Hundreds of cyclists will descend on the rugged trails of Clark, Pampanga this October, as Gravelton — the Philippines’ most established gravel cycling race — returns for a fifth edition backed by a national push to turn the country into Southeast Asia’s next great cycling destination.

Organizers have officially confirmed that Gravelton Clark 2026 will take place on October 25 at Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City, building on five years of momentum that has transformed the race from a niche gravel meetup into what’s now widely regarded as the definitive gravel event in the country. This year, however, the race carries extra weight — it’s riding on the backing of a government-driven tourism initiative championed by a sitting senator.

A Gravel Race With Government Muscle Behind It

Gravelton 2026 is officially supported by the Philippine Cyclo Tourism initiative, a program under the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) that launched in May 2025. The initiative is spearheaded by Senator JV Ejercito alongside TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, with a clear mission: position the Philippines as a top-tier cycling destination on the global stage.

That backing signals a shift in how the country is approaching sports tourism. Rather than treating cycling events as standalone competitions, the Cyclo Tourism program is working to develop bike-tour circuits nationwide, with Gravelton serving as a flagship example of how grassroots sporting events can align with a larger tourism strategy. The initiative counts Specialized Philippines, GoRacePH, and various local cycling groups among its partners — the same network powering Gravelton itself.

For a race that started as a passion project, having a senator’s name attached to its growth trajectory is a notable vote of confidence, and a sign organizers are thinking beyond the finish line.

Central Luzon’s Toughest Terrain Takes Center Stage

At its core, Gravelton remains a test of grit. The 2026 edition will once again challenge riders across Central Luzon’s rugged and scenic trails, with Clark’s world-class infrastructure and Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City providing the backdrop for a race built on endurance, technical skill, and the equipment demands unique to gravel riding.

Multiple categories will cater to riders of varying skill levels, from newcomers testing their limits to seasoned competitors chasing podium finishes. Signature routes designed to highlight Clark’s natural terrain will anchor the competitive side of the event.

“Gravelton started with a simple idea: to bring people together through a gravel event. It’s about the race, the celebration, the stories, and the shared moments that happen along the way,” said Ritchie Santayana, group category director of Gruppo Innovare Corp. / Specialized Philippines, the organizer behind Gravelton PH. “More than anything, it’s our way of building a gravel experience that feels authentic, memorable, and proudly our own.”

Santayana added that this year’s edition is about elevating every part of the experience — not just the race itself. “From the toughest terrain to the post-ride festivities, we are elevating every aspect of the event to showcase the grit of gravel riders, while strengthening the bonds within our local and international gravel racing communities.”

Beyond the competition, Gravelton has built a reputation for its festive, community-first atmosphere — a formula organizers plan to lean into further as the event scales.

Registration, race category details, route information, and a full list of official partners are available at graveltonph.com. Updates and event highlights are also posted on GraveltonPH’s Facebook page and Instagram account @graveltonph.