Ifugao runner conquers PH’s 100-Mile Trail Race - the only Cordilleran with podium finish in toughest division

FEATURE

Ifugao, Philippines – A 24-year-old runner from Aguinaldo, Ifugao once again made headlines after emerging as the only Cordilleran to secure a podium finish in the grueling Hardcore 100-mile (H1) race of the Philippine Mountain Trail Festival (PMTF), showcasing remarkable endurance and resilience against some of the country’s top ultra-trail athletes.

According to the PMTF, the H1 is its flagship ultra-distance race and is widely regarded as the toughest 100-mile trail race in the country, covering around 161 to 171 kilometers depending on the course route.

This year’s race was held in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and nearby areas in Northern Luzon from April 30 to May 1, 2026, gathering hundreds of trail runners from across the country, with the 100-mile category considered the toughest division.

The Cordilleran marathoner

Among the finishers was Ligorinson Abuugao, a maritime student and back-to-back marathon champion, who placed third overall in the H1 category. While other Cordilleran runners also reached the podium in different categories, he was the only Cordilleran to secure a podium finish in the hardest division, the H1.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, the young athlete shared that joining the challenging event gave him the opportunity to test his limits and grow as a trail runner. Competing alongside the country’s top athletes also inspired him to stay disciplined and continue improving.

“I've been excited to compete… grateful to finish, and even more grateful to stand on the podium. This journey pushed me beyond my limits and showed me what’s possible when you refuse to quit. Being able to race alongside the country’s top trail runners is very inspiring. At the same time, I see it as a chance to learn from them,” he shared.

As a back-to-back champion, this was not Ligorinson’s first 100-mile race, but according to him, the PMTF felt harder because of its strict cutoff time. Although the distance was similar, the need to maintain a faster and steady pace over tough terrain made the race more physically and mentally demanding.

Ligorinson added that despite being exhausted, he had to maintain a steady and fast pace, which resulted in large blisters on both his feet and made every step painful. Despite the pain, he pushed through until the finish line.

Message to fellow athletes

When asked about his message to fellow athletes, he encouraged them to stay disciplined, focused, and consistent, while always remembering their purpose. He also emphasized the importance of proper pacing, preparation, and having a solid race plan.

“To my fellow runners from Ifugao who want to join trail running: To start something is always the most challenging part. Always go back to your purpose. 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 said.

Previous and upcoming events

Abuugao is no stranger to endurance sports, having consistently emerged as an overall champion in the 18–24 age group of national and international Spartan races, including the Spartan Asia Pacific Championship in Pampanga in November 2025.

In 2025 alone, the young athlete completed two 100-mile races and also defended his title in the Sinaunang Takbo 50 Miles (ST50 80-km) in Rizal, Montalban, where he dominated the race from start to finish with a time of 14:41:08.

For this year, Ligorinson shared that he is currently preparing for another 100-mile race, the World Major Mountain Trail in Vietnam, scheduled for September.