King of the Mountain - Mount Ugo Marathon 2024

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 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 6.4 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, 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 via a pine-clad single-track trail and then upon reaching the dirt road, turning leftwards for 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.