“The Last Stand of Yamashita” Trail Run Returns to Hungduan, Ifugao, Earning ITRA and UTMB Recognition

Last Sunday, September 22, 2024, the highly anticipated trail running race, “The Last Stand of Yamashita”, made its return to Hungduan, Ifugao. Organized by Team Malaya in partnership with Intrepid Spirit. This grueling event took participants through breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Mt. Napulauan, which rises 2,642 meters above sea level. Runners traversed stunning mossy forests that once served as a passage for Japanese soldiers led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita before his capture in Kiangan, Ifugao. The course also featured a steep descent from Mt. Amuging, offering a scenic view of the rice terraces leading to the finish line.

This year’s event included an open category with three distinct distances: 15 km, 21 km, and an ultra trail of 50 km. The podium results are: 15 KM– Albert Codamon: 1:27:43.1, Alejandro Lee Yodong: 2:00:19.9 and Schindler Blanza: 2:02:29.3. Among the females, Irene Buyucan: 2:21:48.7 and Vilma Kinggingan: 3:06:19.1. In the 21 KM, the results were: Male— Jonathan Balogan, 4:14:22.8, Mark Angelo Balo: 5:14:43.1; and Donald De Vera: 5:21:58.1. Among the females: Cara Dacnis: 5:02:06.8, Cyrelle Attaban: 5:30:19.7 and Janet Astillero: 6:20:59.2. The 50 KM Ultra Trail podium results: Male Daryll Palay: 7:40:49.7; Dennies Lajada: 8:05:27.3; and Bryan Jay Mudiguing: 8:07:44.7. Among the females: Elma Bengwasen: 10:58:00.2; Julie Ann Ngaya: 12:55:44.5 and Jeanne Recel: 13:49:37.5.
The event showcased the enduring popularity of ultra trail running, supported by local government units and the Department of Tourism Cordillera.
In an exciting announcement on Thursday, September 26, Team Malaya revealed that The Last Stand of Yamashita trail run is now officially recognized by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). This recognition allows participants to earn valuable ITRA and UTMB points, which can be used for international competitions.
Such an extraordinary event would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of local marshals from Hungduan, Ifugao LGU, the Department of Tourism Cordillera, Intrepid Spirit, Tribu Pakaras, Fitbar Philippines, and Sinaunang Ugat, all of whom contributed significantly to its success. **By Migz On-onod