Philippine Trail Running to showcase elite athletes and new talent

The exciting and physically demanding sport of trail running will take center stage during the Philippine Trail Running Association (Philtra) National Championships, set to be held in Danao, Cebu from March 21 to 23. 

This event marks the conclusion of a series of qualifying competitions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao last year, and will play a key role in selecting the new Philippine trail running team for international events.

Philtra vice president and secretary-general Tin Ferrera, along with manager Gerard Tipones, are anticipating nearly 700 participants, including the country's top runners and some international competitors. 

Leading the local runners are Larry Apolinario from Antique on the men’s side, and Elizabeth Dangadang from Baguio City on the women’s side.

“This event holds great promise, and we're excited to uncover more talent,” Ferrera shared during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. She expressed optimism about the future of Filipino trail runners, who have excelled in Southeast Asian competitions and are currently ranked second in the Asia-Pacific region.

Looking ahead, the Philippines' trail running team is aiming for the World Championships in Spain this September, with hopes that trail running, a sport requiring immense endurance over long distances in mountainous terrain, will be included in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

“This event is all part of our preparation for these future goals,” Ferrera added during the forum.

Tipones explained that the Danao event will feature races of 40 km (short course), 80 km (long course), and a more accessible 15 km (with a five-hour time limit). 

The longer races are tailored for more experienced runners, who will complete the distances in 20 to 40 hours, making brief stops at aid stations to replenish and rest. 

“They’re racing against time, so the breaks are quick and they keep going,” Tipones added.

Ferrera concluded by expressing confidence in the Philippines' trail running potential, pointing out that the country has already proven its competitiveness in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia. Some first-time international competitors have even placed highly in their races.