ALL roads lead to Itogon, Benguet, on February 4, 2018 as the seventh staging of the Pilipinas Akyathlon hits the road with longer and tougher route.
The four distance sky running event organized by the Philippine Skyrunning Association (PSA) and the local governments of Tinongdan and Itogon is expected to lure close to 300 runners from across the Philippines and other countries.
Iris Torculas of the PSA said the event features the 46-kilometer sky marathon, 25-kilometer mountain run, the 10-kilometer trail run, and the kiddie skyathlon.
"All race categories start and end at the Indigenous Peoples' Cultural Heritage Site in Binga, Tinongdan, and goes up the traditional foot trails of the local communities to the village of Lusod and up to the summit of Mt. Ugo for the 46 kilometer race," said Torculas.
From the summit, runners then make a U-turn and return via the same trail back to Lusod. From there, runners descend down the Tinongdan hiking trail to the Agno River valley and follow the path back to Binga.
Erwin Hermoso, also of PSA, said this year's race will feature scenic routes that include rice fields in remote villages, unspoiled pine forests, and hanging bridges crossing the mighty Agno River.
Hermoso said runners are advised to be prepared for steep ascents and descents and various natural challenges of the trails.
Hermoso and Torculas, meanwhile, urged runners to be self-sustaining in bringing their own hydration gear and nutrition.
Torculas said medical aid and water refilling stations, however, will be available in multiple points along the route.
Organizers said registration is now ongoing until January 15, 2018 at the Lagalag Stores located at the Lower Ground Floor in Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City, and at the Lower Ground Floor Main Bldg, of SM City North Edsa.
Online registration may be coursed thru RaceYaya.com
Registration fees for the 10K is P1,000; 25K at P2,000, and 46K at P3,000. (Roderick Osis)