Mount Ugo Marathon (MUM) - King of the Mountain (KOTM) - Philippines

Unveiling the Wonders of Mount Ugo: A Poetic Journey

Behold the majestic Mount Ugo, a treasure nestled in the Cordillera region of the Philippines, where nature's artistry flourishes in every corner. With its lofty peak and enchanting landscapes, this mountain offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding Cordillera mountains, adorned with lush pine forests, quaint villages, and highland rice paddies. Prepare to embark on a poetic journey, where the beauty of Mount Ugo unfolds at every step.

In 1987, a remarkable discovery emerged from the aftermath of a Philippine Airlines crash on the slopes of Mount Ugo. As rescuers, including brave mountaineers and local heroes, ventured forth, they stumbled upon the wreckage, a mere 200 meters below the summit. This fateful event marked the genesis of a new chapter in the mountain's history. A trail was forged, and the allure of Mount Ugo beckoned adventurers from near and far. Soon, it became a revered hiking destination in the Cordillera region, captivating the hearts and spirits of those seeking awe-inspiring experiences in nature's embrace.

Legend has it that the name "Ugo" was derived from the Ibaloi word "Ugoan," which translates to "to cut the neck." A tale woven through the ages tells of the mountain's connection to a fierce battle against invading Spaniards, where the defenders valiantly triumphed, preserving their cherished way of life. Though steeped in a tumultuous past, Mount Ugo stands today as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people, a symbol of resilience and unyielding determination.

Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Mount Ugo, where the gentle whispers of the wind carry tales of resilience and triumph. Let your spirit soar as you traverse the trails, guided by the harmonious symphony of nature's melodies. Allow your senses to feast upon the vibrant hues of the pine forests, where sunlight dances through the canopy, painting the landscape in hues of gold and green. Discover the hidden gems of rustic villages, where time seems to stand still, offering glimpses into the rich tapestry of local culture and tradition. Traverse the highland rice paddies, where terraced fields create a mosaic of beauty, a testament to the harmonious relationship between man and nature.

As you ascend the summit of Mount Ugo, let your gaze encompass the grandeur that stretches before you. Marvel at the interplay of light and shadow, as the mountains of the Cordillera region unfurl like a majestic symphony. Breathe in the pure mountain air, rejuvenating your spirit and invigorating your soul. In this serene sanctuary, find solace and inspiration, for Mount Ugo is not merely a mountain, but a gateway to a world where dreams are realized, and memories are etched forever.

Come, wanderer, and let Mount Ugo's poetic beauty captivate your heart. Embark on a journey of discovery, where the harmony of nature's wonders and the resilience of the human spirit intertwine in perfect harmony. The summit beckons, and adventure awaits on the slopes of Mount Ugo, a testament to the triumph of the human spirit and the splendour of nature's embrace.

Introducing: Mount Ugo Marathon

The Mount Ugo Marathon consists of four trail race distances of 5, 13, 25 and 45 kilometres respectively.

All race distances commence and conclude at the esteemed Kayapa Central School, nestled at an elevation of 1,107 meters above sea level.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience as you conquer Mount Ugo, where nature's wonders and the human spirit intertwine in perfect harmony. Lace up your shoes, embrace the challenge, and let your journey begin.

45-kilometre Route

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey as The Mount Ugo Marathon takes you to the summit, standing proud at approximately 2,220 meters above sea level. The course presents a unique blend of terrain, comprising three kilometres or less of intermittent concrete roads and paths. The rest of the route reveals the untamed beauty of mountain-side dirt roads and enchanting single-track trails.

As you stand at the starting line, your anticipation builds. With determination in your heart, you ascend the concrete road for about two hundred meters before veering left onto the trailhead towards Barangay Indupit. Along the way, you'll encounter dirt roads, sporadic stretches of concrete tire paths, and the mesmerizing river side at 1,213 meters above sea level, marking the 1.5-kilometer point of your adventure. From there, you forge ahead, guided by a narrow single-track trail leading to Barangay Indupit, situated at an elevation of 1,831 meters above sea level. This small settlement, adorned with a waiting shed, serves as a significant milestone on your path. As you continue, a dirt road beckons until you reach the renowned Bundao Aid Station at 1,805 meters above sea level, marking the 6.36-kilometer point. Here, you'll find solace in a humble shed and a welcoming house, offering a range of nourishing food, snacks, and refreshing drinks. Remember to replenish your water bottles and satiate your hunger here before pressing forward.

