5 Best Reasons to Run in Surigao

Event: Run for Peace and Unity Half Marathon 2014, Surigao City (REGISTER NOW! More info >>)
Related Story: Surigao Runners Club (SRC): Creating New Wave in CARAGA Region

To get to know more about Surigao City, here’s an article from Ava Marie Acebedo Villareal of Surigao Runners Club. SRC is the group behind this race, and previous successful races / running events in Surigao City.

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Surigao’s etymology leads you to the word sulo which means sulog current or surgir for swift current. If you expect to see steep hills and be out of breath with its treacherous blind curves, you need to keep your imagination going. It may come as a surprise, but you will see more than this charm the moment you welcome its embrace.

Every runner won’t mind not getting too many food choices in water stations when he sets his eyes on the course. It’s the course that defines his existence in any run. And in that certain moment, everything is a blur and it’s just the course, his running shoes, and his clear mind that matter. The unique course made possible by its hilly terrain fronting pristine waters is Surigao’s gift to any runner. The same scenic view that will accompany any runner as he finishes his race also carries with it the history of the place and its people.

Photo by Ava Marie Acebedo Villareal

Another reason to run in Surigao is to savor the unique hospitality and camaraderie that its running community may offer to every runner. This is brought about by the local government and its running club’s (Surigao Runners Club) effort to work together for promoting healthy lifestyle in the place. A result of which is a friendly and safe running haven for every runner to run in.

Photo by Winston Ngo

You won’t run out of things to explore in Surigao too. Once you get there, you can pick up a short conversation with any local and be led to a nearby resort. You may also hop on a boat with your friends and perhaps discover an uninhabited island with powder white sand by yourself.

Photo by Martinez couple

We know that another thing that runners would look forward to before race day is a good night’s sleep. Surigao can offer luxury and comfort through its affordable hotels with a lovely seaside view and complete amenities. There’s a thriving night life in the city boulevard’s cafes and bistros if you need a night cap. You can also run along the boulevard if you need to warm up before race day.

It may not be to everyone’s knowledge yet but you’ll get to see celebrities running the course. Surigao was able to produce the first Filipino to swim from the famous Alcatraz to San Francisco in California. You will also have the privilege of meeting the members of the region’s first running club. Not only that, you’ll be running with the best professional runners the place has to offer, not to mention that most of them have looks that kill.

“Filipino lawyer and his team from the Surigao Runners Club braved the icy and shark-infested waters of Alcatraz to promote Philippine tourism.” via Why Pinoy lawyer swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco | ABS-CBN News.

In fact, you might find more reasons to run again in Surigao once you’ve tried it. The place offers gentle enchantment, the kind that mesmerizes yet gives you the drive to push your limits. There are so many sights and scenes in the city and its surrounding islands that await you and your runner friends. It’s time you discover a new running haven for yourself. They’re all yours for the taking.

And, Siargao Island is just an hour-boat-ride away.