■ Ofelia C. Empian
Ultra-runners from Southeast Asia will converge in Bontoc, Mountain Pro-vince, which is the host to the Southeast Asia Trail Running Cup set June 19 to 23.
Organized by the Southeast Asian Trail Running Confederation and the Philippine Trail Running Association, the event will draw runners from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, among other countries.
“This biennial competition gathers the finest trail runners from every corner of the Southeast Asian region to showcase their prowess in the challenging and awe-inspiring terrains of mountainous landscapes,” organi-zers said.
Close to 200 elite runners have already been confirmed to join event which features the 80-kilometer long trail, 42-km. short trail, mountain classic, and a vertical uphill category.
The top three for male and female categories are up for grabs while each country can be hailed as the team champion for the short and long trail.
Meanwhile, the 9th Tawid Mountain Marathon will also be part of the SEA running event as the open category, according to co-organizer Tawid Multisports Group.
The Tawid Mountain Marathon features 12-km., 24-km., and 42-km. where participants can aim to be the SEA Trail Cup age group champion and earn Philtra 2024 championships qualifier points.
Registration for the Tawid Mountain Marathon is ongoing with the early bird discount until April 15, where participants can save P500.
Regular fees are P1,250 for the 12-km. trail, P2,000 for 24-km. trail, and P3,000 for the 42-km. trail.
Included in the registration are race bib, insurance coverage, timing e-certificate, and discounts from partners.
For more information, visit the “Tawid Mountain Marathon” Facebook account.
