Old Spanish Trail 50k Trail Ultramarathon
Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Start: Kayapa Town Hall
Finish: Kayapa Central School
Date and Time: April 2, 2016 3:00 AM
Race Briefing, Drop Bag Collection and Race Kit distribution: 2:00 PM, April 1 Kayapa Central School*
*(A duly-signed and -accomplished medical certificate not older than fifteen days from date of issuance(Med Cert) must be submitted in hard copy(NO soft copies, in any form, will be accepted) upon claiming of race kits. Failure to do so will mean non-inclusion in the race without the benefit of a refund. There will be no exemptions.)
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
- Bank Deposit: Bank of the Philippine Islands 2379 0362 39 under the account name of Constante C Mendoza Jr
- Write name and shirt size(Asian sizing) AND qualifying race(race that qualifies you to join) on the deposit slip, scan and email deposit slip to frontrunnermag@gmail.com (Subject: 2016 OST50)
- Foreigners may pay their fees through http://www.ultrasignup.com
- NO slot reservation allowed
REGISTRATION FEES
- 50k: PHP 2000.00 (for locals) / USD 60.00 for foreign entrants (Inclusive of Trail Fees, Pre-race Snacks and Post-race Meal, Event Long-sleeves Shirt and Finisher’s Shirt, Medal and Trophy)
- Foreign runners may register through http://www.ultrasignup.com
- Registration starts on NOVEMBER 1, 2015 and on March 16, 2016. There will be no extensions.
- No slot reservations allowed.
- No event-switching(downgrading of distance) is allowed once the race is in progress. It is allowed only and strictly BEFORE gun start.
- THERE WILL BE NO TRANSFER OF ENTRY FEES(event or person) AND NO REFUNDS(full or partial). “Finally – please remember that there will be NO refunds – NO transfers – NO exceptions. Do not ask for a refund or a transfer to another date or event – the answer is a polite NO. There will be no refunds even if your cat ate your homework or your dog ate your cat or your grandmother ran over your dog or your grandfather ran over your grandmother or you can’t find a babysitter or your girlfriend is cheating on you or you are cheating on your girlfriend or you get shot in the head during an unfortunate piñata incident, or if you become injured or if you don’t have time to train or if you contract poison oak, syphilis, herpes simplex, chapped lips, or any other communicable disease or you get bit by a lizard, you have a hangover or you got shot in the neck with a poison dart or your trailer gets destroyed by a tornado or you get deported or your daughter gets married, or any other reason – your registration will not, under any circumstances, no way, no how, ain’t gonna happen, be refunded. Comprende? Don’t like that idea? Don’t register.” – Luis Escobar of Born to Run Ultra Marathons in California
ENTRY GUIDELINES
(adapted from Hardrock Hundred and edited to suit local conditions)
At the outset, everyone must understand very well that Old Spanish Trail is a high altitude trail race. Given the innate challenges such as physical and mental fatigue which are to be expected in doing a race of these distances and for no other reason but the safety and welfare of all those involved in the event, runners without the adequate entry requirements will not be allowed participation and without exception. Hereunder are some of the risks, but not only limited to such, involved in doing the events;
- High Elevation
- Long, steep climbs
- Extended distance and time between aid stations
- Severe weather, including heat, cold, rain, and lightning
- Water crossings
- Exposure to potential for falls especially along the fragile rice paddies
Any runner attempting these races must understand that these challenges exist and they must be prepared to make decisions for his or her own safety under uncertain conditions without any expectation of assistance due to the inaccesibility to any type of motor vehicle, remoteness of the race route and the distance between villages/households. While there is no guarantee that the runner is prepared for every eventuality, finishing a qualifying event gives some evidence of being prepared for the races. Additionally, it also improves the chances for a runner to finish the events.
Thus, any of the following requirements must be adhered to by all means(Participant must be 18 years of age at the time of the event);
- OST prospects must have finished, within the official cutoff time, at least one 42-kilometer or longer races(road or trail) within 24 months prior to the event day. Results must be verifiable in the internet.
- Fat Ass 24-hour event results are acceptable for as long as the participant finished at least 50 kilometers(the longer, the better) in 12 hours or less. Results must be verifiable in the internet.
- Multi-sport official finishes – 70.3, Full or longer – are acceptable.
