Challenging route in Colombia Eco Trail Run

BECAUSE of the intermittent rain in the past days, the route for today’s Columbia Eco Trail Run at the Danasan Eco Park in Danao City is expected to be a bit more challenging.

Organizers are expecting the route to be a bit muddy because of the rains.

But race director Pastor Emata, one of the few Filipinos who has conquered Mount Everest, said this will give the 200 runners a trail run worth remembering.

He said, though, that safety will still be a top priority.

The trail run offers 12-kilometer and 18k distances.

“There will be an escape route if there will be an emergency during the race,” said Emata. “We hired local marshalls who are very familiar with the trail so that they can assist us and the runners in case of emergency.”

An added challenge is the 1-kilometer uphill climb. Runners will also have to deal with  12 river crossings aside from the foot-deep mud along the trail, according to Emata.  “They will be surprised with the challenge that lies ahead of them.  But I am expecting the fastest runners to finish in one and  a half hours,”  said Emata.

Leading the list of top contenders is Jobert Carolino of Davao City, who is eyeing another upset win over the Kenyans.

Winning runners will take home exciting prizes from Columbia.

For the 12K category, the champion will take home P5,000 while the second placers will get P3,000 and third placers will receive P2,000.

In the premier 18k race, the emerging champion will walk away with P8,000 while the second placers will get P5,000 and P3,000 for the third placers.

All of the winners will also receive P1,000 worth of Columbia gift certificates./CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL