North Cotabato Invites Extreme Adventurers to Take the Mt. Apo Challenge

Eco-adventurers, mountaineering teams, and extreme adventure enthusiasts all over the country are invited to take up the challenge of conquering the country’s highest peak, the majestic Mt. Apo, in a mountain climbing cum biking competition.

Joey Recimilla, provincial community affairs officer of North Cotabato described the adventure “Mt. Apo Eco-challenge” as “the toughest race.”

It is scheduled on August 25 and 26 and is one of highlights of the provinces’ 98th foundation anniversary celebration and Kalivungan 2012 Festival.

The race, he explained, will cover 86 kilometers grueling adventure that consists of 38 km of mountain climbing on the first day and 48 km of trail biking.

“Mountain trekking will start in New Israel, Makilala as entry point to Mt. Apo check points including Mt. Zion, Maag, the peak, down to Lake Venado, and the Mandarangan trail," he said.

Teams will stay overnight at Barangay Agco in Kidapawan city.

“On the second day teams will ride their mountains bikes and race from Agco passing through barangays Ginatilan, Kisandal, Poblacion Magpet and finish at the provincial capitol in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan where the awarding ceremony will be done.

No registration fee is required from each participating teams which should be composed of three members but cash awards amounting to a total of P155,000 await the winners.

Prizes are as follows: 1st place – P70,000; 2nd place – P40,000; 3rd place – P30,000; 4th place – P20,000; 5th place – P10,000, and 6th – 10th place – P2,000.

Recimilla said, the Mt. Apo challenge is open to “all Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, with excellent physical and mental health condition.”

“They are required to submit voter’s affidavit or ID, Medical certificate and sign a waiver. Mountain bikes and mountaineering gear are pre-requisite.”

The event is hosted by the Guardians of Lake Venado.

For inquiries please contact Edgar Aquiatan Cell Phone 0939-149-7786, Doodz Vallescas Cell Phone 0928-334-3690 or visit facebook, Guardians of Lake Venado. (Danilo E. Doguiles/PIA 12)