PhilTRA holds national trail running champs in Danao City, March 21-23

The Philippine Trail Running Association (PhilTRA) will hold the 2025 National Championships in Danao City, Cebu from March 21 to 23.

Close to 700 participants are expected at the event, including local and international runners competing for spots on the national team set to compete in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain this September.

PhilTRA Vice President Tin Ferrera noted that Filipino trail runners have performed well in Southeast Asian events and currently rank No. 2 in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading Filipino runners Larry Apolinario from Antique and Elizabeth Dangadang from Baguio City are among the top contenders, participating in distances ranging from 15 to 80 kilometers with brief stops at aid stations for replenishment.

The event is a culmination of qualifying races held throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao last year, aiming to discover new talents for future international competitions, including potentially the Olympics in Brisbane, Australia.

PhilTRA officials expressed optimism about the sport's inclusion in the 2032 Olympics and highlighted its potential for Filipino athletes who have shown strong performance in regional events.