Around 500 local and international trail runners are expected to take on the challenging mountain routes of Baguio City and Itogon, Benguet, when The North Face Great Cordillera 100 returns on November 13–15, 2026, highlighting the region’s potential for adventure tourism and endurance sports.

Race director Don Santillan said the three-day event will feature four categories: the 100-kilometer ultramarathon, 60-kilometer trail run, 21-kilometer race, and 10-kilometer race.

Based on current registration figures, the 21-kilometer category has attracted 230 participants, while the 60-kilometer and 100-kilometer races have drawn 80 runners each. These three categories account for 390 registered participants, bringing organizers closer to their projected total of 500 runners

The longest category, the 100-kilometer ultramarathon, will test participants’ endurance and technical skills as they navigate steep ascents, difficult descents, uneven terrain, and unpredictable mountain weather. The shorter categories will also give runners opportunities to experience competitive trail running across the Cordillera highlands.

Beyond the competition, the event is expected to showcase the natural landscapes of Baguio and Itogon to participating athletes and their supporters, reinforcing the area’s appeal as a destination for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.

The return of the race also highlights the importance of protecting the mountain environment that makes trail running possible. Responsible outdoor recreation and the conservation of natural landscapes remain important considerations for organizers, participants, and host communities. (Baguio PIO)