22-year-old maritime student from Aguinaldo, Ifugao finishes 6th in the Altra 100 miles 2025 Race

Banaue, Ifugao - A 22-year-old maritime student from Aguinaldo, Ifugao, made waves at the international ultra-running arena after a 6th place finish in the grueling prestigious endurance Altra 100 Miles 2025 race, held on August 21-24, 2025 at the Banaue Ethnic Village, Banaue, Ifugao.

Drawing elite runners from around the world and known as a challenging multi-day trail run, the Altra 100 Philippines is where participants are taken through rugged mountain trails, terraces, and native villages, testing their endurance in the scenic places of the country.

The event comprised four categories including the 100 miles, 60km, 25km and 10km, pushing the runners’ strength and will to survive the wild terrain and shifting weather.

Over 250 racing enthusiasts from across the world participated in the event. Of the participants, 29 were in the 100 miles category, including Ligorinson Abbugao, a student of Manila Maritime who eventually emerged as the sixth runner-up in the said category after trekking through rugged mountain terrain for nearly three days (a grueling 57 hours).

The young seafarer has already been making a name in prestigious races, winning first place in the Spartan Race Philippines (SRP) Age Group and an overall champion in the same category of the SRP National Series 2025 just last August 2025.

The sea-bound student conquering the mountains

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Ligorinson recounted that restlessness led him to join a school fun run with his sister, then a running club, and eventually, a free spot in the fastest category was offered which he won over.

Despite being a marine student, the 22-year-old athlete balances studies and training through strict time management, prioritizing schoolwork, early training, rest, and healthy habits.

When asked about how he felt finishing as sixth runner-up, Ligorinson said that finishing the challenging race alongside admired ultra-runners and placing 6th is a proud and humbling achievement for him.

“…sarap sa feeling na kasama ko makatapos ang mga hinahangaan kong ultra-runners from different regions. ‘Yung ranking bonus na lang ih. It’s a humbling experience. Anlalakas ng mga kasama ko mga trail and road ultra-champions. There’s probably a deep sense of pride and accomplishment knowing you took on one of the toughest ultramarathons in Southeast Asia and finished it,” he said.

Goals and message

With vigor and grit, Ligorinson said that he trains to improve daily, aiming to represent the country and reach the podium in ultra-marathons, while building skills for his future.

“As an athlete, i just want to be better than yesterday. Pangarap kong makalaro abroad to represent our country. As an athlete, my future goals are to keep improving my endurance and performance in ultra-marathons, aiming to place higher and maybe even podium. As a future sailor, my goals include developing strong skills in navigation, safety, and teamwork, while gaining valuable experience at sea,” he shared.

When asked about his message to student-athletes like himself, Ligorinson simply said that starting is the hardest part, so always go back to your purpose—prioritizing your studies, stay disciplined, and trust that every effort is shaping the future.

“To start something is always the most challenging part. Always go back to your purpose. But do not forget to prioritize study over sport. Discipline and time management are your greatest allies. Stay consistent, stay focused, and don’t forget why you started. Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly it’s about giving your best to what matters most in the moment. Keep going. You’re stronger than you think,” he concluded.