Dunkin to compete in Kinabalu Climbathon

CEBUANA trail runner Merlita Dunkin has encountered several mishaps in the recent months in her bids for titles in mountain trail running.

The last one was her failed title-retention bid in the Mt. Mayon 360 in Legazpi City last April, when she fainted because of heatstroke, forcing her to quit the race.

Dunkin, who finished fourth in the National Milo Marathon Women’s 10K yesterday, said she is out to redeem herself as she joins the Kinabalu Climbathon next Sunday in Malaysia.

Dunkin, however, said to make it to the top 10 will be good enough for her.

“If I make it to the Top 10, I will be happy,” said Dunkin.

Dunkin added she is bracing herself for a more difficult course after organizers changed it this year.

“Before, the course started with a 1.5K flat road leading to the trail. Now we need to run on a flat road of about 5K before the trail starts. And I am not a strong flat course runner. Plus, your legs will already get used to a flat road and will suddenly have to transition to a different course. That will be a challenge,” said Dunkin.

This will be Dunkin’s eighth time to join the Kinabalu Climbathon.

Her best finish by far is a sixth place, which she made in 2006.