202 runners join Mt. Apo sky, vertical race

KIDAPAWAN CITY --At least 202 runners from around the country participated Saturday’s first ever Mount Apo sky and vertical race in the hinterland town of Magpet in North Cotabato. Karl Jone Tanaid, event coordinator of the Municipal Tourism Office of Magpet, said the race has started and would end also on Saturday at the Tagbac Elementary School in Barangay Tagbac. The race that started around 3:30 a.m., has two categoriesand 42K and 21K-run in both open-invitational and individual events, Tanaid said. A photo posted from race director Doi Calbes’ Facebook account showed that from Tagbac, runners would proceed to Tausuvan Falls, one of the longest spring falls in Central Mindanao then to Magpet peak Lake Venado until they reach Mount Apo summit then back to Tagbac. Among the mandatory checklist for runners participating in the first-ever Mt Apo Sky and Vertical Race include hydration pack or water bottle of about 1.5 liters headlamp whistle thermal jacket gloves headwear trail food cellular phone and medical kits. Winners get trophies, medals, certificates, finisher shirts, and souvenir bracelets during the awarding ceremonies attended by Nelly Dillera, regional tourism director for Central Mindanao race director Calbes and local officials.