourse local flight 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 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/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

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 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 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 28, 2025 (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, 80km and 42km, 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 from the halfway mark at Jose Rizal Barangay proper, up to the finish line. Please registered complete details of your pacer.
*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 42km and 21km runners. Only baggage counter near starting line.
*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 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/CUT-OFF AREAS

*160km, 80km, 42km and 21km 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, 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 160km & 80km runners are entitled to have drop-off baggage.
*It must be collected @ Race Briefing on November 28, 2025 (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 3PM only on November 30, 2025 (Sunday) at the venue baggage counter.

NOTE:
*Runners who are late to submit their dropbags (beyond 5pm on November 28, 2025) are entitled a PHP1,000.00 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 and Sinoron Covered court (3 rd drop bag for the 160km runners).
*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 28, 2025 (Friday) - Arrival of participants - whole day
- Race briefing & kit distribution at the venue - 1pm to 5pm

*November 29, 2025 (Saturday) - Gunstart of 160km & 80km - 12:01am

*November 30, 2025 (Sunday) - Gunstart of 42km - 4:00am
- Gunstart of 21km - 5:30am
- Awarding Ceremony all categories - 9am onwards
- Fellowship or Socials on the evening!

Prepared by:
ROMUALDO CALBES
Race Director & Mountain Guide
CEO – V2S Sports Philippines & V2S Product
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 Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/@verticaltoskysports
*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verticaltosky/