Liloan: Perfect hub for trail running

AFTER the Municipality of Liloan hosted the Columbia trail run last weekend, it will once again host the Xterra lite race on March 17, making Liloan a favorite hub for trail running.

Organizer Ralph Pilapil said Liloan is an ideal place to host such an event because it has everything needed.

“Lilo-an has the complete package, it’s coastal and it is also near a mountain, which has a very scenic view. We also have a very supportive local government unit headed by our Mayor Duke Frasco who also support us not just with manpower but as well as financially,” Pilapil said.

He added that trail running in Cebu is already growing as shown in the recent Columbia event, which attracted almost 400 participants.

“During our first leg, we only had around 20 runners. I believe that this is just the beginning of road runners shifting to another kind of thrill in running,” Pilapil said.

Pilapil also said that there are a lot of things that the runners can get from trail running such as getting the chance for fresh air and to enjoy some scenic views.

Ford Ironman World Championship qualifier Rochelle Tan also said trail running is a good training ground for triathlon.

“I don’t think joining the Xterra lite race can affect my performance during the Xterra triathlon. Someone told me before that trail runs are good for injured people.

And it’ll make a person stronger because even the small muscles in the legs are  also being used,” Tan said.

The Xterra lite race features a 5K, 10K, and 21K divisions and is considered as the main event after the Pang Rave Run on Feb. 26 at Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.

“This is open to those who are still not ready for triathlon,” over-all coordinator Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez said.