- Official Finish at the 2014-2015 Clark-Miyamit 50 Miles or 42 Kilometers.
- Official finishers of H1, Pulag and Four Lakes 100, Old Spanish Trail 50 and Mount Ugo Marathon, regardless of the year, are automatic qualifiers.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
2013: http://frontrunnermagph.com/2013/05/27/official-results-four-lakes-100-old-spanish-trail-60/
2014: http://frontrunnermagph.com/2014/05/26/official-results-2014-four-lakes-100old-spanish-trail-65/
2015: http://frontrunnermagph.com/2015/03/30/official-results-2015-four-lakes-100old-spanish-trail-50/
COURSE RECORDS
(New Course 2015)
OLD SPANISH TRAIL 50k: 6:46:45 Dino Mantilez(Philippines), 2015
OLD SPANISH TRAIL 50k-Women: 11:22:12 Michelle Mercurio(Philippines), 2015
THE RACE
If you want freedom and love the outdoors, this race is for you. If you want solitude, serenity, peace and quiet, this is it.
NO FRILLS. Just lifetime memories, bliss and blisters, and a peaceful, easy feeling. Personal satisfaction guaranteed.
Here, you don’t have to worry about toxic car fumes, bully drivers and incessant car horns blowing in your face. There are no man-made obstacles to obstruct your path. Instead, indulge in an all-natural setting which offers fresh, unpolluted air, majestic views of pine tree-filled mountains, vegetable gardens set in terraces, switchbacks, open, single track trails, and rocks, fallen pine trees and slippery trails that will serve as natural obstacles. Cliché as it may sound, you only have the sounds of the wind, your footsteps and breathing, and insects to provide the melody as you go along.
Here, you breathe the natural scent of pine trees and free yourself from the confines of a cramped, artificially pine-scented, air freshener-filled car whose smell seemingly clings eternally to your clothes, and choking smog, you get to relive your lost youth and once again, embrace the wide and open world, and yesteryears you once truly enjoyed.
WHILE WE WILL EXERT EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN THE CLEANLINESS AND PRE-RACE CONDITION OF THE ROUTE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT EACH PARTICIPANT DO HIS OWN SHARE BY BEING A RESPONSIBLE TRAIL RUNNER. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THE ADAGE, TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES AND LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS.
Not only will the organizers and locals truly appreciate your efforts but also Mother Nature herself. Be kind to everyone and everything along the path.
And where else can this trailblazing endurance event be appropriately held but in a town aptly named, KAYAPA!
Experience sweet, uncomplicated satisfaction right here. It’s time to feed your senses.
CUTOFFS: Kayapa Proper East Market ~35k (8:00:00 hours) and Kayapa Central School ~55k (14:00:00 hours)
THE ROUTE
For technical data, additional references and race reports;
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/733372943 ( Courtesy of Ronald Declarador, Offcial OST finisher)
http://anappetiteforrunning.wordpress.com/2013/06/13/four-lakes-100km-race-day/
Race Route on youtube(by Jacob Ong)
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O44YqmM-ok0&noredirect=1
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q-Sn6Udpg8
(Race Photos by KOTM participants Aldean Lim, Rodelyn Guidaben, George Javier, Leslie Ho, Lai Fong Sang, Yim Heng Fatt, Jun Kagaoan)
The race starts at the Kayapa Town Hall (1121 masl) and ends at the Kayapa Central School.
Runners start by heading towards the trailhead in Talecabcab(photos by joe/edith salazar, toto mina, jun kagaoan and cheryl bihag. thanks!) and proceed farther and pass through a mix of dirt/gravel/muddy(if rainy) roads and intermittent stretches of concrete tire paths with views of vegetable gardens. The intial section is an eight-kilometer ascent towards Indupit.
Natural spring water is our ONLY water supply source (it’s the town’s, too!) so if it is not your thing, make sure to bring your own water or tablet purifier.
PLEASE MIND YOUR TRASH AT ALL TIMES. And to further reduce trash, NO cups of any kind will be available in any of the water stations. All runners are advised to bring their own cups. Garbage bags will also be available in each water station. It won’t take too much of an effort to drop your trashes into it properly, thank you.