Beyond this aid station, approximately 650 meters later, marathon runners make a right turn onto a captivating single-track trail, as you venture towards Barangay Ansipsip, standing at an elevation of 1,639 meters above sea level. Here, a mesmerizing view of the Mount Ugo summit turnaround and, on clear days, even the city of Baguio awaits. Catch your breath at the aid station nestled in this scenic spot. From here, marathon runners continue along the dirt road, making their way to Barangay Domolpos. A waiting shed at the T-Intersection, standing tall at 1,842 meters above sea level, signals a right turn and the path towards Barangay Domolpos.

As marathon runners tackle a brief section of dirt road, a pivotal moment awaits at the Saddle / Barangay Domolpos Waiting Shed Junction, situated at 1,814 meters above sea level, where another aid station stands ready. Here, refreshing spring water and an assortment of energizing trail foods replenish your spirit. Recharge your body, as the wide-open trails beckon you forward, leading you to the magnificent Mount Ugo. At the Mount Ugo Summit Marker, standing at an awe-inspiring elevation of 2,220 meters above sea level, your time will be recorded, commemorating your triumph over this extraordinary challenge. Embrace the breathtaking views and let the moment wash over you. Continuing along the captivating and challenging single-track trails, you'll find yourself once again at Barangay Ansipsip, relishing the beauty that surrounds you at 1,639 meters above sea level. From here, the trail winds on, guiding you back to Bundao Aid Station at 1,805 meters above sea level, marking the 35.5-kilometer point. With the end in sight, you'll make your way back to the finish line at Kayapa Central School, traversing the dirt road and relishing the final stretch of single-track trail, retracing the first 6.4 kilometres of the race.

25-kilometre Route

The Mount Ugo Half Marathon takes you to within view of the Mount Ugo summit, standing proud at approximately 2,220 meters above sea level.  A breathtaking journey beckons.  The course, a harmonious blend of terrain, reveals nature's untamed beauty through intermittent concrete roads and paths that span three kilometres or less.  But it is the rest of the route, where mountain-side dirt roads and enchanting single-track trails weave their enchantment, that truly captivates the soul.

As you stand at the starting line, anticipation dances in the air, your heart brimming with determination.  With grace, you ascend the concrete road, guided by the whispering wind, before veering left onto the trailhead towards Barangay Indupit.  Along this path of wonder, you'll encounter the secrets of the earth - dirt roads that lead you deeper into the embrace of nature, sporadic stretches of concrete tire paths that lay the foundation for your journey, and the mesmerizing riverside that unfolds at 1,213 meters above sea level, marking the sacred 1.5-kilometre point of your adventure.  Here, the symphony of nature's melody envelops you, inviting you to forge ahead.

Guided by a narrow single-track trail, your spirit soars as you ascend towards Indupit, a small settlement nestled at an elevation of 1,831 meters above sea level.  This haven, adorned with a waiting shed, serves as a significant milestone on your path, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst nature's grandeur. As you continue your odyssey, a dirt road beckons, leading you closer to the renowned Bundao Aid Station, perched at 1,805 meters above sea level, marking the remarkable 6.36-kilometer point.  Here, solace awaits in a humble shed and a welcoming house, offering nourishing sustenance, delectable snacks, and refreshing libations.  Pause, replenish your water bottles, and satiate your hunger, for the journey ahead demands strength and fortitude.

Beyond this sacred aid station, approximately 650 meters later, a captivating single-track trail awaits runners.  As you venture forth, guided by nature's embrace, you make your way towards Barangay Ansipsip, a sanctuary at an elevation of 1,639 meters above sea level. Here, a mesmerizing view unfolds - the summit of Mount Ugo, poised for your triumph, and on clear days, even the city of Baguio graces the horizon.  Catch your breath at the aid station nestled in this scenic spot.  From here, your path continues along the dirt road, leading you towards Barangay Domolpos.  Awaiting you at the T-Intersection, standing tall at 1,842 meters above sea level, is a waiting shed, a beacon guiding you leftwards towards the return journey home.  With each step, you make your way back towards Bundao Aid Station, before finding your way back to the cherished finish line, nestled within the hallowed grounds of Kayapa Central School.  The return journey embraces the same dirt road, passing through Indupit, and immerses you in the allure of a single-track trail once more.  The route from Bundao Aid Station to the finish line mirrors the initial 6.4 kilometres of the race, offering a sense of familiarity and determination.

Let the Mount Ugo Half Marathon be your gateway to a realm where nature's majesty unfolds.  Allow the poetry of nature's embrace to guide your spirit, as you traverse the terrain with grace and awe.  In this symphony of the human spirit and nature's grandeur, may each stride ignite a flame of determination, and may the finish line become a testament to your indomitable spirit.

