MAPAWA Trail Run: The THREE TRAVELLERS Took the Road Less Traveled

Event: R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Run – 11K/21K/42K, Oct. 16, 2014 (More Info & Registration >>) R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 42K, register here >> R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 22K, register here >> R.O.X. Mapawa Trail Marathon 2014 – 11K, register here >> Related Stories: [#flashbackfriday]: Back to where it started, MAPAWA Trail Marathon A CDO-ana’s 5 Things To Do in Cagayan de Oro, The City of Golden Friendship — MAPAWA is case of taking a shot at the road less traveled. MAPAWA Trail Run is a trail running event hosted inside the protected 2500-hectare MAPAWA Nature Park, which has actually an interesting history. MAPAWA Nature Park was then a private property of the late Vice-President Emmanuel Pelaez and family, which was then purely a farm and a vacation place for the family. But later on, the family decided to take the less traveled road — they converted the property to become a forest reserve. It now houses a variety of endemic plants, birds, and other wildlife. It has also been said to be the reason why the Malasag area of CDO was protected during the Typhoon Sendong. (FYI: MAPAWA Nature Park is open to public to enjoy different activities that will make people appreciate the nature more like rappelling, trekking, camping, horseback riding, wildlife observation, among many others. More info here >>.) Just like the MAPAWA Nature Park, the MAPAWA Trail Run was a take on the road less-traveled by three men from different profession — but is bonded by one thing they have in common — their great love for outdoors. Let’s get to know more about MAPAWA Trail Run with the following Q&A of Dr. Riyadh Balbontin (RB), one of the three men. Runroo: How did Mapawa Run started? RB: The first team who started Mapawa Trail Run was composed of three men: Mr. Albert Benedict “Zigo” Bacus, a businessman, PADI certified diver and loves the outdoor, Mr. Francis Jay Chaves who also loves the outdoor, and, I, a dentist by profession, and also love the outdoor. We call ourselves as the Three Travellers. We are not only friends we are also brothers. Four to five years ago, running was getting popular in Cagayan de Oro. We were even a regular of the local fun runs and races. We then thought, “How about making a twist to the usual road running experience in Cagayan de Oro, and at the same time introduce the people to our great outdoors through trail running?” MAPAWA Nature Park was only 30-minute away from the city proper so we thought it’s a shame not to share this kind of running experience to others. So the MAPAWA Trail Run was born on Dec. 10, 2010, which started as a simple event. Then we had the half-marathon (21K) category in 2011 and 2012. Runroo: What made you decide to offer a full marathon distance last year? RB: We had great feedback from runners since we started, and there was clamor for a longer distance. We felt that we owe the runners a bigger challenge, and so we decided to offer a full marathon (42KM) last year. Runroo: After 4 editions of MAPAWA Trail Run, what are something new we can expect from this year’s edition? RB: Last year’s (2013) offering of full-marathon actually proved to be more of a challenge to us, the organizers, than the runners. We were thankful of the runners last year that they were very helpful in giving us feedback on their pains and on how to improve the race, especially the marathon-distance category. We took them all to heart. After the 2013 edition of Mapawa Trail Run, we had a debriefing and we decided to get a professional group, Dax Ang and Mt. Everest 2006 summiteer Pastor Emata of Team Everest Outdoor (outdoor event specialist). I can say that this year, the team is releasing a new version of MAPAWA Trail Run. Some of major changes: * For one, the route this year will be totally different from the previous ones. We’re adding more technical sections this year, and we’re also looking of adding more river crossing if they’re safe enough for the runners. It’s going to be closer and more raw experience with nature. * We will also be putting more attention and priority on the hydration and nutrition aspect of the race. And, for the general safety of the runners, cut-off times in certain sections and mandatory gears will be implemented. * We will be using a timing chip, which will be provided by 4:30 RMR Race Timing Systems. There are more. We will update you from time to time. This has been possible with the help of ROX (Recreational Outdoor Exchange). As our event/ title presenter, they are helping us in making this event to become successful. We also have Salomon as the co-presenter of this event. We are very thankful to have a partnership with them. Runroo: What keeps you going on creating MAPAWA Trail Run? RB: The participants. We are very lucky to have wonderful runners as participants. And, I noticed that those who joined previous years’ editions — there’s a great bonding created. The sponsors. Creating running events, especially trail running, is really not a walk in (MAPAWA Nature) park so it’s really big boost to have the trust and support of our sponsors: R.O.X. and Salomon. I would also like to acknowledge the support of different establishments: ABS-CBN CDO, 8a Multisports apparel, Mindanao Star, BusinessWeek Mindanao, The Cagayan Times, Endurance Sports, Magic 89.3, Mindanao Daily News, Sea to Summit, Black Diamond, realxgear. Also, MAPAWA Trail Run was originally created to showcase to local Kagay-anons that we have beautiful outdoors in MAPAWA Nature Park. But later on, I realized that MAPAWA Trail Run is a way to show a different beautiful side of Cagayan de Oro, and so of Mindanao to runners and individuals from other places. And, we hope that it can motivate more cities

and provinces to share their nature and outdoors thru adventure events as it can create great awareness. Awareness is one step to make people more responsible towards nature. So we’re inviting, everyone, this coming Oct. 26, 2014 for the R.O.X. MAPAWA Trail Run (42K/21K/11K). Let’s take the road less traveled, and enjoy the nature and outdoor of CDO, Mindanao at its rawest. =) –end– You can register thru: * Bank deposit: MAPAWA Nature Park / BDO 322 000 9586 Email slip to docyad@yahoo.com * Online: http://store.aktib.ph * CDO Registration center: R.O.X. 2nd Floor Centrio Ayala (Sat. & Sunday only, 10-7:30PM) * Cebu Registration Center: KAi Shop Villagracia Building (Across Cortes Hospital), S.B. Cabahug St., Mandaue City (Inclusion and other Details of event, click here >>) ———————————————————————————- Posted by: Rose Buenconsejo. A runner who runs after runners, and their stories, and her dream to become a NEDBANK. Promo Girl, runroo.com View her aktib race calendar >>