Mayon Trail Run 2008: Race with a Purpose
The Mayon Trail Run is a 5-kilometer fun run and 18-kilometer adventure foot race organized by the Junior Chamber International and Northface, an international brand of sports apparel and outdoor equipment. This event is part of an awareness campaign against global warming. It was first held last October 2008 just in time for the annual Ibalong Festival in Legazpi City.
Mayon Trail Run Start
Trekking up Ligñon Hill
The race starts from the Peñaranda Park in the Old Albay District then proceeds to the summit of the 156-meter high Ligñon Hill then down again to a newly created back trail traversing the Yawa River up to the Bonga Gully, one of the major pathways of volcanic debris from Mayon Volcano. With this, the Mayon Trail Run has been described as one of the most grueling and unusual races by even the most experienced racers who hold national and international titles. Yves Eli Yu, project chair and vice president of JCI-Legazpi said the run seeks to promote awareness of climate change.
Crossing Yawa River
He also said that JCI-Legazpi is happy that the first MTR took place just one day after 10 lawmakers from Asia, Europe, Africa and South America signed the Manila Declaration on Climate Change, which calls on rich nations to create a global fund to help reduce disaster risks brought by rising sea temperatures.The five-page document, titled “The Manila Call for Action of Parliamentarians on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation,” was issued at the close of a two-day consultative meeting at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
More than 150 runners participated in last year’s Mayon Trail Run. The winners were:
Male:
1st, Elmer Sabal (1:09:30)
2nd, Allan Ballester (1:10:08)
3rd, Cresenciano Sabal (1:10:35)
Female:
1st, Leszl Gitarueles (1:32:26)
2nd, Merlita Arias (1:45:07)
3rd. Ellen Tolentino (1:49:08).
City Councilor Chan at the Lava Rock Wall
The Mayon Trail Run is another exciting activity to look forward to in Legazpi City every year, not only for racers and athletes but also for folks who run for fun and for people who care for the environment.
Mayon Trail Run Finish Line
Mayon Trail Run Map
Sources:
“Mayon trail tackles global warming” by Ephraim Aguilar, Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 20, 2008
Photo Credit: Yves Eli Yu and Martin Reynoso, Mayon Trail Run Official Site
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[...] the racers made a U-turn and climbed back to the Ligñon Hill for the final leg of the race. The 2008 Mayon Trail Run was won by Elmer [...]