Mt. Marami in Maragondon, Cavite will serve as the focal point for the upcoming Mt. Marami 21k Uphill Challenge on August 9, 2015 (check out details below) and has some of the most exhilarating trails I’ve ever seen. Together with 18 other trail blazers, i was fortunate enough to have been invited by trail runner/race organizer JC Igos to recon the 21k route yesterday and it is without doubt a very challenging route!
The long climb to Mt. Marami was arduous enough and considering that it rained the day before, most of the trails were muddy so we were reduced to dragging our trail shoes 3 times its weight! Mud aside, terrain varied considerably but nothing that works you so hard you can’t enjoy the great scenery and the ever changing trails in and out of the mountains.
It’s no surprise that many trail runners try to venture outside the usual trail venues of Tanay, Montalban and Laguna for new untapped off-road running and all 19 of us who were there were in for a surprising treat! Running in this secluded place gave us a true sense of what trail running is about but the real draw is the extent and variety of trails and terrain–perfect for an adventure trail race! The trail running options in Magallanes, Maragondon and other outlying barrios en-route to Mt. Marami are very challenging and almost limitless.
So let me just do a quick rundown.
We started our run-trek at Brgy. Talipusngo and plowed through the muddy rough roads which allowed for a nice warm-up while viewing the open fields of Marogondon. The first section of the run is on this muddy stretch of rough roads, 3 kms of mostly downhills until we reached a wooded forest with a nice river that served as our first rest stop.
Atarting point at Brgy. Talipusngo, Maragondon, Cavite
Trail Head-master JC Igos, giving the final instructions before the run
We ran into several bamboo gates which served to stop wandering herds of cows that were grazing around the trails. There were several gentle uphills and the road being soggy and all, we tried to wiggle the mud from our shoes by stepping on stones to wipe the debris away. The open paths then transitioned into rougher but beautiful trails.
As we left the open vistas, we had all the trails to ourselves except for a rare few locals on horseback bringing charcoals to the market. The path is rocky with a few gentle ups and downs and the tall trees provided plenty of shade on a warm day.
Our power-walk was later reduced to a slow walk and transformed into a grind when we reached the trail-head after Ilog Bangkaan. We nearly overshot our intended route as we saw in our midst the rock pillars of Mt. Marami. It was all uphill from there as we got entangled into bamboo trees inside a wild forest but the terrain remained manageable. Found a water source from a secluded hill and filled up some on our water containers. Not sure if it was safe to drink it but the water tasted good and cold!
After power-walking the endless trails, we reached the Nuestra Senora Dela Paz Shrine which I think was the only place inhabited in the area. It would be another 4 kms of trekking before we finally reach the summit of Marami! The views up the summit were spectacular, and we get to sit on the “silyang bato” mountain. We were treated with a panorama of Pico De Loro, Mt. Mariveles and a 360 degree view of Cavite.
Over-all, the trails offered many challenging parts and getting up the summit of the mountain was our main reward! Great place for a 9-hour trek-run!
Muddy during the first half of our trail run
Tip-toeing our way on the trails.
Wide, open vistas and the trails here are great.
Bamboo gate to prevent grazing cows from getting far from their owners
Trees offered some nice shade
A small stream where we had our second rest stop
This offered a refreshing view on the course
A pilgimage site during Holy Week. They also serve fresh buko (coconut) juice for P20.00 a pop!
Another chance for a photo op.
Mt. Marami can be viewed from here
That’s about 4kms more of mountain climbing before reaching Mt. Marami (background)
At the Bangkalan river with the circular rock
The starting point of the assault
We rush with excitement as we get closer
The circular pillar looks like an entrance to a fortress
D Franc Ramon!
Just a few meters away from the summit
At the ‘silyang bato”!
Runners during the race will have the option to take their pictures here
“Dabull” runner flexing his muscles over his herd which made us stop because they were blocking the trails. Whenever we attempted to cross, they would charge at us!
On our way back to the gorgeous trails
Look-back shot from Del
The 1st Mt Marami – Silyang Bato 21KM FKT Trail Run Challenge to be held on August 9, 2015 is now open for registration! Check out the details below:
REGISTRATION:
Parts of Proceeds will go to “Mt Marami Mountain Clean Up Drive of Maragondon, Cavite”
When: August 9-Sunday 5AM
Assembly: 3AM
Gun Start: 5AM
Cut Off: 7 Hours (For 21KM Only)
Summit Cut Off @ 10.8KM: 3 Hours
Distance Categories:
8KM – KM 4 Trail Marker Sign U-Turn Point
14KM – KM 7 Nuestra Senora Dela Paz Grotto/Chapel U-Turn Point
21KM FKT Mountain Run – KM 10.8 Summit/Silyang Bato U-Turn Point.
Start and Finish: Barangay Talipusngo, Maragondon, Cavite – Jump-off Site
Registration Fee:
21KM – P 1,000
14KM – P 800
8KM – P 500
Race Inclusions: Race Bib, Event Shirt, Finisher’s Medal. Banana and Drinks at the Finish Line.
GROUP DISCOUNT PROMO ( Applies from May 26 to June 15 Only, No Extension)
Group of 5 to 10 pax = 10% OFF
Registration Period: May 26 to July 17, 2015 Only.
Deadline of Registration: July 17, 2015-Friday
Experience a “New Trail Running Route” and discover the beauty and nature of Maragondon Trails. Mt Marami-Silyang Bato offers a lot to trail runners, from muddy trails (during rainy season), 3x river crossings, grassy, two and single track trails, 360 Degrees stunning view of Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas from the Summit (with Pico De Loro on its sight). It is also good as an introductory run for “Newbie and Novice Trail Runners” as we will open 8KM and 14KM distance. Full Distance is 21kms for the challenge seekers. All distance categories are out and back route with corresponding u-turn points.
Note: ONLY The Full Distance Trail
Runners will reach the peak of Mt. Marami and will have the opportunity to sit on the famous “Silyang Bato”. Our Photographers will be waiting for you at the summit to capture and immortalize your moments.
Mandatory Gears: Hydration Bag / Hydration Bottle / Headlamp / Whistle / Fully Charged CellPhone with a least P100 credits / Trash Bag
**Trail Shoes is strongly recommended but not required.
Optional Gears: Trekking Pole / Cap and Buff (for heat protection) Water proof jacket (if raining/cold weather)
IMPORTANT: Mandatory gears will be checked at the starting line by the race officials. Failure to complete the requirements will not be allowed to race.
LIMITED SLOTS ONLY
HOW TO REGISTER
Please deposit the registration fee at any BPI-Island Bank Branch in favor of:
Savings Account Name: Michael Maleriado
Savings Account Number: 0959-0489-59
Please send the deposit slip with your Name / Shirt Size /Distance and Cell Number @ neweraraceeventmanagement@gmail.com for registration confirmation.
On Site Registration: New Balance The District Mall Imus, 10AM to 9PM – Monday to Sunday
Race Kit Claiming: August 2 at New Balance The District Mall Imus – 10AM to 9PM ONLY.
“The Mountains and Trails are Calling!… and I Must Go!”
Organizer: New Era Race Event Management Inc.
For Questions: Please contact the ff numbers below
0917-526-3305
0927-972-8258
0908-816-3568
In Partnership With:
Team Cavite ESE and Takbo Kabitenyo
LGU Partner: Municipality of Maragondon, Cavite
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Shuttle Services (Runners Expense/Roundtrip)
Sheila Velasco – Manila Area
PM or contact 0925 593 2010 / 0908 2149029 / Shuttles Best
Pick-up Areas
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