127 runners compete in first LU eco trail race

March 11, 2017 Provincial

Athletes competed in the first La Union Eco-Trail Adventure Race that showcased the natural beauty of the province in an exhilarating trail run from Bacnotan to Tangadan Falls last March 4, 2017.
A total of 127 runners joined the race, 29 of which participated in the 40-kilometer run and 98 competed in the six-kilometer category.
Leading the 40 km men’s division hard terrain category was Ronald Donaal of La Trinidad, Benguet followed by Francis Domingo of Bauang, La Union and Jomel Benal of Bacnotan, La Union. The easy terrain category was Raymund Torio from Lingayen, Pangasinan followed by Isagani Tacutaco of Baguio City and Albert Omboga, a Kenyan resident of Tagaytay, in second and third place respectively.
The 40 km women’s division hard terrain category was ruled by Lany Cardona of Lingayen, Pagasinan as Baguio City’s Leda Oropilla came in second and Bauang’s Rosalie Santiago landed third.
For the 6km run, starting from Barangay Duplas in San Juan all the way to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union, the men’s division was fronted by Reynante Torio of Lingayen, Pangasinan, trailed by 2nd placer Benjie Elizaga from Pangasinan and 3rd placer Moises Alvarez of Abra.
Meanwhile, Michaela Birnova Lanuza of Thunderbird Resort Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union dominated the women’s six-kilometer run. Leia Carise Angeles of Catbangen, San Fernando City was second while Anita Chutuape of Bauang came in third.
The Eco-Trail Adventure Race was sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Fernando City North, in coordination with the Rotary Club of San Juan and the Department of Tourism with the active participation of the Rotary Clubs of Cluster I-B District 3790, Inner Wheel Club of San Fernando (L.U.) North, La Union Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association with the government partners led by the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Governor Pacoy Ortega, and different local government units of Bacnotan headed by Mayor Francisco Angelito Fontanilla, San Juan headed by Mayor Arturo Valdriz, San Gabriel headed by Mayor Herminigildo Velasco, LGU San Fernando City headed by Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto.
While showcasing the natural beauty of Baroro River and its headstream in Tangadan Falls as tourist destinations, the eco-trail race aims to create public awareness in the preservation of ecology to help protect the flora and fauna of the river and to foster unity among local residents, fisher folks and tour guides in safeguarding the environment. ABN