Mt. Apo Sky & Vertical Race

MT. APO SKY & VERTICAL RACE

Mt. APO Sky & Vertical Race on November 30-December 1, 2024 at Playa de Obuza 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, Department Of Tourism Davao Region (DOT XI), and Boulder Face Challenge.

Mt. APO is the highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation not more than 3,000 meters above sea level. This is the 7th edition from yr. 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and this year 2024 with only four (4) distances prepared -100km, 50km, 21km and 7km category. This edition is also part of Asia Trail Master series.

Please be reminded that only the 100km distance will summit Mt. APO peak, the highest rooftop in the Philippines. Thank you. ;)

Distances & Slots

100KM – 70 runners only

50KM – 60 runners only

21km – 50 runners only

7km – 40 runners only

ENTRANT FEE

For Local Registration (PHP)
7km category - P1,500
21km category - P2,000
50km category - P3,000
100km category - P5,000

*For International Athletes (USD)
7km category - $35
21km category - $45
50km category - $65
100km category - $95

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

*RACE TECH Philippines registration: https://racetechph.com/racedetails/10253

-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.

REGISTRATION PERIOD

*Starts – July 15, 2024
*Ends – October 20, 2024

INCLUSION

*Mt. APO Skyrace Running Shorts (Asian sizing) - all 4 categories
*Mt. APO Skyrace Finisher’s Polo Shirt (Asian sizing) - all 4 categories
*High Quality Finisher's Medal – 100km, 50km and 21km categories
*High Quality Key Chain for 7km category
*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 & Grandmaster Points
*FREE SLOTS for the Male & Female Champions, for the next V2S Mountain Race in Mindanao, Philippines
*No cash prizes!!

COURSE DESCRIPTION

*100% Technicalities both categories, 100km and 50km distance
*Forest, boulders, ridges, river crossing, open trail, dirt roads, single tracks, only 10% pavements
*35km+ out & back with 2 loops for 100km category
*21km+ out & back for 50km category
*10.5km+ out & back for 21km category
*3km loop and 2km out and back for 7km category
*River crossing for 100km and 50km categories
*Ridge running at Tingting both 100km & 50km categories
*Jungle trails both 100km and 50km categories
*Only 5km pavement for the 21km category and the rest is dirt road
*3km pavement for the 7km category and 4km trails
*Boulder route (3km+) and summit turning point for 100km runners
*Normal Temperature is very windy (open trail) and very cold @ the forest & summit

HIGHLIGHTS

*Lovely Endemic Birds along the course
*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 7km Runners Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz - Looping around Landing - and then back to the venue finish line.

For 21km Runners
Start/finish @ Playa de Obuza, Beach Resort, Barangay Darung Sta Cruz - Barangay Hall Sibulan (turning point) – then back to Playa De Obuza, finish line.

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 finish line.

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.

CUT-OFF TIME & GUNSTART

100KM (32H TO FINISH) - 12:01AM Gunstart (30th November 2024 - Saturday) - 1st cut-off - 3pm on 30th November 2024 (Saturday) or 15 hours from gunstart @ the summit of Mt. APO, turning point and 2nd cut-off - 8:00am on 1st December 2024 (Sunday) or 32 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.

50KM (16H TO FINISH) - 5:00PM Gunstart (30th November 2024 - Saturday) - 1st cut-off - 3am on 1st December 2024 (Sunday) or 10 hours from gunstart @ upper Tudaya (50km turning point), and 2nd cut-off – 9am on 1st December 2024 (Sunday) or 16 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.

21KM (5 & HALF HOURS TO FINISH) - 4:30AM Gunstart (1st December 2024 - Sunday) - 1st cut- off around 10.5km half-way, or 3hours from gunstart @ Barangay Hall Sibulan (21km turning point) and 2nd cut-off – 10am or 5 1/2 hours from gunstart @ the finish line.

7KM (2 & HALF HOURS TO FINISH) - 5:30AM Gunstart (1st December 2024 - Sunday) – only one (1) cut-off at the finish line or around 8am, the same day.

Note for 100km, 50km and 21km category: category: No headlamp, no extra battery, no jacket, and no gloves - no run!! 21km must have headlamp or flashlight.

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!!

21KM - 2 AID STATIONS
*10km @ Sibulan Barangay Hall
*21km Finish Line!!

7KM - 1 AID STATION
*Only 1 aid station specially for this category

NOTE: We only offer Non-Plastic food like fruits, boiled eggs, rice, soup, kakanin, water, coffee, and soft drinks. Please bring your own chocolate, energy bar & gel, etc.

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 21km - at Barangay Hall Sibulan

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, 21k)

*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
*For 7km category – at least you have water bottle

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 (2024 November issue).
*For 21km and 7km category, at least you run. Distances are designed for the beginners, kids and seniors. 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, 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/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 or Email

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 November 29, 2024 (Friday) from 1:00 - 5:00PM only at Playa de Obuza Beach Resort, Barangay Darong Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, Philippines.
*No hydration pack for 100km, 50km and 21k, 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 21km 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, 21km and 7km runners should check-in their respective bib number 1-2 hours before gun start.
**1 st Checkpoint @ Upper Tudaya or AS 3 around 21km+ 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.
*2 nd Checkpoint @ Sitio Colan or AS 4 around 31km+ for 100km runners only. This is for monitoring purposes check-in/out, make sure it's recorded before leaving.
*3 rd Checkpoint @ The Summit turning point of 100km runners please present your bib number and make sure it's recorded before leaving the turning point.
*4 th and 5 th Checkpoint @ Sibulan Barangay Hall for 100km runners only, please get loomban each loop, you have 3 loomban at the finishline.
*6 th Checkpoint @ Sibulan Barangay Hall, for 21km runners only, turning point
*7 th Checkpoint @ the Finish Line. All runners should present their bib numbers to the Race Official right after crossing the finish line.

NOTE
*100km 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 November 29, 2024 (Friday) around 1:00 - 5:00PM 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 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 8:00AM only on December 10, 2023 (Sunday) at the venue baggage counter.

NOTE:
*Runners who are late to submit their dropbags (beyond 5pm on November 29, 2024)) 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 or 2nd Aid Station (this is subject to change anytime).
*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 29, 2024 (Friday) - Arrival of participants - whole day
- Press Conference - 9am onwards
- Race briefing & kit distribution - 1pm to 5pm

*November 30, 2024 (Saturday) - Gunstart of 100km - 12:01am
- Gunstart of 50km - 5:00pm

*December 1, 2024 (Sunday) - Gunstart of 21km - 4:30am
- Gunstart of 7km - 5:30am
- Awarding Ceremony all categories - 9am onwards
- Fellowship or Socials on the afternoon, after awarding!