Danao City, Cebu — The City Government of Danao formally launches the 3rd Edition of the Danao City International Ultra Trail (DCIUT3) during a press conference on January 26, 2026, marking another milestone in the city’s growing leadership in sports tourism, sustainable development, community-driven growth and international endurance events.
Set on April 18–19, 2026, DCIUT3 features four race categories– 15km, 35km, 50km, and the much-anticipated 100km– criss-crossing Danao City’s mountain range and five iconic peaks: Mt. Lantawan (Cahumayan), Mt. Mago (Santican), Danasan Peak, Licos Peak, and Mt. Manghilao (Masaba), the city’s highest elevation. Each peak highlights a distinct trail segment that reflects both the physical challenge of the course and the natural beauty of Danao’s highlands.
Race Director Herson Ypil describes the 2026 edition as a major step forward for the event, stating,
“For 2026, we elevated the experience– tougher, sharper and more rewarding than ever.”
He highlights improvements in trail design, race structure, and overall athlete experience, positioning DCIUT3 as one of the most challenging and rewarding ultra trail events in the country.
This year’s edition raises the stakes further with up to ₱1 MILLION in total cash prizes, making DCIUT3 one of the most rewarding ultra trail events in the Philippines. Cash prizes and trophies await podium finishers across open and age-group categories in all distances.
DCIUT3 further strengthens its national and international standing as it is officially recognized as a Philippine Trail Running Championship Qualifier, listed in the Asia Trail Master (ATM) Grandmaster Quest Calendar, and a race where participants earn International Trail Running Association (ITRA) points— firmly placing Danao City on the global trail-running circuit.
In his message, Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III emphasizes that the event reflects Danao City’s deeper tourism narrative rooted in community and culture.
“This international sporting event highlights our city’s tourism story of People, Places, and Peaks. Only by involving the people can tourism truly become a tool in development.” He adds that the trails are preserved and protected by local forest rangers and community leaders, making the race not only a sporting event but a shared story of stewardship, pride and collective responsibility.
Vice Mayor Ivy Durano underscores the strategic role of DCIUT3 in shaping the city’s future, describing the event as more than a race but a long-term development platform.
“We are not just hosting an event. We are building an industry, a brand, and a future where sports, nature, and community growth move together,” she states.
She highlights the economic ripple effect of sports tourism, noting how events like DCIUT generate opportunities for transport services, homestays, food businesses, vendors, guides, and community workers– translating tourism into real income and inclusive growth for grassroots communities.
This year’s DCIUT3 is co-presented by Cebu Provincial Government and key national and international sports organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening sports tourism, environmental stewardship and inclusive economic development.
As of 12:00 NN today, DCIUT3 online registration is officially OPEN and runs from January 26 to March 5, 2026. Interested participants may register through the official registration platform: https://www.megatechph.com/events
Registration fees are set at ₱4,500 for 100km, ₱3,000 for 50km, ₱2,500 for 35km, and ₱2,000 for 15km, inclusive of event shirt, finisher items, race bib and timing chip, insurance, post-race meal and fully supported aid stations.
As preparations move forward, Danao City invites athletes, partners, and spectators to not only run the trails — but to experience the stories found in its mountains, rivers, communities, and peaks, HERE AND NOW.///