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New Champions Crowned at the Philippine National Trail Running Championships
Mar
Danao City, Cebu, Philippines – March 22-23, 2025 – The country’s top trail runners showcased their endurance, skill, and determination at the Philippine National Trail Running Championships, battling challenging terrain in pursuit of national titles.
“Enduring the trails, fueling the burning passion, and chasing victory are unique characteristics possessed by every Filipino. The length and roughness of trails make you stronger, preparing you for bigger challenges,” said Richard Bachmann, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, as he sent off the athletes.
Ensuring that the race adhered to both local and international standards, Boying Milan of PHILTRA, a Cebu native, worked closely with the local trail running community and technical team led by Herson Ypil, with the full support of the Danao City government.
RESULTS:
MOUNTAIN CLASSIC U23 l SHORT TRAIL l LONG TRAIL l LEADERBOARD
The Long Trail – 80K saw Elizabeth Dangadang and Angelie Cabalo deliver yet another record-setting performance, reinforcing their dominance in the women’s division.
In the men’s race, 25-year-old Joebert Elmaquin emerged victorious, breaking away from another young athlete, Godwin Mirar just 5 kilometers from the finish. Mirar, a seasoned short trail national team member, finished nine minutes later, while two-time champion Larry Apolinario secured third place. Roberto Cain, an early race leader, finished fourth, followed by Marlonette Esquierdo and Jed Patingo, with Team Captain Arnie Macaneras placing seventh. Rhys Pawid and Emelyn Cabingas withdrew after 50 kilometers.
In the Short Trail category, 19-year-old Romnick Tongkaling defended his title, finishing three minutes ahead of his teammate Randolf Gonzales, while 22-year-old newcomer Gabriel Mirar completed the podium. The race remained tight up to the 27-kilometer mark, with Jhaymore Pugoy also in the lead pack. Other finishers included Johnkisler Lamigo, Louie Niala, and Godfrey Farnican.
On the women’s side, 22-year-old Joy Beltran delivered a commanding victory. She was followed by national team member Noime Fernandez and Ann Doplon, who earned her first championship podium on her second year in the finals. Angelica Alejo, who trailed by 12 minutes at one point, nearly reached the podium but finished three minutes behind after missing a crucial turn in the final section. Hanah Marie Arain rounded out the top five.
In the U23 category, 19-year-old Ken Oliver Libo-on claimed victory, finishing three minutes ahead of Samuel Manuel, a member of the Batang Philtra Training Pool. Zhedrac Fagsao completed the podium, followed closely by Rayven Jay Eta, Jill Cabel, Lance Naral, Jessel Monterde, and Vins Estrada.
The women’s U23 division saw 15-year-old Cessa Monterde dominate, crossing the finish line six minutes ahead of the field. Evan Sitoy (18) secured second place, narrowly edging out 21-year-old Charlotte Ann Muyco by just 59 seconds. Anch Nicole Olaer and Luisa Cuerpo also completed with strong finishes.
Top finishers earned valuable ranking points, which will help determine the 2025 national team and training pool, as well as the delegation for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
The event also featured an Open Category, welcoming 600 runners for the Danao City International Ultra Trail, which included both local and international participants. Among them was renowned trail runner and national team member John Ray Onifa, who showcased his strength by winning the 100K category.
Highlighting the importance of the event beyond competition, Danao City Head of Tourism, First Councilor Ivy Durano, emphasized the city’s commitment to adventure sports. “Sports go beyond competition. We are happy to promote the Seven Peaks of Danao, an ideal destination for trail running and outdoor adventure,” she said.
Paolo Sybico, Sports Development Head, highlighted Danao City’s reputation for producing national athletes and medalists, such as Shagne Yao. He expressed confidence that trail running could also become a key sport for the city in the future, thanks to events like the Philippine National Trail Running Championships, which provide a platform for local athletes to excel on the national and international stage.
The U23 Mountain Classic participants aged 15 – 22, with majority still under 20. The future is bright for Philippine Trail Running.
The championships also saw a surge of new and young athletes, further raising the level of competition. “We are happy to see new faces in the championships and young athletes stepping up, making the event more competitive and challenging for everyone. This also ensures the continued development of our talent pool by starting them young,” said Tin Ferrera, Vice President and Secretary General of PHILTRA.
Expressing gratitude for the strong local support, Atty. James Roldan, President of PHILTRA, thanked the Danao City LGU, the Philippine Sports Commission, International Trail Running Association and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association for its unwavering commitment to the sport of trail running.
Isang landas, Isang Puso. #PHILTRA
TEAM:
- Event Organizer: The Local Government of Danao City
- Technical Team – PHILTRA Championships – KIRK MILAN
- Technical Team – Danao City International Ultra Trail – HERSON YPIL and Danao City Trail Runners
- Athlete Coordinators: Lyra Valles, Ian Clarito, Gerald Tipones
- PHILTRA Media Team: The Dream Team, Race Ya and Sky Rodillas
- DIGITAL Partner: Race Ya
- INSURANCE: Western Guarantee Corporation
This event is sanctioned by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, following the World Athletics Federation Standards. The event is conducted following the International Trail Running Association and PHILTRA standards.
Participants have earned ITRA Points and is under the National League. The athletes performance will be part of the scoring point to identify the 2025 National Team and time trial for the World Mountain Trail Running Championships.
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Media Contact:
Tin Ferrera / info@philtra.ph
