By KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY—In the bid to promote Itogon as a tourist destination in the North, the municipal government together with Renderfarm will hold a full marathon that will showcase the town’s beautiful topography.

The marathon dubbed as 26.2 Itogon Challenge will span 26.2 miles or 42.195 kilometers is slated on September 9.

The race will start at the Itogon plaza proceed to Sofang, to Tinongdan, Sitio Baloy, Gueset, Ambuklao Road, to make a u-turn after Adunot Bridge then back to town plaza.

“This is one of a kind full-marathon in the Philippines where runners will traverse a long, winding uphill and downhill route instead of a flat course,” Philip Pacle of Renderfarm Sports explained.

Pacle said they are expecting around 100 runners from all over the country and even abroad to join the race. He disclosed that runners from as far as Pampanga, Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte have already showed interest. He added that there are around 30 local runners from Baguio and Itogon.

According to Pacle the race is open to all as long as they are physically fit, 18 years old and above. He explained that the race has no time prescription as the organizers want all participants to finish the race at their own pace.

Itogon Municipal Tourism Action Officer Liza Diase during the weekly Kapihan said the race aims to promote the scenic spots of Itogon and at the same time boost the municipality’s tourism programs.

She added that the municipality has a lot to offer. She mentioned that among the most visited places in Itogon is the 1300 level hot spring pools even during the rainy season.

Diase also disclosed that the municipality’s natural beauty is its best attraction that include Mt. Pigingan and Mt. Bidawan for adventure trecking.

She added that the municipal government is also looking at the possibility of introducing white water rafting and tubing along the Agno River.

Registration is now going on at Outdoor Kinetix at Burnham Park, and R.O.X. Baguio Cluster, Ayala Technoclub, Club John Hay, Renderfam Graphics at 35A Rimando Road, Municipality of Itogon town hall and at A Runner’s Circle (ARC), Manila. Registration fee is P750. # nordis.net