Antique, Philippines — March 2026 — The Province of Antique is set to host the country’s premier trail running event as the 4th Philippine National Trail Running Championships (PNTRC) takes place on March 27–29, 2026, in partnership with the inaugural Antique Trail Marathon.
The Championships will gather the nation’s strongest trail athletes, including members of the Philippine National Trail Running Team, who qualified through seven races across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Stronger Field, Wider Reach
This year’s Championships will feature 65 qualified athletes from more than 27 provinces, reflecting the rapid nationwide growth of trail running.
A significant development this season is the surge of qualified U23, U20, and U18 athletes in the Mountain Classic categories — a clear sign that the youth pipeline is strengthening.
The provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, and Benguet produced the highest number of qualified athletes. Meanwhile, new provinces are now represented, including Batangas, Cavite, Mindoro, Cotabato, La Union, and Zamboanga.
The expansion of events in more accessible venues has largely contributed to this growth. “This shows how strategic race hosting has helped decentralize and grow the sport beyond traditional strongholds, providing equal opportunities and access to all,” said Tin Ferrera, President of Philtra.
NATIONAL TEAM BANNERING THE LONG TRAIL
Long Trail – Women’s Division
Elizabeth Dangadang of Benguet leads the women’s field based on ITRA PI. With Angelie Cabalo not starting this year, the competition opens up significantly.
Antiqueña Angelie Alejo of Antique, returning from a national team break, has the highest performance index on paper, though this will be her first race beyond 50 kilometers.
Veteran ultrarunners Kim Flores of Iligan City, Rhea Falitnang of Benguet, Ruby Joy Ooloy of Cotobato and Shekina Velazques of Mindoro are set to test endurance and speed on the demanding course.
Road marathon standout Eloisa Cusi of Occidental Mindoro transitions to her first ultramarathon, bringing a sub-3 marathon credential into the mix.
First timers in the distance, Mary Anne Abellana of Cebu and Jericha dela Paz of Cavite. Both have multiple podium finishes in local trail running races.
Long Trail – Men’s Division
Leading the field is Antiqueño standout John Ray Onifa of Antique, currently holding an impressive 898 ITRA Performance Index (PI) globally. Racing on home soil, he is expected to face strong competition from fellow national team members Larry Apolinario of Antique, Joebert Elmaquin of Iloilo, and Arnie Macaneras of Davao del Sur, the team captain.
Challengers with 600+ ITRA PI include Eldy Bulod of Davao del Sur, Novelle Lagua of Bukidnon, Edward Candelanza of Iligan City, Ulyses Esteva of Cotabato, Alison Tellias of Baguio City, and Rovel Mallari of Davao Region.
Notably, last year newcomer Joebert Elmaquin of Iloilo clinched the championship title against three national team members, proving that the field remains highly unpredictable.
Short Trail Showdown
Men’s Division
Two-time defending champion Romnick Tongkaling of Bukidnon returns alongside inaugural champion Randolf Gonzales of Nueva Vizcaya.
Also toeing the line are Jhaymore Pugoy of Bukidnon and Gabriel Mirar of Bukidnon, both previous runners-up in the Championships. Other strong contenders include Marlou Agbona of Zamboanga del Sur, Archie Paran of Davao del Sur, Mark Hubag of South Cotobato, Marky Llandres of Bukidnon, Jemar Ventura of Davao del Sur, and Jessel Monterde of Bukidnon.
Notably, most contenders fall under the U25 and U23 categories — signaling a bright future for the sport.
Women’s Division
Joy Beltran of South Cotobato, with 594 ITRA PI, banners the field, while Kana Antonio of Baguio City stands as her toughest rival at 580 PI. Annabelle Torres of Misamis Oriental follows closely in the rankings.
Singapore-based Ilonga Lady Joy Benitez of Iloilo, Krizia Bondad of Markina City, Leedy Villamonte of Cebu, twin sisters Yashiera Daligdig and Yacheva Daligdig of Cotabato, and Alyza Sumacyab of Benguet add depth to the competition. Janine Grace Animas of Antique, Joanna Galeza of Iloilo, and Sheena Mae Barcial of Negros Occidental are also expected to represent their respective provinces.
Mountain Classic – Youth Rising
With international exposure at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, Evan Sitoy of Bukidnon and Charlotte Muyco of South Cotobato, Samuel Manuel of Baguio City and Ken Oliver Libo-on of Antique headline the Mountain Classic category.
