Melo Villareal
This February 5, 2012, 360 trail runners will be joining the Columbia 5th Eco-Trail Run in the mountain barangays of Liloan, Cebu as part of a drive to promote eco-tourism in this central Philippine island province.
Columbia Eco Trail Run in Cebu
This leg has attracted the most number of participants compared to its four other legs. The first trail run was held in Family Park. The second was in Barangay Pulang Bato, Talamban, then in Barangay Napo, Guadalupe. The fourth one was in Barangay Budlaan, Talamban.
Adventure Eco Trail Run
According to race director Ralp Pilapil, the eco-trail run, which features a 10.5-kilometer route, has attracted a lot of newbies. ”There are about 108 female runners and more than half of the participants are first-timers. We are praying for good weather, so that the participants will have more fun,” Pilapil said.
He added that the participants could expect an adventure-filled run and a very challenging route especially the part where runners need to cross a river. ”In all of our trail running races, we usually include a river,” Pilapil added.
Pilapil also emphasized that this is also one way of promoting trail running in Cebu because most of the Cebuanos are into road running.
”We want to show nature’s beauty, for our participants to appreciate it. We expect the participants to be surprised. One participant checked the route and was taken with the breathtaking view,” Pilapil said.
”During the race, aside from the river crossing, participants will be passing through a small waterfall and amazing rock formations,” Pilapil said.
