15/04/2026
𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝟯𝗥𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗥𝗔 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟
The trail running spotlight turns to Danao City this weekend as the highly anticipated 3rd Danao City International Ultra Trail or DCIUT3 welcomes an elite cast of athletes from across the globe.
Scheduled for April 18 to 19, 2026, the race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet, drawing 937 participants across four demanding categories: 15KM, 35KM, 50KM, and the grueling 100KM.
This year’s field highlights the event’s growing international stature, with runners arriving from Nepal, Denmark, South Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam to challenge the Philippines’ best on Cebu’s rugged terrain.
Leading the elite lineup is John Ray Onifa of Antique, a dominant force in Asian trail running. Fresh off a string of major victories including a UTMB World Series title in Japan, the 2025 DCIUT crown, and multiple international wins, Onifa returns to defend his title and further cement his legacy as one of the region’s premier ultra athletes.
Joining him is Nepal’s standout Priya Rai, whose impressive resume includes multiple Asia Trail Masters titles and victories across Southeast Asia. Rai’s consistent podium finishes make her one of the top contenders in the women’s field.
The Philippines’ depth of talent will also be on full display. Iloilo’s Joerbert Elmaguin, a back to back national champion in the long trail category, is expected to push the pace, while Bukidnon’s Godwin Mirar brings momentum from major wins including the Penang Skyrace and The Punisher 80K.
In the women’s division, Elizabeth Dangadang of Baguio stands out as a dual national champion across long and short trail formats, while South Cotabato’s Joy Beltran adds further strength with her own national title and regional victories.
International challengers are also expected to make a strong impact. Denmark’s Kristian Jørgensen arrives with recent marathon wins in the Philippines, while Agustoralin Marte of Caloocan enters in peak form following triumphs in both local and regional trail marathons.
Organizers note that these names represent just a fraction of the elite roster, with many more top tier athletes set to compete.
Collectively, the field brings a strong mix of national champions, international race winners, and Asia Trail Masters standouts, raising expectations for a highly competitive race.
Beyond the competition, DCIUT3 offers a course that is as scenic as it is punishing.
Runners will traverse five of Danao City’s iconic peaks, testing endurance, strategy, and mental strength against Cebu’s rugged landscapes.
The event begins with a welcome dinner and technical briefing on April 17 at the Danao City Boardwalk, followed by staggered race starts over the weekend. The 100KM category starts at 2:00 AM on Saturday, while the remaining distances roll out early Sunday morning, leading to the awarding ceremony at 1:00 PM.
Race fans who cannot be on site can still follow the action, as highlights will be available on MyTV Cebu, providing updates of key moments and top performances throughout the weekend.
With its designation as a Philippine Trail Running Championship Qualifier and inclusion in the Asia Trail Master Grandmaster Quest Calendar, DCIUT3 continues to grow its presence on the global stage.
As elite runners converge on Cebu, the race is set to deliver a compelling showcase of endurance and world class trail running.
