I'm honored to be a part of this running event now on its fifth year of staging. As the title suggests, this run take us to the very summit of Mt. Ugo at 2,150 masl. I did prepare for this but not as rigorous as to the preparation of other joiners. It was just enough to give me the confidence I needed. It also helped that I was familiar with the route.
Majority of the runners arrived in Kayapa a day before the event in time for the race briefing and race kit claiming. According to the race director, this year's attendance was record breaking. It was like a reunion of runners. Many friends and familiar faces in trail running were present. Excitement can be seen from each runner's face while being briefed by the RD on the dos and donts and the things to take note about the event. A photo op ended the briefing and as a welcome treat, runners were served with sweet potatoes and local coffee.
Runners were released 4 am the next day at the grounds of Kayapa central school. It was a cold morning but with clear skies although it rained earlier. I stick to my game plan of starting slow until my body adjusted and got its rhythm. I walked on the uphills and run on flats and downhills. Trailwise, from the starting point until kilometer 16 was a combination of tire paths and dirt roads. It was wide enough for runners to freely move and carry out their game plan.
Two hours after, I arrived at the first aid station at kilometer 10. Since I still had enough supplies in my hydration pack, I just picked three slices of apple and left. I was expecting a beautiful sunrise, however thick fog enveloped the surroundings obscuring any spectacular sunrise. The thick fog remained even after I reached Ansipsip viewpoint and Domolpos village. My camera had to remain in my hydration pack.
At 8 am, I reached the second aid station at Domolpos waiting shed. I rested for a while and replenished my hydration pack in preparation for the toughest part of the route - the assault to the summit. I left the aid station re-energized and confident. Slowly I made my way into the the pine forest, my favorite part of the entire route until I reached the start of the assault part.
As expected, the summit assault was hard. It took me almost an hour at a slow pace to reach the top. I had many stops along the trail to catch my breath. Upon reaching the top, I rested for a while and refuel. Regaining strength, I took the opportunity to visit the summit marker and have my picture taken beside it. I missed this during my first and second visits.
 |
| the summit assualt |
Descending, it was swift until I was annoyed by a cramp on my toes. I had to stop and let the pain subside. Continuing the run, it became not just a physical struggle but a mental one as well. In this state and with a halfway to go, it was hard. Giving up was not an option for me however. I was determined to finish the run. Patiently, i made it down back to Domolpos waiting shed. Somehow I was relieved knowing that the hardest part was over. It boasted my dwindling confidence.
Minutes after leaving Domolpos waiting shed, I caught up with some friends. Together we negotiated the trail by walking and running until reaching AS1. It was during this point that I get to appreciate running buddies. Their encouragement and push came exactly when needed. Exhaustion was setting in all of us but with support and uplifting from each other, feelings get lighter and better.
 |
| Mt. Ugo summit |
I had to stop and refuel at AS1 making sure I'll have enough strenght and energy for the last 16 kilometers. My game plan was to run the last 10 kilometers. Trailwise, it was all going down. If there was a challenge that was the intense heat. As planned, I picked up my pace and run the last 10 kilometers. I passed by a number of runners along the way. Having a glimpsed of Kayapa Central school meant I'm nearing the finish line. All the more that adrenaline came rushing in my system.
Finally I crossed the finish line and clocked at 7:27. It was a nice feeling as always! All the negative thoughts on my low points during the run vanished amidst the cheers and congratulatory gestures and messages from other finishers. I'm now officially a finisher of Mt. Ugo Marathon.
 |
| proud finisher |
The organizer, Frontrunner led by the race director sir Jonnel did a good job. Hats off to all of them from the race marshals to the other crew. Runners were in good hands! To all the finishers, I extend my congratulations. I hope to be back by 2017.
http://frontrunnermagph.com/official-results-2016-mount-ugo-marathon/#
