Cordillera’s emerging ultra-trail runner Elizabeth Dangadang caught fellow runners and organizers by surprise when she emerged fourth overall in the second edition of the 80-kilometer Sta. Ines Mountain Adventure Run in Tanay, Rizal on weekend.
The 33-year-old Dangadang of Baguio City also became the top female finisher in the race, which is the first Filipino points race in this year’s Asia Trail Master Championship series.
Prior to the race, organizers were rooting for rising trail stars Angelie Cabalo and Cecille Wael to dominate the distaff side of the race that was participated in by strong ultra-runners in the country.
But Dangadang outpaced all fellow female runners, including Cabalo and Wael, who were tailing her up to the finish line. She crossed the finish line in approximately 16 hours and two minutes.
Apparently, Dangadang was not even satisfied with her performance even as she gained instant fans and followers for emerging as the overall female champion in her ATM debut.
But Dangadang has proven last month that she can be as competitive like fellow male Cordilleran ultra-runners.
This, as she became the female overall champion in the 100-kilometer category of the VJ100 Ultra Trail Challenge held within Camp John Hay reservation on Jan. 28 to 29.
She even outraced world-class ultra-trail runner James Tellias when she clocked 21:05:24, or two hours ahead of the latter.
Meanwhile, Elmer Retolado emerged the back-to-back winner in the male division of the Sta. Ines 80K with a time of 13 hours and 17 minutes followed by Yojong Sacayle with a time of 14:07. – Harley F. Palangchao
