TNF100 hits Baguio April 21

Thursday, February 9, 2012

“NEVER stop exploring.”

This is the spirit of The North Face (TNF) 100 Philippines in conquering various mountainous places through its marathon.

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The TNF100 is the 1st Ultra trail running marathon series in the Asia – Pacific region.

Runners are tasked to complete 100-kilometer (100K) of endurance running set in different terrain. It started in 2008 and sprawled through Australia, Singapore, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and the country.

It introduced trail running to the discerning audience and has elevated ultra marathons to a whole new realm. It tests the limits of human endurance, celebrates the passion of the outdoors and exemplifies its spirit.

Now, the TNF100 will be conducting a marathon for the second time in the Cordillera. The race route will be from Camp John Hay to Philippine Military Academy and will push through Mt. Sto. Tomas then to Tuba and Itogon then back to Camp John Hay.

The marathon categories will be for 100K, 50K, 22K and 11K which are open to males and females. Registration fees will be collected from the participants which cost P3,500 (100 and 50K) and P1,000 for 22K and 11K.

Registration started January 15 and ends on April 8.

Participants can register in the Travel Club of SM Baguio, R.O.X., ResToeRun, Bratpack Camp John Hay Techno Hub and primer booth at the session road in bloom.

The marathon will be held on April 21 to 22.

“The terrain and weather here in Cordillera is very overwhelming that’s why we decided to bring back the marathon here for the second time. We want this activity to be sustainable and would be considered green activity,” said TNF100 division manager Jundel Llagas.

He added all participants are welcome in any ages and any nationalities. He said the accumulated registration fees will be for the jerseys, bibs, hydration, cash prizes and other freebies.

TNF100 targets to have 1,000 participants from different places for the marathon.

TNF100 technical director Levi Nayaha-ngan said they conducted the first marathon here last 2010 with 1,200 participants with 11 nationalities represented.

He added that during their 2010 marathon, the oldest male runner was a 73-year-old man while for female is a 60-year-old American senior.

“Around 80 percent of the participants during that time came from outside Baguio City,” he said.

The Department of Tourism Regional Director Purification Molintas said they will use the marathon to enhance the tourism industry in Baguio City.

She said they aim to generate a repeat visit which will create an increase of the spending capacity of the tourist and this will go directly to the local community (like selling commodities to the tourist).

“We will gain from sports through making our mark in the tourism highways,” expressed Molintas.

She added that since the marathon involves two towns namely Tuba and Itogon, they will closely coordinate with the officials of these towns for their cooperation to the event.

The City Administrator Carlos Canilao assured the City Government’s support in terms of sports especially this marathon.

“We will provide ambulances, police force, trail logistics and basic first aid supplies along the route.”

He added that the City Government will provide 200 marshals who will be along the route to ensure the safety of the participants. (Rubyloida Bitog)