THE GRUELING slopes of the country’s highest peak witnessed a triumphant display of human endurance as the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge officially made a comeback last April 25-26.
Organized by the Municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, the extreme adventure race drew a total of 137 participants who raced from the coastal beach lines of Sta Cruz to the challenging, rugged summit of Mt. Apo.
The 118-kilometer course tested the mettle of 45 individual racers in the Elite Category and 23 teams in the Relay Division, requiring them to master four disciplines—water tubing, mountain biking, trekking/trail running, and road running—all within a strict 24-hour window.
Twenty-three-year-old Jemar Ventura emerged as this year’s top winner in the Elite Category. A resident of Sta. Cruz, Ventura proved their mastery of the route to the country’s highest peak by besting 44 other competitors in the Elite Category, crossing the finish line with a remarkable time of 11 hours, 31 minutes, and 35 seconds.
Following closely in the elite rankings were Mark Icalina Jr. in second place, Jeffrey Tagalog in third, Mark Christian Ursabia in fourth, and April John Maniyog rounding out the top five.
The relay categories showcased intense teamwork across various demographics. In the All Female Relay, Team 4 Season claimed the top spot, followed by Team BBG, Femme Strides, and Team Hiraya.
The All-Male Relay saw Team Tri Buddies take the gold, with Team S.E.R, Team FG, Team Batil, and Team Extra securing the subsequent positions. Meanwhile, the Mixed Relay division was led by the North Cotabato team, who outpaced Sctr Sta. Cruz, the Underdogs, Tiboli Multisports, and Lone Wolf.
This year’s challenge was more than just a race; it served as the centerpiece for the annual Pista sa Kinaiyahan. In a dedicated effort to preserve the majestic mountain, the Municipality of Sta. Cruz also spearheaded a Clean-Up and Tree Planting activities along the Sibulan Trail, complemented by the Mt. Loay Trail Run.
These initiatives were made possible through the support of partners Aboitiz Power, San Miguel Brewery, Inc., Department of Tourism XI, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Kalmado Sports, and Playa De Oboza Resort. By successfully integrating sports and adventure tourism with proactive environmental conservation, the event continues to set a gold standard for sustainable eco-tourism, ensuring that the natural splendor of Mt. Apo remains protected for generations of adventurers to come.
