GREAT CORDILLERA 100: Don Santillan (left), founder of RICON, the organizer of the trail running event, discusses the race mechanics with members of the local media during a press briefing at the Forest Wing of John Hay Hotels in Baguio City. Also present are Javella Dimapilis (center) of The North Face and Butch Garcia (right), general manager of John Hay Hotels. Photo by Primo Agatep
BAGUIO CITY — Steep mountain climbs, river crossings and a race against the clock await runners as The North Face Great Cordillera 100 makes its debut on November 13–15, 2026, bringing elite Filipino athletes and international challengers to the rugged trails of Benguet.
With a total cash prize pool of ₱188,000, the inaugural event promises a demanding test of endurance against the sweeping mountain scenery of the Cordilleras. All races will start and finish at Scout Hill, Camp John Hay, in Baguio City.
Among the athletes expected to compete is Renson Embradura of Sariaya, Quezon, an adaptive trail runner born with one leg, joining a field of accomplished local and foreign competitors.
At a press briefing at the Forest Wing of John Hay Hotels, race director Don Santillan, founder of event organizer RICON, said runners can choose from four distances: 10, 21, 60 and 100 kilometers. The lineup offers opportunities for seasoned ultrarunners and those ready to explore the challenges of mountain racing.
The centerpiece is the nominal 100K race, which covers approximately 104 kilometers and packs around 6,200 meters of cumulative elevation gain. Starting at 11 p.m. on November 13, it gives competitors 32 hours to complete the course.
The 60K race follows on November 14, while the 21K and 10K events take place on November 15.
Runners will navigate trails through the mining town of Itogon, pine-covered ridgelines, river crossings and punishing ascents along routes linking Benguet’s mountain landscapes with Baguio City.
“We want runners to connect Mount Marikit and Mount Ulap in one go,” Santillan said.
The challenge reflects RICON’s ambition to raise the quality of endurance racing in the Philippines while showcasing the Cordilleras as a destination for world-class trail running.
The Filipino field includes Benguet’s Raffy Ciano and Ifugao’s Irene Buyuccan, along with Quezon City’s Majo Liao, the first Filipino woman to finish the Hardrock 100.
Also expected to compete are Kik Suello of Zamboanga City; Eco Villamor of Nueva Vizcaya, whose four titles in 2026 include the Gotad Ad Ifugao Uphill Challenge; and Aldrin Napiloy of Burgos, La Union, who has claimed three championship titles this year.
Randolf Gonzales of Rodriguez, Rizal, and Godwin Mirar of Bukidnon round out the named Filipino contenders.
Taiwanese runners Wenchi Kuo and Peng Chung Chen lead the announced foreign entries, with other registrants coming from the United States, Taiwan and Australia.
Backed by title sponsor The North Face and presenter Landco Lifestyle Ventures, the event will award cash prizes to the top three male and female finishers in the 100K, 60K and 21K categories.
Beyond competition, Santillan said the Great Cordillera 100 aims to promote physical wellness and mental health, encourage environmental protection, and create sports tourism and alternative livelihood opportunities for host communities.
The event is recognized by the Philippine Trail Running Association, with International Trail Running Association accreditation and UTMB® Index certification, according to organizers.
Supporting the race are John Hay Hotels, ZenOne, Odec Builders, Garmin, Pocari Sweat, NITECORE, Buzz Fuel, RED Entertainment, Hydro Flask and Suellas.
For runners taking on the longest distance, the challenge begins well before sunrise—and could stretch into a second dawn, with every climb demanding the strength and resolve to keep moving.