Cordillera Mountain Ultra is a 50km ultra marathon in Baguio, Philippines. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 2,500m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 42/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 12h. Surface: trail. Established 2016.
Cordillera Mountain Ultra
Baguio, Benguet, Philippines
"50km in the Philippine highlands. Rice terraces and mountain culture."
A mountain 50K in the Cordillera highlands of the Philippines.
The Course
A mountain ultra through the Cordillera Central of the Philippines, traversing the ancient rice terraces of Ifugao — a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the mountains by Ifugao ancestors 2,000 years ago. The route climbs through cloud forests, crosses terraced rice paddies on narrow stone walls, and summits peaks above 2,500m. Technical trail running on slippery stone steps and jungle single-track, with stream crossings and steep bamboo-ladder ascents. The humidity and heat at lower elevations give way to cool mist in the cloud forest.
mountainous
loop
5
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
18°C
12° – 24°
70%
15%
Philippine cool season — pleasant at altitude.
Stats & Records
2016
200
08:00:00
12:45:00
Sandi Menchi (2023)
15:20:00
Ailene Limpin (2023)
Entry
PHP 2500
August
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Cordillera Mountain Ultra takes runners through landscapes that few trail races on earth can match — the Banaue Rice Terraces, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," are a living agricultural system maintained by indigenous Ifugao communities for two millennia. Running here is a privilege granted by local communities who serve as guides and aid station volunteers. The race was created to bring sustainable tourism to remote mountain villages while celebrating the extraordinary endurance culture of the Cordillera people — who think nothing of walking 30km over mountain passes to visit the next village.
- ▸ The Banaue Rice Terraces nearby are often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
- ▸ Baguio sits at 1,500m — the coolest city in the tropical Philippines.
- ▸ The Igorot people have maintained their culture for centuries.
- ▸ Established in 2016.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 2500m.
The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000 years old and still farmed by hand. Running through them feels like running through living history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cordillera Mountain Ultra? +
Cordillera Mountain Ultra is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 2,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Cordillera Mountain Ultra? +
Cordillera Mountain Ultra is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 42/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 12 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Cordillera Mountain Ultra? +
Average temperature is 18°C (range 12°C to 24°C) with 70% humidity and a 15% chance of rain. Philippine cool season — pleasant at altitude.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Cordillera Mountain Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Cordillera Mountain Ultra? +
The men's course record is 12:45:00 set by Sandi Menchi in 2023. The women's course record is 15:20:00 set by Ailene Limpin in 2023.
What is the average finish time for Cordillera Mountain Ultra? +
The average finish time is 08:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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