By MARK REY MONTEJO
Team Philippine is facing a gargantuan challenge against world-class opposition but team captain Arnie Macareñas is not losing hope of pulling off a surprise win when they see action in the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in-Pirineos, Spain slated Sept. 23 to 28.
Macareñas, 34, anchored his optimism to a mix of tested and young but enthusiastic trail runners who will comprise the 14-strong PH squad.
They will be up against powerhouse teams like the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Nepal, Australia, and South Korea in the event that will be held at the scenic mountain range forming a natural border with France, stretching from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea.
Around 1,700 athletes from 75 countries are expected to slug it out in the meet which will feature uphill mountain running, classic up and down mountain running, short trail, long trail and U20 classic up and down mountain events.
“For this year mas gagandahan kopa ‘yong performance ko and namin. We started training last May, nakita ko marami kaming naging improvement,” said Macareñas, who will be competing in the event for the second ti,e
“100 percent confident naman kami kasi mataas naman [‘yong level] ng preparation namin, hopefully, makapag-podium, gagawin namin ang lahat para sa Pilipinas,” he added during PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.
Fresh off his bronze-medal finish in the 1st Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Macareñas tries to duplicate his metal haul this time after grueling four-month training with his teammates in Baguio City.
“We’re really looking forward to representing the country well, especially we want to give them the exposure and the experience in competing in international competitions,” said Philtra Secretary General Tin Ferrera.
“Nakikita ko from my observation na we’re a team, we’re one as a team, we love the sports and we’re ready to represent the Philippines on world stage,” team coordinator Gerald Tipones added as he graced the forum with physical therapist Camille Jacinto and Lyra Valles.
Aside from Macareñas, Larry Apolinario and Joebert Elmaguin vie in the men’s long trail (75-85km), while John Ray Onifa, Romnick Tongkaling and Randolf Gonzales plunge into short trail action (35-45km).
