Bontoc runner ranks first in UTCP 100KM race, calls victory her comeback race

FEATURE

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – For 36-year-old Bontoc native Rhea “Iya” Falitnang, winning the women’s category of the 100-kilometer Saleng race at the Ultra Trail Cordillera Philippines (UTCP) 2026 was more than a victory. It was a comeback after previous race setbacks, including an ankle injury that forced her to withdraw from a race.

Falitnang secured first place in the women’s category of the Saleng 100KM race during the UTCP, held on October 24–25, 2026. The race started at Camp John Hay in Baguio City, with trails extending through Itogon, Benguet.

In an interview with Guru Press on October 27, Falitnang shared that she spent five months preparing for the race, focusing on building endurance through easy runs while carefully managing an ankle injury sustained during a previous competition.

She also researched training methods, sought advice from fellow runners, and adjusted her training plan according to how her body felt.

“My preparation for the UTCP lasted for 5 months, focusing heavily on solid base building- lots of easy runs while carefully managing an ankle injury from a previous race that I did not finish. I even generated a training plan, hindi ko nasusunod 100% ‘yung plan but I always tried my best,” Falitnang said.

She explained that she listened closely to her body and adjusted her training whenever necessary. For instance, when her plan called for a 10-kilometer run but she was not feeling well, she would reduce the distance to five kilometers or take a rest day instead.

“….the journey wasn't easy because of the weather in Baguio and La Trinidad (panagbubuot nga kunatayo). Minsan 8:00 pm na ako nakakatakbo.Getting out the door was the hardest part ta maymayat kuma agkukut, ngem nu ada kan nga agtartaray ket mayaten, and I actually prefer running in the rain! I was fortunate to have training partners who also registered for UTCP,” Falitnang explained.

‘This is my comeback race’

Falitnang said her victory carried special meaning after two difficult race experiences: a bad fall during a 50-kilometer race in December and an ankle injury that forced her to stop during a race in Antique last March.

“This victory means a lot me, especially after not finishing the run in Antique last March, where I rolled my ankle early in the race and missed the intermediate cutoff. That was tough because I had prepared so hard for it and disappointing din ang 50km race ko last December where I had a bad fall in the first 10km. THIS IS MY COMEBACK RACE,” she emphasized.

The victory marked a turning point for Falitnang, who overcame physical setbacks and the disappointment of not completing her previous races. Her experience also highlighted the importance of patience, consistency, and listening to one’s body during training.

She encouraged aspiring Cordilleran trail runners, particularly women who may be hesitant to take on ultratrail distances, to trust the process and prepare at their own pace.

“I dedicate this victory to my fellow runners, my weekend training partners, my non-runner friends who supported me…To aspiring Cordilleran trail runners, DON’T RUSH. Put in the work, keep learning, listen to your body, and respect the process and to all the ladies out there who are hesitant to step up to ultra distances: nu kaya da, kaya tayo met,” she said.

At 36, Falitnang’s first-place finish in the Saleng 100KM women’s category marks a significant milestone in her trail-running journey—a hard-earned comeback that turned previous setbacks into a victory worth celebrating.