In some sections of the route, runners will run along single track slippery trails covered with leaves, pine tree needles and cones, and under canopies of trees. Beware of the grounds which barely see sunshine due to the heavy overhead foliage. The ground and rocks are full of moss(hence, the name) which makes them slippery. Also, beware of hanging overgrowth of vines, ferns, bamboos and other forest plants, protruding roots, loose rocks and ravines cleverly covered by thick forest growth. AND MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR LEGS FOR BLOOD-SUCKING CREATURES (limatik, small but very terrible). Simply remove them and clean with antiseptic or rub with salt. It sometimes gets messy but no need to worry. This is true when it is raining.
Slower runners are advised to step aside for overtaking runners. And since this is an open, public trail, you will meet a few locals and day hikers along the route as well. Take time to greet them. PRACTICE TRAIL COURTESY. There will be dogs, wild pigs, goats, cows and horses, too. Be careful.
You shall be passing through gates so please close them after going through each time, thank you.
The climb ends where the INDUPIT JUNCTION/ANSIPSIP foot trail is and starts (1866 masl). Proceed to the next landmark.
Next landmark is BUNDAO (1835 masl, ~10 kilometers) which is marked by 2 structures, a shed and house.
BUNDAO is where the FIRST aid station will be located. Trail food will be available. The open, flat, single track trails stretch farther ahead and the views get only better. It’s pine trees and super nice views galore onwards.
BUNDAO station is your LAST aid station until you reach SADDLE/DOMOLPOS station (~7 kilometers of trails away) so it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you fill up your bladders/bottles and eat.
Next landmark will be the ANSIPSIP WAITING SHED/ELEMENTARY SCHOOL marker (1935 masl, 15 kilometers). More mountain side, open, flat, single track trails greet the runner. There will be lots of downhill running and switchbacks here as well, and the summit turnaround will be seen from here for as long as no fog will obstruct the view. As usual, ultra nice trails to die for.
DOMOLPOS Village (1700 masl) where locals reside, is the next landmark. From here, runners run up a single track trail until the SADDLE.
SADDLE/DOMOLPOS WAITING SHED JUNCTION (1763 masl, ~ kilometers) is where the SECOND aid station is located. At this junction, spring water/trail food will be served. It is advised that runners refill and eat. A very appropriate message is written on the shed’s wall. Be sure to take time to read it. Can’t miss, the shed is painted in pink.
From the aid station above, runners will proceed for about 3 kilometers towards the LUSOD AREA/BACUYAN JUNCTION (marked, 1770 masl, ~ kilometers) via a single track trail. At BACUYAN, make a sharp left turn towards the MT. UGO SUMMIT MARKER via a 2-kilometer climb.
MT. UGO SUMMIT MARKER(2170 masl,~ kilometers) is where a marshal shall record the names or bib numbers and times of each runner. You may want to take your picture at the marker. This is the FIRST SUMMIT.
From the summit, runners will proceed towards the SADDLE/DOMOLPOS WAITING SHED exit via a steep downhill dotted with switchbacks for another 2 kilometers, refill or eat again at the said aid station.
After passing by the SADDLE/DOMOLPOS WAITING SHED again, all runners will take to the picturesque OLD SPANISH TRAIL, a 11-kilometer long trail (mostly downhill) that will lead them to the next aid/hot food/drop bag station 1 located at the KAYAPA PROPER Market (vehicle accessible). This is CUTOFF 1(8:00:00 Hours) for the 100k and 50k runners. ALL RUNNERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO EAT, DRINK AND REFILL HERE FOR THE LONG GRIND AHEAD. This is also the last food station until Dayap. You have been forewarned.
There are a number of hanging bridges along the way. Take the necessary precautions when crossing one. Cross one person at a time.
From this point, runners will pass by rice paddies and a hanging bridge on their way to Barangay AMELONG LABENG which is marked by its Barangay(village) Hall, school, worship place and basketball court. You will be passing through a cellular phone site tower which is the SECOND SUMMIT.
Runners will then exit at the Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet Road, turn left and proceed uphill on a concrete road to the entrance of CASTILLO VILLAGE(vehicle accessible) which is marked by a huge welcome sign,waiting shed and a World War 2 Memorial. Water will be available here.
At this point, 50k runners will take the concrete road of about four kilometers in distance going to the finish line.
