MANILA – The bumpy, lung-busting and fast-growing sport of trail running will be on display with the holding of the Philippine Trail Running Association (Philtra) National Championships on March 21 to 23 in Danao, Cebu.

The event is a culmination of a nationwide series of qualifying events last year and will determine the new roster of the Philippine trail running team that will vie in international competitions.

The races will cover 40 kilometers (short course), 80 km (long course) and 15 km (five hours).

Philtra vice president and secretary-general Tin Ferrera and manager Gerard Tipones said they expect close to 700 participants, including the country’s elite runners and bets from neighboring countries.

Leading the local charge are Larry Apolinario of Antique in the men’s side and Elizabeth Dangadang of Baguio City in the women’s side.

“This is very promising and we look forward to discovering more talents,” Ferrera said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Conference Hall in Manila.

Ferrera said Filipino trail runners have performed well in international events in Southeast Asia and are currently ranked No. 2 in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the horizon for the Philippine bets is the World Championships in Spain in September.

The sport is eyeing inclusion in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, Australia.

“What we’re doing is in preparation for this,” Ferrera added during the forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

Tipones said runners will cover the distance in 20 to 40 hours with brief stops in aid stations where they can replenish and take quick breaks.

“But because they’re after the time, they really don’t take long breaks. Tuloy-tuloy talaga (There is no stopping),” Tipones.

“We can really have a good chance in this sport and napatunayan na natin sa (we proved in) Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia. Some of our bets were first-timers internationally and they ranked,” Ferrera said. (PR)