Climbathon, mountainbike race in Mt. Manunggal this weekend

CEBU, Philippines - The annual sporting activities commemorating the death of the late president Ramon Magsaysay will push through as scheduled today in Mt. Manunggal.

This year’s “Paghandum Ni Magsaysay” includes a climbathon, which the organizers described as an adventure race and a mountainbike race besides the trek for those who prefer not to join the competition and just enjoy the beauty of nature.

The adventure race takes place today wherein participants will deal with either 21 kilometers of racing or the shorter 5K route.

Close to P65,000 in cash prize is at stake for the top finishers, while all the participants will get a finisher's medal.

The cross-country mountainbike challenge, on the other hand, will take place tomorrow from E.S. Binghay street to the campsite.

Aside from remembering the 55th death anniversary of President Magsaysay, the event is being held to showcase the beauty and eco-tourism potential of Mt. Manunggal.

“Nobody really knows how this adventure trek started. One thing definite is, this all started with a mountain, which happened to embrace a great man in his death. It is ironic, that with Magsaysay’s death, a new life is born. A new life for the constituents of Barangay Gaas and Manunggal. That is our goal and our promise,” said lead organizer and Balamban Councilor Dave Karamihan. (FREEMAN)