It's been a while since I last posted on my blog. Between 2011-2014, a mountaineering
friend asked if we'd be interested in organizing a trail run. At that time, we
were organizing mostly hikes and beach trips, so I told them, "Nah, not
for me. Let the pros handle it." Back then, there weren't many trail run
organizers around – I recall KOTM by Sir Jonel, TNF, Salomon, Thumbie, DBB, PHILSKY
club, CM (Atty. Jon) and Jigz being some of them.
No stress, just join and run – that's my motto. Pay the fee, and you're good to
go!
Then, the pandemic hit, and I headed back to Batangas just before lockdown.
With nothing much to do, just biking around, exploring hidden gems in my
hometown. I stumbled upon some awesome routes and thought, why not share them
with others? That's when the idea sparked – let's organize a bike race in
Calatagan! The Cape Santiago Epic Race (2022) was born, and I think it was the
first gravel bike race in the Philippines if im not mistaken.
My first event in 2022 wasn't flawless, but I'd call it a win! Since then, I've hosted three more – a Trail
Run, Off-road duathlon, and a bike race.
Organizing bike races stresses me out, plain and simple. One participant told
me to keep doing it, saying it's okay, accidents happen – even deaths occur in
events. But honestly, the stress isn't worth it for me.
In 2023, things got back to normal after a year of
organizing. Events started coming back one by one. With what I'd learned from
2022, I decided to organize just one event – the 2nd edition of Calatagan Trail
Run. I've also got my own races to focus on. Organizing trail runs seems less
stressful – injuries were minor: bruises, cramps, acid reflux, worst-case
scenario was a sprained ankle. Still, even with medical clearance, death can
happen in trail runs too. Walang may gustong nyan.
For trail runs, I've observed it's simple: give them a fun but challenging
route – they won't join if it's too easy, right? Overdo the trail
markings, make 'em visible. Feed them well at Aid Stations - food is the key.
For some, especially beginners, entitlements in the race kit are a must.
I've also volunteered for other RDs, soaking up knowledge and improving.
Btw, how I organized? So here's how I do it: first, permits
direct sa LGU – Mayor's office, including the proposed route. Can take a while,
especially if it's a first-time event, so be ready for some back-and-forth
meetings. Once that's sorted, I scout and plan the route. Usually, there's an
existing trail, but it needs some work or maybe a new route altogether –
magbubutas ng daan, you know. Takes time and
multiple visits to get it just right. One thing I've learned: nail the route
first, then decide on the distance categories. Now, I just finalize the route
and publish it as-is, like the LOBO TRAIL RUN – 28km. No need to force it to
fit a certain distance, kasi dapat natural lang.Next, I scout for a nearby venue – usually a private resort
or property, and we make a deal that's win-win for both. Proud to say most of
our event venues are private, except for Mt. Kalisungan – no resort or
accommodation nearby. Why not government facilities like barangay courts? Well,
they're "free" but with a lot of strings attached – paperwork,
favors, and whatnot. Not exactly the hassle I'd want for an event. Just pay a
private property a fixed rate, and you're good to go – no fuss, no muss.
Then, we start hyping the race on social media!
The question is, kumikita ba ang trail run event? At some point, yes, but not
all the time. Is it worth it? I think, if the outcome makes all the
participants happy and satisfied. We're excited about creating a promising
event, whether it's the highest mountain, most scenic, most challenging, a
racecation type, near Manila, etc. Regardless of all that, it's a gamble
selling a trail run event, especially the ultra-distance – 50km and above, and
even the short distance doesn't guarantee success.
For example: Take a 30k net income event, for instance. You prep for 3 months,
so that's 10k a month. Not exactly lucrative, but hey, it's for the love of the
sport . Honestly,
organizing trail runs isn't sustainable financially.
The usual support we get from the government is a medical support team (MDRRMO),
sometimes a promotion from their social media page, and some assistance. I hope
one day this local government will try to focus on sports tourism. We also get
sponsorships from small businesses of our trail friends. Oh, and our charity
partner, Climb Against Cancer of Nanay Nini, has been with us since the
beginning.
I was waiting at 7-Eleven, glanced inside, and someone's
smiling at me. Must be a past participant – I smiled back haha. Sorry if I
don't recall you or your name, but thanks for supporting our event! I like
flying under the radar, no need for recognition. They don't even know I'm Wild
Spaces, and that's how I like it. It's been 5 years of organizing events, and
this era might be ending soon – I tend to get bored easily. Even after each
event, I tell my team it'll be the last, but... 
. Let's support
our local trail running community – it's small, but mighty. Thanks again, and please, just call me by my
name, not RD. haha!
