Mt. Everest conqueror Leo Oracion is expected to lead more than 150 adventure athletes when they compete in the 7th Siargao-Bucas Grande Traverse set on October 22-26 in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
In those five days, these special breed of athletes will test their skills in running, biking, swimming, climbing, playing some native games, performing technical tasks and kayaking.
Unlike in other races, participants in the Bucas-Grande race will not be allowed to use GPS or other devices to track or locate a control point except the final destination.
“We have done this for seven years now but it doesn’t get any easier, it only gets more and more exciting. We somehow think that, fun as it is, we are like sending battalions to battle. Not easy, but definitely fun,” explained event director Randy Su during the press conference at the Outpost in Lahug where Carrera/Habagat officially launched the event.
Habagat developed sports climbing in the country but it shifted its attention to adventure racing by organizing the first Carrera Habagat race in Camotes Island in 2000.
From that initial race, Habagat also promoted eco-tourism. During races, they made sure participants did not only compete but also explored the terrain and beauty of small islands like Camotes, Siguijor, Camiguin and Biliran.
Teams that already confirmed their entry in the Bucas-Grande event include the Davao Eagles, Team IBAAN, Simon/Gasul, Iligan Pride, Iloilo, Conquer, Nomad, Bayantel, Dumaguete, USTMC, Blood Red, TNF-Avaya, KIKKM, UTA and the defending champion Kalit.
Team Coast Guard is also expected to see action along with Team Dosmart, Danao, Mulatto, Isuzu Trepador, Coat, CEBU, Trek, Merrel, Lagalag, UP Los Baños and Legaspi.
Organizers said that only the first 25 teams to register will be accommodated in the said event.
With the full support of Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers and Socorro Mayor Mamerto Galanida the Bucas-Grande race will offer adventure athletes the challenge to prove their skills, stamina and determination.
Race director Jason Garedo said that with five straight days of competition, the race is, by far, the longest non-stop adventure not only in the country but also in Asia. -Caecent No-ot Magsumbol