The CDO-Dahilayan 55K Ultra Marathon: Race Against Time. Race Against Nature. Race With the Finest
July 9 will mark the day when dedicated runners from all over the country will converge in Cagayan de Oro for the first ever CDO-Dahilayan 55K Ultra Marathon. Dubbed “Race Against Time. Race Against Nature. Race With the Finest”, the CDO-Dahilayan Ultra Marathon promises to live up to this title by bringing runners to a trail that mixes paved and dirt roads, and then goes uphill and downhill. It, however, also mixes in breathtaking sceneries, like the Del Monte pineapple fields.
Organized by Cagayan Circle Productions Incorporated, the starting point of the race is Rodelsa Circle and the gun start is 4:00 am. After 55 kilometers, runners will find a treat waiting for them at the trail’s end: the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Since it is known for its zipline, each runner will get the chance to zip away in the longest zipline in Asia – all 840 meters of it!
Last Saturday, June 25, a trial run was conducted. One of the participants gladly shared his tips for the 55K runners, especially those who are first timers. Since the trail is challenging, with all the loose rocks and uneven roads, runners should take into consideration the climate (although Bukidnon is basically Baguio-like in weather, the starting point – CDO – may be a bit humid, unless it rains!); the terrain; hydration and elevation. If one is trained in extreme sports, however, everything will be an exciting adventure. As always, though, one must be physical fit and ready for the run.
For those who still cannot decide whether they would join or not, you better make up your mind as race day is fast approaching. Registration fee is at Php2,000 (which was Php200 cheaper until the end of May) and this includes a carbo loading party on July 7, a free zipline ride, a shuttle ride from Dahilayan to CDO, finisher’s jacket and a medal.
Here are the specifics of the 55K ultra marathon adventure:
Date: July 9, 2011 (Saturday)
Assembly Time: 3:00 am
Starting Point: Rodelsa Circle
Gun Start: 4:00 am
Cut-Off Time: 12 hours
Finish Line: Dahilayan Adventure Park
There are designated registration centers in Manila and Cebu. For those who are in Manila, registration is at a runner’s circle in Roxas Blvd; while the Cebu registration center is at Vivo Barefoot in Ayala Center. Here in Cagayan de Oro, runners can register at Max’s Restaurant along Tiano-Chavez Sts and La Cabana Spa along C.M. Recto highway.
For those who would like to enjoy the Dahilayan experience a little longer, excellent accommodation facilities are provided via the Pinegrove Mountain Lodge, which is located inside the adventure park. You can choose from family rooms (good for 6 people), deluxe rooms (good for 3 people) or standard rooms (good for 2 persons). Reservations can be made through 0922-8801319.
The CDO-Dahilayan 55K Ultra Marathon is also brought to you by Dahilayan Adventure Park.
-Maia Fortich-Poblete-
