The Philippines emerged the second best team overall in the 1st Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships held in Ulju, South Korea on Oct. 23 to 27.
Johnray Onifa led the Filipino trail runners with a gold medal he won in the men’s 40-kilometer short trail category in three hours and 47 minutes.
“I am happy to bring home the gold medal and proud to represent the Philippines and hear national anthem playing during the awarding,” Onifa said.
With Onifa’s golden finish, the Philippines bagged silver medal in the men’s short trail event together with Randolf Gonzales who finish 6th, Romnick Tongkaling (12th), and Godwin Mirar (17th) behind champion Japan.
The Philippines’ long trail (80 km) team, composed of Larry Apolinario who finished 6th place, Arnie Macarenas (9th), Rhys Pawid (23rd), Roberto Cain (30th), and Paul Brillantes (32nd), also finished second behind Australia.
The Philippines women’s team, composed of Elizabeth Dangadang (6th) and Angelie Cabalo (16th), finished fourth in the short trail event.
The country’s long trail women’s team, composed of Christabel Martes (11th), Trisha Reyes (16th), Noemi Fernandez (21st), and Angelica Alejo (26th), also finished fourth behind Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.
In her Facebook post, Philippine Trail Running Association (Philtra) vice president and secretary general Tin Ferrera congratulated the team members and thanked Martes, who also served as head coach of the Philippine team.
“This race is no longer just about medals; it’s about uplifting the Filipino spirit. With every stride, the team carries the hopes of a nation still reeling from the storm, reminding the world of the unbreakable heart of the Philippines. United on one path and one mission, they run not just for themselves but for the entire country, proving that no storm can keep the Filipino spirit down,” Ferrera said.
Philtra’s participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Airlines as its official carrier. (with Alona Cochon/PNA)
