We’re back.
It has been three years since the last Pilipinas Akyathlon, Philsky’s flagship race. The Akyathlon is traditionally held on the first week of February to coincide with the local Collos Festival at Brgy Tinongdan, but this year, it will be held on April 29-30. Still, in honor of what used to be its yearly tradition, Philsky held the Akyathlon Trail Fest at Mt. Ugo.
Although grand in name, the event was, in reality, a small celebration. It was attended by ten participants, most of whom are first-timers to Mt. Ugo. Although those who’ve been to the mountain before were surprised at how much it has changed, they found that it still held some of its old charms.
The skyrun started at Anuwang (km3); from there, participants ran on a mix of the old trail and the new wide road to the summit of Mt. Ugo. They passed by Lusod twice, stopping by a little longer during the second time to have lunch. As they hiked and ran, participants talked about how they got into the sport, what races they plan to join, how they train, and more. The run may have been short, but everyone made the most out of it.
Less than nine hours later, after a long 26-kilometer skyrun with an elevation gain of over 1,500m, the trail fest ended with a filling dinner of chicken tinola and rice back at the Tinongdan barangay hall. A simple meal, but one made special by the fact that it was shared after a day out in the trails.
Registration for Pilipinas Akyathlon 2023 is still open. Sign up here.
Check out the photos below.