April 1, 2026 – Antique Trail Marathon I Host of the Philippine National Trail Running Championships
The Philippine National Trail Running Championships concluded with exceptional performances from the country’s top trail runners, while also highlighting the growing role of trail running in promoting sport tourism, youth development through Batang PHILTRA, and meaningful community engagement.
The week-long celebration of trail running officially kicked off with a talk featuring event organizers and runners, setting the tone for the championships. The session brought together key stakeholders to share insights on race organization, athlete preparation, safety, and the future of trail running in the Philippines and globally—fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening the community.
Set against a demanding and scenic course, the championships combined elite competition with the natural beauty of the host location—drawing athletes, support teams, and visitors from across the country and contributing to local tourism and economic activity.
SHORT TRAIL
Teammates went head-to-head, with globally recognized 900 ITRA-point athlete Onifa and 20-year-old Tongkaling finishing just seconds apart. Tongkaling, only in his second year of competitive racing, delivered an impressive performance on the tough 42K course with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, completing it in 4:36. Meanwhile, fellow Antiqueño and long-trail veteran Larry Apolinario proved he can also excel in the shorter distance category, finishing 16 minutes behind.
Long-trail national team veteran Elizabeth Dangadang toed the line in the short trail event and proved she can push the pace in shorter distances. Her 23-year-old teammate, Joy Beltran, was close behind but was forced to withdraw due to an ankle mishap.
This opened the race for another rising young athlete from Mindanao, Yashiera Daligdig, who secured second place, followed by Baguio City’s decorated runner Kana Antonio, who earned her podium spot in her first national championships.
LONG TRAIL
The long trail category, with a tight 15-hour cutoff, was claimed by national team member Joebert Elmaquin, who finished over 30 minutes ahead of team captain Arnie Macaneras. Eldy Bulod secured the final podium spot with a strong 13:44 finish.
No female competitor finished within the cutoff. However, Eloisa Cusi and Ruby Joy Ooloy made a strong push to the last checkpoint, just six kilometers from the finish—demonstrating their toughness and potential in the sport.
MOUNTAIN CLASSIC
Experience and course familiarity came into play in the Mountain Classic category. Ken Oliver Libo-on defended his title from the third edition and won the men’s race, followed by second-edition winner Rayven Jay Eta. Newcomer Christone Dinawanao completed the podium.
On the distaff side, the current youth team dominated, with Cessa Monterde defending her title, followed just seconds behind by Charlotte Muyco. Evan Dian Sitoy completed the podium.
The youth female team grew emotional as they recalled how they had to juggle studies, part-time work, and training in preparation for the event. U15 newcomers Juliean and Melanie Tongkaling missed the podium but gained valuable experience.
Run, Explore and Experience Antique
Beyond competition, the championships underscored the powerful link between trail running and sustainable sport tourism. By showcasing the Philippines’ diverse landscapes—from mountain ridges to forest trails—the event positioned the host location, Aningalan in San Remigio, Antique, as a destination for outdoor recreation and adventure travel.
Athletes and visitors not only competed but also experienced local culture, hospitality, and natural attractions—generating economic opportunities for communities through various roles in the event, accommodations, food services, guiding, and transport.
Empowering the Next Generation: Batang PHILTRA
A key highlight of this year’s championships is the continued integration of Batang PHILTRA, the youth development program of trail running in the Philippines. The initiative provides young athletes with opportunities to engage in the sport, develop fundamental skills, and be inspired by the country’s top performers. Thirty five U12 athletes with an equal mix of male and female toed the line including three young kids. Together with their parents, family and friends, the short 2k/500 meter race became a platform to introduce the community to trail running. The race was a display of potential from these young athletes.
Pathway to International Competition
The championships also served as a key selection platform for athletes who will represent the Philippines in upcoming international trail running events. For 2026, the Philippines will be sending delegates to the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup and Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships. Each participant will be ranked, based on their qualifier and championship performance points to complete the spot available in the national team, training pool and event delegation.
Strengthening the Trail Running Community
From the opening talk to the final finishers, the event reflected the collective effort of athletes, organizers, technical officials, volunteers, local government units, and partners.
