Iglesias and Velasquez take Bagtit Ultra Candidate Race

The latest ATM Candidate Race in the Philippines was organised just outside Clark in Luzon by the Pace Republic last weekend. Bagtit Ultra includes some of the region’s most scenic trails over a total distance of 80 km for the most ambitious. Julius Iglesias and Shekinah Velasquez were the strongest in the male and female categories respectively.

The event was a last-minute announcement as Candidate Race and very much a test-event with a view to international recognition and participation in 2024. ‘Bagtit’ is the local Ilocano translation of the word ‘crazy’. The course has an accumulated elevation gain of 3890 hm and has five distinct peaks. Mount Damas and Mount Sem-ilya. One can experience a panoramic view of the Tarlac and Pangasinan plains and Mt. Arayat from afar. Mt. Damas may arguably have the distinction of being the most scenic mountain in Tarlac. But it is the less explored trails on Mt Sem-Ilya that are considered to be the highlight of the event. The start and finish venue is in Mayantoc Town Plaza. Ambition is to foster a healthy lifestyle amongst its citizens and to boost the tourism industry in the area.

Runners had to cope with some wet weather during the race last Sunday, making the trails even tougher. Julius Iglesias, quite an experienced ultra runner, came out on top together with Arnulfo Aquino. Carlito Miranda completed the podium in third place. In the women’s it was Shekinah Velasquez who took top honours ahead of Grandmaster Cheryl Bihag and Jennifer Commandante.

Grandmaster Cheryl Bihag took a nice second place in the women’s race