There will be five aid stations.
All waiting sheds/junctions/forks will be marked by ribbons or manned by marshals. Whenever you reach a junction/fork, make sure to look for ribbons tied on grass, trees or fences, and proceed from there. If you happen to enter a junction/fork and you do not see a confidence marker after running about 500 meters, return to the area where you last saw a ribbon and locate the area where subsequent ribbons are. Additionally, there will be paint markers on stones, rocks, trees and the ground in critical junctions.
NO time credits will be given for any runner lost. It is the personal responsibility of each runner to familiarize himself with the route. BE ATTENTIVE to markers, listen intently during the race briefing and carry the official map during the race proper.
Again, to help preserve the area, please DO NOT LITTER nor TAKE/CUT ANYTHING except pictures. The only “authorized” trashes are horse and cow dung which are abundant along the route so beware. If you need to go, there are lots of grassy areas and tree trunks are wide enough to cover your behind. Beware of staying too close to ravines, though. Dispose off your wet wipes properly. All energy gel/food packs/bottles must be thrown in the garbage bags provided for at each food station and if you happen to be taking such where no adequate disposal is available, please keep the wrappers with you until such a time that a garbage bag is available.
Strong winds buffet the area from time to time and the weather is unpredictable, so it is wise to bring warm and dry clothing/accessories.
For best traction, trail shoes are highly advised.
Cellphone signals exist(Smart, Sun and Globe) but are intermittent. You may contact these numbers for any concerns; 0917 803 0664, 0922 822 9342 and 0999 998 7654.
Music players are allowed but NOT recommended. Cameras are! The designated cutoff times are such that runners may be afforded the luxury and time to take pictures and savor the moment and surroundings.
NO registration fee refunds or transfers will be given for WHATEVER reason.
NO unregistered pacers, guides, muling and bandits allowed.
Evacuation costs for runners who will declare themselves as DNF(Did Not Finish)will be at the said runner’s account/expense.
NO cheating, please. I sincerely wish that this will be the last race ever that I will be reminding participants of this matter. After all, we are all decent, mature and responsible individuals, aren’t we? Besides, the route was designed in such a way that any “shortcuts” will only make the route longer.
Any complaint on cheating must be made WITHIN one hour after crossing the finish line and must be made in writing, signed and submitted to the RO/RD for proper action. This must also be accompanied by a visual proof/s of the alleged cheating. Any complaints after the one-hour period will NOT be entertained.
The Race Organizer and Director reserve the right to modify race rules and cancel the remainder of the race while it is in progress at any time for the benefit, safety and welfare of the participants.
RECOMMENDED GEAR for all events
- Cellular phone (fully charged and with load)
- Light jacket or arm warmers and head covers
- Functioning flashlight or headlamps
- At least 1.5 liter capacity hydration bag or belt bottles
- Whistle
- First aid kit(antiseptic, band aid, cotton, salt, loperamide tablets)
- Extra food or energy gels
- Wet wipes
- Light poncho
- Cash
Trekking poles allowed but NOT mandatory.
ROUTE LANDMARKS
Kayapa-Mt Ugo-Kayapa via Indupit/Ansipsip/Domolpos/Kayapa Proper/Amelong Labeng/Castillo Village
(Distances are based on GPS measurements)
Old Spanish Trail 50K(~55 kilometers)
- Start/Kayapa Town Hall (1121 masl)
- Bundao AS 1 ~ 10KM (1835 masl)
- Ansipsip Waiting Shed (1935 masl)
- Domolpos Village (1700 masl) ~ 15.8KM
- Domolpos Waiting Shed AS2 ~ 17KM
- Bacuyan junction (1844 masl) ~ 20 kilometers
- Mount Ugo Summit (2170 masl) ~ 22KM HIGHEST POINT OF THE COURSE
- Domolpos Waiting Shed AS3 ~ 24KM
- Kayapa Proper East Market (912 masl) AS4 ~ 35KM/CUTOFF POINT*8:00:00 hours LOWEST POINT OF THE COURSE/VEHICLE ACCESSIBLE
- Amelong Labeng (1431 masl) ~ 37KM
- Castillo Village Waiting Shed (1283 masl) AS5 WATER(only) STATION-49KM/VEHICLE ACCESSIBLE
- Finish/Kayapa Central School~ 55KM
How to get there: KAYAPA
Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya is a small and quaint, peaceful and serene, and vegetable-producing mountain town nestled about 1121 meters above sea level, 80 kilometers away and a comfortable 2-hour drive from Baguio City through the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road (also known as Ambuklao Road).The town is located at the boundary between Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya and is the gateway to Region 2 if coming from the west.
