Local runners shine in Mt. Ugo Sky Running tilt

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

WHILE foreign runners dominated the recently concluded 1st Pilipinas Akyathlon–Philippine International Sky Race in Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet, 17-year-old Josiah Ballagan of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya led the charges for local racers.

He topped the 17-below age group after finishing the race in 5th place, while Baguio City Cool Running’s James Tellias placed 2nd in the 18-29-age group division with Gerald Leon from Itogon was third.

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Marcelo Bautista, the fastest Baguio-based runner, topped the 30-39-age group division with Joel Bengtay and Junie Marcelo placing second and third, respectively, and members of the Cool City Running.

Itogon’s Danilo Martinez was the top runner in the 40-49-age group after a 10th place finish over-all, while Bernardo Anong, also of Itogon, was third place in the 50-59-age group as seasoned trail runner and retired Colonel Brigilio Balaba topped the 60-and-above age group.

Two female trail runners also made it in the age group competition as Gretchen Felipe from Tinongdan, Itogon took the second place honors, while Pt. Pulag guide Belina Libag was third place.

Senator Pia Cayetano finished 74th overall and was able to finish second in the 40-49-age group while Leo Oracion, the first Filipino to reach the summit of Mt. Everest finished 44th overall.

The race was spearheaded by the Philippine Skyrunning Association, in partnership with the Department of Tourism-Cordillera, Provincial Government of Benguet, Municipality of Itogon and Barangay Tinongdan.

The Pilipinas Akyathlon is the country’s first international mountain trail high altitude race, the first of its kind here in Asia to be accredited by the International Skyrunning Federation and is also part of the 2012 SKYRUNNER™ World Series Trials.

Mt. Ugo is known for its annual summer climb which won last year in the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines’ Search for Best Tourism Event in the Philippines under the Sports, Adventure and Wellness Category. (Roderick Osis)