By Primo Agatep
BAGUIO CITY – Top trail runners across the country including an adaptive local athlete ,born with one leg and a field of seasoned foreign runners will see action in the Great Cordillera 100 ,a lung-busting trail running event in the scenic and rugged mountainous terrains of Benguet from November 13 to 15, 2026,
The race starts and finishes at Scout Hill, Camp John Hay, here.
In a press briefing held at Forest Wing -John Hay Hotels , Don Santillan, founder of RICON, the organizer, said the event feature four distances 10, 21, 60 and 100 kilometers , offering challenges for both well-trained ultra trail runners and those seeking an experience and adventure in mountain trail running.
He stressed that TG100 aims to promote wellness and mental health , ecosports tourism opportunities, alternative livelihood for the communities , and encourages environmental conservation and protection.
Santillan, also the race director said the featured 100-kilometer distance which will start at 11 .p.m. on November 13 , is the toughest. It covers approximately 104 kilometers at 6,200 meters above sea level (masl) of elevation gain and a 32-hour cutoff.
The 60-kilometer race is scheduled for November 14, while the 21-kilometer and 10-kilometer categories will be held on November 15.
With NorthFace as the title sponsor , top three finishers in the 100K, 60K and 21K race categories (men/women) will receive cash prizes with P188K total pot money.
Among the elite runners who will compete in this inaugural race with Landco Lifestyle Ventures as Presenter are: Locals- Renson Embradura (born one leg) of Sariaya, Quezon;Raffy Ciano (Benguet); Irene Buyuccan (Ifugao), three championship titles.
Others, Majo Liao (Quezon City), 1st Filipino female finisher of the Hardrock 100; Kik Suello (Zamboanga City);Eco Villamor (Nueva Viscaya), four titles in 2026 including the Gotad As Ifugao Uphill Challenge ; Aldrin Napiloy (Burgos, La Union) with three championship titles in 2026.Randolf Gonzales (Rodriguez,Rizal); and Godwin Mirar (Bukidnon).
Foreign entries in the race sponsored by John Hay Hotels, ZenOne, Odec Builders, Garmin, Pocari Sweat, NITECORE and Buzz Fuel are: Taiwanese Wenchi Kuo and Peng Chung Chen. Other registrants from the United States, Taiwan and Australia .
Trail runners’ stamina and mental toughness will be tested to hilt as they negotiate the rugged beauty of Benguet and the untamed Cordillera mountains. It traverse scenic trails through the mining town of Itogon ,pine-canopied ridgelines, river crossings and steep ascents connecting Baguio City.
“We want runners to connect Mount Marikit and Mount Ulap in one go,” said Santillan as he stressed RICON’s mission “to elevate the quality of endurance racing experiences in the Philippines … showcasing that Philippines can offer world Class Trails ,specifically the Cordillera Mountains.
The TG100 race also supported by RED Entertainment ,Hydro Flask and Suellas is recognized by Philippine Trail Running Association (PhilTRA), with International Trail Running Association (ITRA) accreditation and UTMB® Index certification.
