SOME 400 runners are expected to join the 1st Mt. Megatong Trail Run Challenge that will get underway on January 22 in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.
Jonathan Pido, race director and a member of Team Titans Davao (TTD), urged enthusiasts to sign up since proceeds of the race will benefit the Ata Manuvu tribe who live at the base of Mt. Megatong.
"After the race, we will conduct a feeding program for the kids and provide them with school supplies courtesy of NCCC Cares Incorporated," Pido said in a phone interview with SunStar Davao.
Participants may compete in the 32-kilometer (32k), 12K and 3.5K categories.
Pido said the 32K event will kick off at the Municipal Hall of Sto. Tomas going to the peak of Mt. Megatong and vice versa.
The 12k event will also begin in the same area going to Sitio Sta. Cruz passing through Brgy. San Jose and back.
The 3.5K will start at the Municipal Hall going to Sitio Sta. Cruz and back to origin.
Registration fees are P1,900 (32K) inclusive of a race bib, finisher's medal, finisher's trophy, finisher's certificate, post meal, jersey and singlet as well as limited edition Bagani Igacos 50 hydration pack; P650 (12K) inclusive of a race bib, finisher's medal, finisher's certificate, post meal and jersey; and 3.5K (P300) with race bib, finisher's medal, light meal and singlet.
Cash prizes await winners. The top five 32K finishers will pocket P3,500, P2,500, P2,000, P1,000 and P1,000.
The 12K champion will pocket P2,500 while P1,500 and P1,000 will go to the next two finishers.
In 3.5K, the top three placers will claim P1,500, P1,000 and P800.
Special prizes will also be awarded to the biggest delegation (a combination of 32K and 12K participants only), male and female 32K oldest runner and male and female 3.5K youngest runner.
A zumba session will be held for 3.5K participants before the gun start.