The zigzag road is completely paved and offers spectacular views of Ambuklao and Binga Dams, rivers, lakes, pine tree-clad mountain sides, vegetable garden terraces and very cool and unpolluted weather. In fact, the abundance of pine trees will give you the chance to breathe real pine tree-scented air.
If you are flying to the Philippines, the main entry point to Manila is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport(NAIA) and from there, you may take the VICTORY regular and air-conditioned buses with terminals in Pasay, Cubao, Caloocan and Sampaloc in Metro Manila. Take those bound for Baguio or Nueva Vizcaya. Buses are available on a 24-hour basis.
Alternatively, you may fly in via Diosdado Macapagal International Airport(DMIA) in Clark Field, Pampanga and take any bus bound for Baguio at the Dau Terminal.
From Baguio, you may take the buses and vans that regularly ply the route. Old school buses (Bambang/Belance/Dupax-bound) and vans are either located at the Dangwa Terminal or Slaughter House compound. Bus trips start at 8AM up. Fares vary from 115php to 150php.
Should you miss the regular trips, you may hire a van or taxi for a ride to Kayapa.
Car rentals are also available from NAIA/DMIA to Baguio/Kayapa.
If you are traveling by car, take the North Luzon Expressway(NLEX) then merge with the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway(SCTEX) and the Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway(TPLEX). Proceed to the Rosales exit and take the main highway(MacArthur Highway) all the way to Baguio via Kennon Road, a 4-hour drive or through San Jose City(Maharlika Highway), the historic Dalton Pass, Sta. Fe, Aritao.
From Aritao, Kayapa is less than an hour away via a 29-kilometer concrete zigzag drive, the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road which connects the 2 provinces. Ample road directions guide the travelers.
Aritao is about 220 kilometers and 5 hours away from Manila through NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX via San Jose City or Bulacan(Plaridel)/Nueva Ecija(Gapan-Cabanatuan-San Jose City) if exiting at Santa Rita in NLEX.
Another option is to stop in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya which is 15 kilometers after Aritao and take the buses or vans bound for Baguio at the bus parking area near a gasoline station along Maharlika Highway. From Bambang, Kayapa is an hour or so away.
There are only a few bed and breakfast type lodgings, homestays to be exact, (Barangay Pangpang Hall-0929 844 8481, Edna Camilo-0928 989 9608, Kayapa Parish Hall-0909 675 4618 and Boulevard Inn-0910 444 3123) in Kayapa which offer only basic necessities. Rates start at 200php per bed and cooked meals of your choice may be arranged with the landlord. You may want to reserve EARLY by contacting the said numbers directly as there are only limited bed spaces. Room-sharing is the norm. All are walking distances to the starting and finish line.
Or you may want to camp out for free at the Parish Church area where you can also park your vehicles some 200 meters away from the start or even sleep inside Kayapa Town Hall, also for free, provided you bring your own beddings.
Food is not a problem as there are a number of small eateries at the town center. There are also a number of stores from where you can buy bottled water, snacks and other food, and other personal necessities. Practically everything you will need is within walking distance.
And before you head for home, be sure to buy fresh produce at giveaway farm prices and local products at the market.
There are NO water refilling stations, cable television and internet connections in Kayapa. An FM radio signal from Baguio exists.
Lastly, a strict NO SMOKING policy exists in ALL of Nueva Vizcaya, You have been forewarned.
Again, please respect the environment, locals, rules and guidelines at all times, thank you.
I am hoping that some runners will find Kayapa to their liking, enough to make it their kind of refuge and Eden. Perhaps, not a few will be coming back for a private visit.
Kayapa is perfectly isolated somewhat but in a nice way.
Kayapa is my kind of town. Make it yours, too.
P.S.
And with all due respect, the Race Organizer’s and Director’s word is final.
FRONTRUNNER Philippines 