Defending champion Cessa Monterde of Bukidnon aims to secure another title, while U18 athletes Juliana Banua of Cebu and Melanie Tongkaling of Bukidnon are poised to challenge. Eighteen-year-old Marianne Nepumoceno of Antique adds a strong home-course advantage.
In the Male U23 category, former youth team member and SEATRA Cup silver medalist Rayven Eta of Bukidnon and Jill Cabel of Davao del Sur who have previous championships experience and are back to earn a spot in the team. The competition remains wide open with equally strong and fast young athletes. Representing their provinces are Jean Almoda of Baguio City, Kyle Aventurado of Cebu, Aldrin Napiloy of La Union, with Bukidnon’s John Balbao, Godwin Encabo and Mike Tambor of Bukidnon and Davao del Sur’s John Rey Daya, Jaysher Caefilan, and Christone Dinawanao. We are looking at a complete a highly competitive field.
More Than a Competition
Beyond elite racing, the Championships highlight the continued rise of Filipino trail running — from grassroots youth development to international standards. Side by side with the elite Championships, an open category allows runners to experience the same championship course and truly run, explore, and experience Antique.
Testament to the thrill the event brings, it has attracted runners from overseas who are eager to test themselves on Antique’s rugged terrain. Expected to toe the line is Hungarian athlete top international female pro runner, Eszter Csillag, alongside Cyril Teo of Malaysia d members of the Malaysian Ultrarunning Association. Several Japanese runners are also confirmed to participate. Adding prestige to the field are ITRA President Janet Ng of Hong Kong and HK100/World Trail Majors’ Steve Brammar and Men Fei Wang of Hong Kong.
Veteran ultrarunner Jon Lacanlale of Pampanga, Majo Liao from Quezon City, and Japan-based Ahmeer Raza, originally from Mindanao, were among the first to sign up.
The event also features a 5k Sunset Run and distances that caters to everyone from 16k I 25k I 42K I 80K. Each one who participate earns their own ITRA Performance points index and get the chance to be ranked in the PHILTRA Championship Qualifiers for 2026.
Nena Francisco, an Antiqueno, shared that trail running is her hobby, and she enjoys racing with other younger runners.
Registration remains open, and this is one sporting celebration you would not want to miss.
REGISTER HERE – Antique Trail Marathon – Register | Race Yaya
The Championship Course: 41KM of Raw Antique Beauty
The Antique Trail takes athletes on a 41-kilometer journey through the lush forest trails of Antique, traversing Aningalan, San Remigio, and Sibalom.
The route begins with paved and dirt roads until Km 6 in Cabladan before transitioning into single-track trails. Technical sections include stream and bridge crossings leading to Imparayan Bridge at Km 12.
Runners pass through forest trails where the rare Rafflesia speciosa can be found — a protected species requiring strict adherence to designated paths.
The course continues to Lake Pako, along the ridge of Mount Poras, through grasslands and water streams before reaching Mount Apong, a major aid station.
From there, runners proceed to Igbaclag Cave, known for its striking rock formations. The final stretch passes Mount Opao Campsite, the Antique–Iloilo boundary road, and Danao Lake before finishing at the Antique Trail and Recreation Area.
Antique: The Next Sports Tourism Destination
More than a championship, this event showcases Antique’s rugged mountain terrain, protected forests, farm landscapes, and authentic provincial life — particularly in the towns of San Remigio and Sibalom.
With elite competition, rising youth stars, and international participation, the 4th Philippine National Trail Running Championships Positions Antique not only as a race venue but as a rising sports tourism hub in the Philippines.
Run. Explore. Experience Antique.
EVENT SUPPORTERS
The event is supported by the Department of Tourism-Western Visayas Office and is held in partnership with the office of Province of Antique led by Governor Paolo Javier Congressman and the municipality of Sibalom and San Remigio with support from San Jose Municipality. With full support from the government agencis, Antique is able to ensure a safe conduct of the championships in accordance with PHILTRA and ITRA Standards. Philtra will also pilot its Trail Running Official Training and Certification Program in Antique.
The event is recognized by PHILTRA, the National Sports Association for Trail Running recognized by ITRA (International Trail Running Association) and WMRA (World Mountain Running Association) and the Southeast Asian Trail Running Confederation. Philtra is an affiliate member of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.