13-kilometre Route

Let the Mount Ugo Marathon's 13-kilometer category be your gateway to a world of wonder, where dreams take flight, and a captivating journey awaits. Though shorter in distance, the 13-kilometer category boasts a scenic and thrilling adventure that rivals its longer counterparts. Prepare to be enraptured by a path that weaves through a tapestry of untamed beauty, where every step carries you closer to the heart of nature's embrace.

As you stand at the starting line, anticipation dances in the air, your heart brimming with determination. With resolute steps, you ascend the concrete road, guided by the whispers of the wind, before veering left onto the trailhead towards Indupit. Just 900 meters into your odyssey, a right-hand turn beckons, leading you off the beaten path onto a mountaineer's trail, where a gradual ascent awaits. Yet, amidst this ascent, a serendipitous encounter awaits at a junction, 1.9 kilometres into your journey, nestled at an elevation of about 1,340 meters. Here, a left turn unveils a thrilling revelation, propelling you down a captivating single-track trail towards a mesmerizing river crossing, where the allure of adventure reaches its crescendo. At 1,213 meters above sea level, this ethereal crossing marks the sacred 3-kilometer point of your odyssey, where nature's melody dances through the currents.

From this enchanting juncture, your spirit soars once more, ascending the concrete tire paths that lead you to the vibrant community of Barangay Telecabcab, nestled at the 6.5-kilometer mark. Amidst the warmth of the locals' smiles, a scenic single-track trail awaits, inviting you to descend into a world of wonder. As you gracefully navigate the trails, the landscape unfolds before you, revealing a symphony of terraced vegetable gardens that stretch like a painter's canvas. Meandering through these verdant terraces, you'll be captivated by the harmonious connection between man and nature.

In this poetic dance with the mountain, the path leads you on a captivating loop, descending through the scenic single-track trail towards the river's embrace. As the river whispers its secrets, you'll traverse the farmer's pathways, meandering through the local vegetable gardens, etching your footsteps upon the terraces. With each step, you'll ascend the mountain once again, reconnecting with your original route at the 10.9-kilometre point, where the symphony of nature's embrace welcomes you home.

The return journey, a gentle descent, carries you along the main connecting road, guiding you back once again to the enchanting river crossing and ultimately leading you to the grand finale at the finish line, nestled within the hallowed grounds of Kayapa Central School.

5-kilometre Route

Step into a realm where poetry and adventure intertwine, where dreams take shape and nature's embrace beckons. Let the Mount Ugo Marathon's 5-kilometre category be your gateway to a world of wonder, where the spirit soars, and breathtaking beauty unfolds. In the tapestry of this shorter distance, a scenic and enchanting adventure awaits, rivalling the grandeur of its longer counterparts.

As you stand at the starting line, a symphony of anticipation fills the air, your heart ablaze with determination. With every stride, you ascend the concrete road, guided by gentle whispers carried on the wind. As the trailhead towards Barangay Indupit calls your name, you veer left with grace, ready to immerse yourself in nature's embrace. A mere 900 metres into your journey, a right-hand turn awaits, bidding farewell to the well-trodden path. It leads you to a mountaineer's trail, where a gradual ascent unveils its secrets.

Yet, amidst the climb, a serendipitous encounter awaits at a junction, nestled 1.9 kilometres into your odyssey. At an elevation of around 1,340 meters, a left turn reveals a wondrous revelation, propelling you down a captivating single-track trail. Here, the allure of adventure reaches its crescendo, as you approach a mesmerizing river, where nature's melody dances through the currents. At 1,213 meters above sea level, this ethereal crossing marks the sacred 3-kilometer point of your poetic odyssey.

As you turn your gaze homeward, a gentle descent carries you along the main connecting road, guiding you back. With each step, the path whispers stories of triumph and beauty, leading you towards the grand finale. Nestled within the hallowed grounds of Kayapa Central School, the cherished finish line awaits, embraced by the applause of nature and the warm glow of achievement.

Let the Mount Ugo Marathon's 5-kilometre category be your invitation to a world where poetry and nature intertwine. Embrace the warmth of nature's embrace as you traverse the path with grace and awe. Be captivated by the untamed beauty that surrounds you, allowing it to ignite the poet's soul within. In this symphony of nature's embrace, may each step become a verse, etching a beautiful memory upon your heart.

NOTE: any changes to the race route, if any, will be communicated here and thoroughly explained during the race briefing.