LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — A unique sports event dubbed “Kalayaan Trail Run and Music Festival” will blast off in Barangay Scout Barrio in Baguio City on June 9.
Project 7 (P7) and 21st Philippine Air Force (PAF) Group Reserve, the organizers of the event, said there will be 3 kilometers (km), 5 km, and 16 km or 10-mile races. All races will start at 2:30 p.m.
Runners for the 16 km run will pass the forested areas in Camp John Hay, passing the Baguio Country Club (BCC) area, to Scout Barrio for its finish.
The race, blending with nature, is on its third edition since it started in 2013.
“Our mission is to create a unique fun event that will offer a new experience for runners and non-runners alike in time for the celebration of Independence Day,” said event organizer Alberto Reyes.
Reyes said the Hemodialysis Center of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) will be the beneficiary of the event.
The dialysis center receives 120 patients a day, Reyes said.
Omeng Fallarme, one of the organizers, also said their group, Project 7, and the 21st PAF Group Reserve have already donated 40 dialyzer equipment to BGHMC since they started the event.
Reyes and Fallarme were at the Benguet Capitol on Tuesday invite and coordinate with running enthusiasts.
The organizers said that as early as 9 a.m. on race day, a musical extravaganza will be held at the starting line, featuring 17 local bands that will entertain the participants, supporters, and fans, creating a festive mood and boosting friendship.
The musical festival is also aimed at promoting local talents.
“Through this event, we want also to bring back the old glory days of Baguio, where local residents, even if they don’t know each other, they smile and greet each other,” Fallarme said, as he recalled his early childhood experiences in the city.
The organizers also said that inside the trail run course, a local band group will be playing d’jembe, a type of musical instrument akin to a drum that produces a loud sound. “Playing the d’jembe inside the trail course will signal runners to slow down and be cautious,” they chorused.
Also an added feature, the organizers said some 20 to 25 food vendors will be selling locally-produced food. This is to support the local food entrepreneurs.
To give impetus to the event, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan earlier issued Administrative Order 051-Series of 2018, recognizing and supporting the Kalayaan Trail Run and Music Festival. PNA-northboundasia.com