The Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge will return this April after a seven-year break, bringing back one of Sta. Cruz’s largest adventure racing events.
Organizers said preparations are ongoing for the 24-hour multi-sport competition scheduled for April 25-26, 2026. The race will cover a total of 118 kilometers, starting from the coastline of Sta. Cruz and reaching the summit of Mount Apo before returning.
The adventure race will include several segments: three kilometers of water tubing, 54 kilometers of mountain biking, 34 kilometers of trail running, and 27 kilometers of road running.
Slots for the event are limited. Organizers have allocated 50 slots for the individual category. Team relay categories will have 10 slots each for the All-Men Team Relay, All-Women Team Relay, and Four-Member Mixed Team Relay divisions.
Prize money will be awarded across categories. In the individual division, the champion will receive 70,000 pesos, while the first runner-up will earn 50,000 pesos. The second, third, and fourth runners-up will receive 30,000 pesos, 20,000 pesos, and 10,000 pesos, respectively.
Champions in the All-Men Team Relay, All-Women Team Relay, and Four-Member Mixed Team Relay categories will each receive 40,000 pesos. The first and second runners-up in these divisions will receive 30,000 pesos and 20,000 pesos, respectively.
Officials said the event is being continued this year as part of efforts to help revive the local tourism industry in Sta. Cruz.
The last Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge was held in 2018. The race was originally scheduled to return in 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With its comeback in 2026, the event is expected to once again draw athletes and attention to Sta. Cruz and Mount Apo.
