Province of Antique to Host the Philippine National Trail Running Championships Alongside the Antique Trail Marathon
Antique, Philippines — The Province of Antique is set to host the Philippine National Trail Running Championships (PNTRC) alongside the Antique Trail Marathon from March 27–29, 2026, bringing together the country’s top trail athletes on one of the most iconic and challenging trail landscapes in the Philippines.
The Philippine National Trail Running Championships will serve as the culmination of the 2025–2026 qualification cycle (Know more here.) and the final talent identification race for the national trail running team and training pool. This plays a significant role as the Philippines prepare for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Trail Running Cup in July and the ASIA Pacific Trail Running Championships in China – where we currently hold the overall and runner championship rank, respectively.
The Antique Trail Marathon
The Antique Trail Marathon highlights Antique’s growing role as a premier trail running destination, where paths rise into rugged mountain terrain —reflecting the spirit, diversity, and resilience of Philippine trail running. Antique has produced athletes such as John Ray Onifa and Larry Apolinario, who have made their mark in international competitions and proudly raised the Philippine flag on the global stage, making the province a fitting host for the national championships. Know more HERE
The event will also welcome runners in the open categories, offering distances of 16 km, 25 km, 42 km, and 80 km, suited for all levels of ability and experience. Registration is now open HERE.
Qualified Athletes Announcement
The National Championships will feature 70+- qualified athletes, including current members of the national team, competing in the U23 16 km, Short Trail 42 km, and Long Trail 80 km events.
The qualification process covered seven nationwide races for short and long trail categories-held in Danao City International Ultra Trail-Danao City in Cebu, Sta.Cruz Mt. Apo – Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur, Calatagan Trail Run – Calatagan, Batangas, Point Ultra-Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Pamutan Trailfest-Pamutan, Cebu City, Impasugong Ridge Ultra-Impasugong, Bukidnon and Cordillera Mountain Ultra, Bokod, Benguet. For the qualifiers for Short and Long Trail, there was a total of 2,270 finishers while the mountain classic events drew over 2,000 participants, including 150 under-23 athletes for the qualifiers.
The official list of qualified athletes for the Philippine National Trail Running Championships has now been released following the completion of the National Championship Qualifiers in December. Qualified athletes are those who met the performance and participation requirements evaluated by the Athlete Development Team, in accordance with the qualification rules published in January 2025, with minor adjustments approved for this cycle. The full list of qualified athletes is provided in Annex A of this document.
As the national championships arrive on the trails of Antique, the event stands as both a celebration of Philippine trail running and a defining moment in shaping the country’s next generation of national athletes.
Annex A: List of Qualified Athletes
SHORT TRAIL
LONG TRAIL
YOUTH – U23/U20/U18
REFERENCE: Summary of Qualification Rules
Rule 1- Two-Race Qualification Requirement
- Athletes must have completed two (2) qualifying races in the same category.
- Scores from the top two races are summed.
Required average ITRA Performance Score:
– Men: minimum of 600 (550 for youth)
– Women: minimum of 450 (400 for youth)
Thresholds may be adjusted by ±10% depending on the total number of qualified performances.
Rule – 2 Athlete Development Team Recommendation
- Athletes with fewer than two races or below the average performance score may be recommended. Consideration is based on single-race performance strength and available competitor slots.
Additional Submissions for Provisional Athletes (Scores above 400 points but not in top 10)
- Athletes not listed but marked for review may fill-up the form for intent to participate. Please indicate ITRA scored results from other local or international races for evaluation.
Approval is subject to slot availability and additional race submission, if required.
Athletes Who Missed Official Qualifiers
- Athletes who were unable to join designated National Championship Qualifiers may fill-up the form for intent to participate. Performance results from overseas or local events will be reviewed by the Athlete Development Team.
Athlete Confirmation & Benefits During the PNTRC
All qualified athletes are required to confirm their participation by signing the official confirmation form. Athletes who confirm to compete in the National Championships will receive:
- Free race participation fee
- Free accommodation during the competition period (March 27-29)
- Meals during the official during the competition period (March 27-29)
- Pick-up at the Antique Airport or Iloilo Airport (Airfare is not covered)
Procedure
- Sign up in the form HERE to signify your confirmation. Deadline is on January 15, 2026.
- You will receive an email and an official invitation letter from our Secretary General and President.
- Waitlists will receive feedback on January 25, 2026.
- Official list will be confirmed on February 1.
Race Details
General Information sheet on the race will be sent by email. This will also be published publicly before the event.
Communications
All official communications will be via email – info@philtra.ph and/or text message from our Secretary General – Gerald Tipones (numbers to be sent to athlete)