About the Philippine National Trail Running Championships
The Philippine National Trail Running Championships is the country’s annual national championships which gathers qualified athletes from the year-long qualifying events across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The trail running event is aimed at identifying elite athletes, promoting the sport nationwide, and advancing high-performance pathways, youth development, and sport tourism initiatives.
Here is the complete list of winners:
MOUNTAIN CLASSIC DIVISION
Men’s Division
Gold – Ken Oliver Libo-on (Antique) — 1:26:04.100
Silver – Rayven Jay Eta (Bukidnon) — 1:28:15.600
Bronze – Christone Dinawanao (Davao del Sur) — 1:31:36.800
Women’s Division
Gold – Cessa Monterde (Bukidnon) — 1:58:51.900
Silver – Charlotte Muyco (South Cotabato) — 1:58:55.00
Bronze – Evan Dian Sitoy (Bukidnon) — 2:18:46.300
SHORT TRAIL DIVISION
Men’s Division
Gold – John Ray Onifa (Antique) — 4:36:03.800
Silver – Romnick Tongkaling (Davao del Sur) — 4:36:46.300
Bronze – Larry Apolinario (Antique) — 4:52:54.400
Women’s Division
Gold – Elizabeth Dangadang (Benguet & Baguio City) — 6:02:12.900
Silver – Yashshara Daligdig (North Cotabato) — 6:52:33.200
Bronze – Kana Antonio (Benguet & Baguio City) — 7:32:52.300
LONG TRAIL DIVISION
Men’s Division
Gold – Joebert Elmaguin (Iloilo) — 11:55:48.700
Silver – Arnie Macaneras (Davao del Sur) — 12:28:19.700
Bronze – Eldy Bulod (Davao del Sur) — 13:44:11.900
FULL RESULTS: Philippine National Trail Running Championships Mountain-classic – 4th Philippine National Trail Running Championships (PNTRC) Leaderboard
ANTIQUE TRAIL MARATHON – OPEN CATEGORY
5K SUNSET RUN MEN
Champion – Allen Mark Dayton — 0:33:06
First Runner Up – Erl Macavinta — 0:59:06
Second Runner Up – Lorence Dave Dela Cruz — 0:59:44
5K SUNSET RUN WOMEN
Champion – Jessica Oberlies — 0:52:37
First Runner Up – Alea Donelle Arceo — 0:58:41
Second Runner Up – Nicole Sencio — 1:01:49
16KM OPEN MEN
Champion – Kevin Clarito — 1:28:30
First Runner Up – Arlon Samillano — 1:35:56
Second Runner Up – Christian Pelayo — 1:40:55
16KM OPEN WOMEN
Champion – Cahzandra Naif — 2:38:18
First Runner Up – Eliza Delos Reyes — 2:39:24
Second Runner Up – Nene Francisco — 2:47:17
25K OPEN MEN
Champion – Arven Jimenez — 2:45:40
First Runner Up – Aaron Naig — 2:58:59
Second Runner Up – Kurt Libo-on — 3:05:44
25K OPEN WOMEN
Champion – Janet Ng — 4:32:25
First Runner Up – Uezel Jane Pillora — 4:55:54
Second Runner Up – Miera Claire Magno — 5:03:54
42K OPEN MEN
Champion – Kristian Joergensen — 5:15:02
First Runner Up – Jason Apolinario — 5:25:18
Second Runner Up – Perry Joyce Perfas — 6:41:40
42K OPEN WOMEN
Champion – Aiza Lavilla — 7:23:51
First Runner Up – May Dominado — 7:40:13
Second Runner Up – Pearly Joy Fajanil— 9:07:41
80K OPEN MEN
Champion – Ronnel Ruiz — 16:39:58
First Runner Up – JM Esquilarga — 17:13:41
Second Runner Up – Justine Estrologo — 19:07:28
80K OPEN WOMEN
Champion – Augustoralin Sabanal-Marte — 18:38:30
First Runner Up – Angelie Cabalo — 18:38:30
Second Runner Up – Shally Yuson — 22:56:47
FULL RESULTS – OPEN – 25km – Antique Trail Marathon Leaderboard
FULL RESULTS- PNTRC – Short-trail – 4th Philippine National Trail Running Championships (PNTRC) Leaderboard
PHOTOS – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UHBj-iYg5W_Wju2ZY2NL7jqpAuMXafPu?usp=sharing
