MANILA, Philippines – Mountain climbers and nature enthusiasts are challenged to “defy their limits” and race to the peak of Mt. Apo, the country's most popular climbing destination in Southern Mindanao.

The Department of Tourism - Region XI and the municipal government of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur have opened the 2nd International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge, a 24-hour climbing challenge for up to 35 participating teams.

The challenge will start on the beach lines of Sta. Cruz, and participants will navigate through the town's tough trails and raging rivers, scale the boulder face of Mt. Apo, and climb the peak of the country's highest mountain.

The competition is slated on April 28-29, 2012.

The event, participated by various teams from various areas of the Philippines, Southeast Asia and even from as far as Canada, is now on its fifth year.

This extreme sports challenge will entail four disciplines: mountain biking, trekking, white water tubing and road running.

The challenge will serve as a major highlight of the annual “Pista sa Kinaiyahan” (Feast for the Environment) celebration of Sta. Cruz.

The race is open to teams with three members (two racers and one logistic crew) each.

To comply with the carrying capacity of the trails of the Mt. Apo National Park, the competition is limited to 35 teams only.

To join, register online at www.boulderface.com.