THE first-ever Cebu Eco-Trail 4x4 Challenge is happening in Cebu from Sept. 15 to 19. The event is organized by the Jeep Owners Club of Cebu (JOC) in the hope of providing a formal event running in Cebu for off-road enthusiasts with all the prize and prestige that the event will provide. The race will traverse four cities and three municipalities in Cebu in three legs.

The first leg of the race will be 103.22 kilometers long. Every leg of the race will start and end in Ayala Heights Grounds, which is the designated campsite of contending enthusiasts. The first leg’s trail will head to Lusaran then Tagamacan Base Campsite and then back to Ayala Heights Grounds to check in for Time Race, which means that the competition committee will be recording the finishing times for each team. Leg one will end at 5 p.m.

The second leg of the race has been estimated to be 73.82 kilometers from Ayala Heights grounds to Biga Pit Toledo – Mananga River then back to Ayala Heights Grounds to check in for Time Race. The end of the second leg will be at 7 p.m.

The last leg of the race is estimated to be 98.41 kilometers from Ayala heights grounds to Asturias then to Danasan in Danao and then back to Ayala Heights Grounds to check in for Time Race. The end of leg three will be at 8 p.m.

The whole event will end with an off-track race, and an awarding ceremony with a fellowship dinner at the Kan-Irag Off-Road Grounds. The competition is open to anyone with an off-roading 4x4 vehicle who wishes to join.

JOC will be announcing another off-roading event at the culmination of the Cebu Eco-Trail 4x4 Challenge. The said event, which is yet to be announced, will be held a week before Sinulog 2019. The organization is also sponsoring a community outreach program to be initiated with the barangays that will be part of the legs of the race. According to the JOC heads, the organization does this in the remote areas that they tour as it is an opportunity for them to reach out and give back.

For sign-ups and inquiries, email jeepownersclub.cebu@gmail.com. Deadline for registration is Aug. 15.