KIBUNGAN, Benguet – A typhoon again played killjoy to a supposed mountain trekking and running at Kibungan, Benguet. Tropical Storm Sarika, Karen in the Philippines, is expected to be slamming Luzon Saturday night, and inducing stormy weather today, October 16, 2016 in the Cordilleras forcing Team Malaya to reschedule the event for the safety of its participants.
As per advisory given by Stephen L. Felices, the event’s race director, the organizers had no choice but to reset the run as the safety of the runners is their main priority.
Felices said it was a hard decision to make considering that the registered runners have already made preparations and might have already spent money just to join the run.
“We understand that some of you (runners) have made arrangements already. We truly apologize for the inconvenience. We will announce the new dates in the next few days. Thank you very much for your understanding.” he said.
Felices also added that registration for the event will be extended.
While it may not be applicable in Benguet, Baguio City already has an ordinance that calls for the automatic cancellation of runs during inclement weather.
It will be recalled that the passage of this law was prompted by the refusal of an organizer to cancel a scheduled run despite the city being ravaged by a typhoon.
This is the second time during the Kibungan’s two-year existence that a typhoon caused its postponement. Typhoon “Lando” also forced Team Malaya to reschedule the run’s first staging from October 18, 2015 to November 15, 2015.