Cordilleran Runners Shine In Grueling 160-Kilometer Race (Sandugo Pacific Coast Ultra 100 Miles)

Cordilleran runners continue to make their marks in the local running scene as a good number of them emerged top finishers in the recently concluded Sandugo Pacific Coast Ultra 100 in General Nakar, Quezon. The race was held from October 4 to 6.

The Sandugo Pacific Coast Ultra 100 is a 100-mile footrace (160.934 kilometers) that takes runners through the coastal town of General Nakar. The hot weather and the terrain makes it one of the most difficult ultra races in the country. It's not uncommon for runners to quit and not finish the race. In trail running parlance, this is referred to as a DNF, an abbreviation for "did not finish".

Aside from the 160-kilometer race, the event also offered lower distances. There's the 100 kilometers, the 50 kilometers, the 25 kilometers, and the 2 kilometers for kids.

Maria Cecilia Kiswa of Ifugao extends her winning streak as the first female runner to finish in the 160-kilometer distance. It's not that long ago when Kiswa officially started racing. She's now considered as one of the best female runners in the country. She has won nearly every race she joined prior to the Sandugo PCU 100.

Jovencio Luspian who hails from Mankayan, Benguet finished second in the male category of the 160-kilometer race. He trailed the champion, Anthony Calixterio, by 46 minutes. Calixterio also won the same race last year. Luspian is not a stranger to 100-mile races. Last year, he ran and finished the Western States 100 Endurance Run in California.

In the 100-kilometer distance, Alfonso Ampalo of Baguio City was the second male runner to reach the finish line. He trailed the champion, Wilfred Lelina, by 51 minutes.

Maria Cecilia Kiswa posing with her 100-mile buckle. Photo credit: Race Tech Philippines (racetechph.com)

Cordilleran runners were also top finishers at the race's edition last year. Louis Ganayan and Casey Camiwet were second and third finishers respectively among male runners in the 160-kilometer distance. Novena Manacnes finished second in the female category.

In the 100-kilometer distance, Jovencio Luspian was the champion followed by Fletcher Cuyaman in the male category. In the female category, Elizabeth Dangadang was the champion.