Racing Through History at Yamashita’s Last Stand
By Migz On-Onod and Mario Alvaro Limos
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, The Last Stand of Yamashita Trail Run 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.
What was the Last Stand of Yamashita?
The last stand of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, often referred to as the “Tiger of Malaya,” occurred in the final days of World War II in the Philippines. After his successful campaigns in Malaya and Singapore, Yamashita was tasked with defending the Japanese occupation of the Philippines from advancing Allied forces. However, by late 1944, Filipino and American forces, led by General Douglas MacArthur, launched a full-scale invasion to reclaim the islands.
Yamashita’s forces were already greatly weakened by nationwide guerilla warfare by Filipinos, were suddenly even more vastly outnumbered and outgunned. Yamashita retreated to the rugged mountains of northern Luzon, specifically in the Cordillera region. There, he employed a strategy of delaying action, hoping to tie down Filipino and American troops and prolong the defense. His forces dug into defensive positions in Baguio and the surrounding mountains, enduring relentless bombardments and attacks.
Despite his efforts, by September 1945, the situation was untenable. With no chance of reinforcement or resupply, Yamashita finally surrendered at Kiangan, Ifugao, on September 2, 1945, days after Japan’s official surrender.
Yamashita’s last stand and surrender marked the end of Japanese resistance in the Philippines. Yamashita was later tried for war crimes, convicted, and executed, cementing his controversial legacy in history. His last stand remains a symbol of fierce yet ultimately futile resistance.
The Last Stand of Yamashita Trail Run
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.
“Imagine standing atop the summit, gazing out at the panoramic views that stretch across the land. To the west, you’ll marvel at the sight of Boguis Benguet and the majestic Mt Pulag, while the eastern horizon reveals the awe-inspiring peaks of Mt Amuyao and Mt Polis,” wrote the event organizer on its site.
“It is here, amidst the swirling clouds and ethereal fog, that the Japanese Empire made its last stand before Yamashita’s historic surrender in Kiangan on September 2, 1945.”
The Last Stand of Yamashita Trail Run included an open category with three distinct distances: 15 km, 21 km, and an ultra trail of 50 km.
15 KM Podium Results (Male)
- Albert Codamon: 1:27:43.1,
- Alejandro Lee Yodong: 2:00:19.9
- Schindler Blanza: 2:02:29.3
15 KM Podium Results (Female)
- Irene Buyucan: 2:21:48.7
- Vilma Kinggingan: 3:06:19.1.
21 KM Podium Results (Male)
- Jonathan Balogan: 4:14:22.8
- Mark Angelo Balo: 5:14:43.1
- Donald De Vera: 5:21:58.1
21 KM Podium Results(Female)
- Cara Dacnis: 5:02:06.8
- Cyrelle Attaban: 5:30:19.7
- 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
- Bryan Jay Mudiguing: 8:07:44.7
The 50 KM Ultra Trail Podium Results (Female)
- Elma Bengwasen: 10:58:00.2
- Julie Ann Ngaya: 12:55:44.5
- 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.
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.
