The Rice Terraces Marathon is back for its 4th edition this May 28, 2017 at Hunduan, Ifugao. The marathon will serve as Leg 2 of Team Malaya’s 2017 Cordillera Series.
According to Race director Stephen Lopez Felices, participants of this event will explore and discover Hungduan, Ifugao by running through the Spider web Rice Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage), Hapao Rice Terraces, Waterfalls , HotSpring, Coldspring, Spanish Trail, and Panique rice field.
Gunstart time is schedule at 5:00 AM for runners competing is a 21K and 42K distance categories. They are expected to complete the course in about eight hours where a post-run meal awaits them at 11:00AM at the Heritigae Village, Hungduan, the start and finish point.
This year’s edition, limited to 150 slots only, has no cut off time but aid stations will be removed after eight hours. Felices advised runners to avail of sari-sari stores along the race trail for their recharging.
Felices described the host place as a pathway. “The name of Hungduan came from the word ‘Hungdu’. It means ‘to traverse through.’ This word means a place where a person traverses through on their way to another place. In ancient times, the place serves as the portal from one municipality to another like a place in Ifugao to Benguet.” he said.
Registration fees for the 21K distance P1,500.00 and P2,500 for the 42K distance. Participants will be receiving personalized BIB, certificates, carboloading, breakfast on race day, and the post-run meal. Finishers will also receive a medal and a finisher’s shirt.
Felices advised the registrants to bring their own tent/ sleeping bags because they are to experience the best of nature. He said accommodation in the area are very limited, the nearest are in Barangay Hapao, some 8 kilometers away from the start / finish line.
Orientation and carboloading will be provided for the registrants on May 27, their expected arrival, at 5:00 PM. Awarding of medals and trophies is set at 11:00 AM of may 28.
Registration for the event is still open. Interested participants may inquire at teammalaya.org, the organization’s website, or at their facebook page.
By: ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS