Philtra performs well in World Mountain Trail Running

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines stamped its grit and grind, and emerged one of the top Asian teams in the World Mountain Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck, Austria.

The Filipino runners conquered the Austrian Alpine Alps to place 19th in the long trail and 27th in the short trail course of the elite race participated in by 69 nations including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong SAR, Nepal, Malaysia, Republic of Korea and Taiwan from Asia.

The Philippine Trail Running Association (Philtra) team emerged Asia’s best short trail team and third-best Asian performer in the long trail behind Japan and Hong Kong.

Arnie Macaneras, Larry Apolinario, and John Ray Onifa led the way in the long trail while Randolf Gonzales, Godwin Mirar and Jayson Zonio anchored the short trail team with female runners Christabel Martes, Elizabeth Dangadang, Gretchen Felipe, Angelie Cabalo, Cecille Wael and Augustoralin Sabanal.

The two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Martes, who also served as the Philippine team coach, and Dangadang were the only bets from Southeast Asia to complete both the short and long trail events.

“This exposure in a very high level competition will not only make the Filipino athletes stronger but will also guide Philtra as it continues to improve and support further the natural talents Filipino trail runners have,” said Philtra secretary general Tin Ferrera, who accompanied the athletes in Austria.