10th DASAL: Candidate Race with many Mindanao trail aces

This weekend, points can be scored in Dalat, Vietnam, during Lam Dong Trail, but we also keep an eye out on the 10th edition of the Datu Salumay Invitational Trail Run, a new ATM Candidate Race. Perhaps better known as ‘DASAL’, the event takes place some 80km outside of Davao City and - indeed - has a full decade’s history already! For this anniversary edition, the organisers have added a long ultra category of 85km that has instilled some fear in many participants. At least, it is regarded as a considerable challenge with 5000 metres of elevation gain on paper. Less ambitious runners will be eyeing the 42km and shorter categories this weekend.

The trails of Datu Salumay will have runners passing by waterfalls, streams, rivers, trees, grasslands, and steep hill ascents and descents. It starts and finishes at the Datu Salumay Elementary School grounds, which is just adjacent to the Syre National Highway. The start is at 2 pm in the afternoon, meaning nearly everyone will also need to run through the night, which at least has the benefit of being cooler.

Julieann Morales is a former female race winner at DASAL and as great technical trail runner ready to pick up the 85km challenge. She is one of a few courageous women on the start list that also includes Shekinah Velasquez, who also has a nice track record on rugged terrain. In the men’s race we will also see some big names from Mindanao, including Jomarc Ferrer, Florencio Alave, Yoyong Sacayle, Reymar Taleon, Roberto Cain and others.

The first Filipino Championship points race in Season 10 is still several months away (Mt Kalatungan Ultra), but there are several Grandmaster point races and Candidate Races coming up. The first Grandmaster points races are SC 70 and the Mt Apo Sky Race 100.