BONTOC, Mtn. Province – The first Mount Amuyao Climbathon race will be hosted by the municipal government of Barlig in coordination with the Tawid Multisport Group in time for the Fortan Festival of the municipality on June 17, 2018.
The cultural presentation or the main event of the Fortan festival is on June 18, 2018.
“Climbing vertical trails is one of the toughest mountain races in the world which includes showing of strength of upper and lower extremities, stamina, endurance, and the ability to adapt from the humidity of the vertical trail”, states the proposal of activity.
This activity aims to promote the culture and tradition, and the tourists spots of Barlig, most especially Mount Amuyao, the highest mountain peak in the province and among the ten in the Phillipines.
The activity is also one way of introducing Climbathon and Trail running to the local athletes and promote eco and sports tourism and healthy lifestyle among the local runners and tourists.
It will also be an opportunity for adventure hikers who would want to test their endurance as they experience trail running and mountain hiking.
It was learned that the activity will start at Poblacion Barlig at 6:00 AM going up to the Mount Amuyao summit which is also the finish line. Then the participants will go down to the open gym at the Poblacion for the short program, awarding of medals and giving of finisher shirts.
The registration has started in April and will end on June 17, 2018. It is open to international, national and local athletes.
Mount Amuyao summit can be reached in 5-6 hours hike but since it will be a race it will take a shorter time.
Jessa Valdez, Jr, the Municipal Tourism Action Officer of Barlig, opines that the Climbathon is a test of endurance and quickness.
Aqueles Agnapan, one of the organizers said that the 150 target climbers is now being filled up as Baguio and Manila registrations are being done.
We can’t really be sure of the final number of participants as the Baguio registration is still on-going”, he said when asked of the final number of climbers.**Roger Sacyaten
