A BIGGER and better staging of Itogonia trail running event slated May 26 will reward runners of a breathtaking countryside view of Baguio City and Benguet.
Organized by Active Pinas, in partnership with the Municipality of Itogon, Itogonia Wild Country Trail Run will be exploring the seemingly undiscovered beauty of Itogon making it a major eco-trail running hub in this part of the country.
Now on its second year, the race has 3, 8, 16, 32 and the lung busting 42-kilometer categories starting at Scout Hill in Camp John Hay and reaching the heights of Mount Bidawan for the longer categories.
Organizers said Itogonia means trail runners' paradise, which was coined by Baguio-based runners who want to share their playground to each visitor of Itogon. The tagline "Wild Country" is a way to describe Baguio's back-country as a nurtured wild space and a quick getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
Organizers added the Itogonia Mountain Marathon is for those who are aiming to achieve a mountain marathon finishers' badge in their running goals. The new route in Mount Bidawan ridge would open new doors for mountain runners who want to connect the Itogon Trail System further North.
Runners, added organizers, may anticipate some dry and crunchy trails as the event is scheduled by the end of summer compared to last year's Habagat season.
Organizers, meanwhile, reminded runners to bring mandatory gears such as whistle, hydration system, extra trail food, fully charged mobile phone, head lamps or flashlights, trekking poles, and basic first aid kits.
Claiming of race kits for those who have registered starts May 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ili-ay Cordillera, The Manor Hotel CJH and on race day, May 26 from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. for 3, 8, and 16K participants only at the Mountain Breeze Cottage, Scout Hill.
Awards will be given to top three male and female finishers in all categories.
The top three finishers of the different age categories from 18 to 50 and above for both male and female will also be given an award.
Organizers said the male and female champion for the 42K and 32K categories will receive a brand new pair of shoes from Brooks Running.