Karilongan: victories for Eldy Bulod and Jahen Bonhoc

The latest ATM Candidate Race in Philippines was last Sunday’s Mt Karilongan Trail Marathon, organised by Vertical To Sky in Davao. Local runners competed with each other in three distance categories of which the 42km marathon was the main event. The men’s race resulted in a strong podium with youngster and relative newbie Eldy Bulod again taking victory in an ATM Candidate Race. Bulod also won SC 70 a few months ago. At Karilongan, he finished with an advantage of 35 minutes over Grandmaster and double ATM Finalist Sean Aying, and 42 minutes over 2022 ATM Finalist Angelito Vertudazo. Another well-known name and ATM race winner, Rexell Aguirre, had to settle for 6th place.

In the women’s race, it was Jahen Bonhoc taking top honours ahead of Dolly Joy Alonzo.

Mount Karilongan Trail Marathon was a “Plant & Run” charity race , wherein runners had to briefly stop and plant a new tree at aid station 1, in support of the reforestation program of the EGIP Foundation. Mount Karilongan is a relatively small mountain at 1102m above sea level, featuring duran fruits, but especially the 1083 steps to ‘God’s Hand’. Proceeds of the event went to the materials and equipment of Indigenous Obu-Manuvu Forest Guards and for the smart development of their still young eco-tourism project in Mt. Karilongan. The Obu Manuvu are looking to promote environmental awareness and create an additional source of needed income, so they can bring their ancestral traditions back to practice. The area is also included in the recently opened Koontayan ‘to Obu Manuvu Eco Adventure Park.

1. Eldy Bulod - 6:06:46

2. Sean John Aying - 6:41:48

3. Angelito Vertudazo - 6:48:48

4. Randy Pascua - 8:19:00

5. Earl Nasual - 8:36:02

6. Rexel Aguirre - 8:37:16

7. Michal Canubas - 10:31:11

8. Jay Ofonda - 11:32:36

9. Jahen Bonhoc (female) - 10:57:17

10. Dolly Joy Alonzo (female) - 12:05:07

11. Francis Ian Gilayo - 12:05:08

12. Richard Sastrellas - 12:42:21

13. Melvin Mig Clamor - 13:24:07

14. Mario Raymund Yap - 13:57:00

Sean Aying congratulates Rexell Aguirre