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Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup 2024 to be Hosted in the Philippines

Posted at March 15, 2024

The Philippines is set to welcome trail running enthusiasts and athletes from Southeast Asia as it hosts the prestigious Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines from June 19-23, 2024.

The Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup is the pinnacle of mountain trail running in the Southeast Asian region. This biennial competition by the Southeast Asian Trail Running Confederation gathers the finest trail runners representing their country from every corner of the region to showcase their prowess in the challenging and awe-inspiring terrains of mountainous landscapes.

The Elite competition is by invitation and participants will be fielded by member trail running associations from Southeast Asia.

Seven countries and nearly 200 athletes have confirmed participation. The event will have a long trail (80 km), a short trail (42 km), a mountain classic, and a vertical uphill category. The top three for males and females are up for grabs while each country can also aim to be the Team Champion for the short and long trail.

The event is also open for public registration for local and international runners with full and half marathon distances, plus a 12-km race, dubbed as the Tawid Mountain Marathon. Participants can aim to be the SEA Trail Cup Age Group Champion and earn Philtra 2024 championships qualifier points.

The event shall showcase the Philippines' natural beauty and rugged terrain while celebrating the spirit of competition and camaraderie among the competitors. Both top athletes and amateurs will test their skills on challenging trails. With its diverse landscapes, including lush forests, majestic mountains, heritage sites, rice terraces, waterfalls, and rivers, the Philippines offers an ideal setting for this exhilarating sport.

Participants can look forward to traversing scenic routes that wind through stunning landscapes, providing physical and visual adventure. From technical ascents to thrilling descents, each leg of the race will present its unique challenges, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all involved.

The organizing team – PHILTRA and Tawid Multisports Group have been coordinating and planning with the local government of Bontoc, Provincial Government of the Mountain Province and other stakeholders since the hosting was awarded in July 2023.

 

In addition to the competitive aspect, the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup aims to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts as it is ascribed to the Green Charter of the ITRA. Through partnerships with local organizations and initiatives, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the local community in Bontoc as the host for their endeavors.

“We are thrilled to bring the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup to the Philippines,” said Tin Ferrera, secretary-general of Philtra and Head for the SEATRC.

“This event not only highlights the athleticism and endurance of our participants. It also underscores the importance of preserving our natural environment for future generations to enjoy. This event showcases the Philippines to the world as a sports tourism destination for trail running. We, as Philtra, and our athletes have joined the World Mountain Trail Running Championships and other big events outside the region and across Asia and we believe it’s time we show what we have. That’s why we are grateful to SEATRC for choosing our country as host.”

With Race Ya as the digital solutions partner, the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a newcomer to the sport, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information and updates on the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup 2024, please visit Philtra’s website.