In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, two athletes from Zamboanga City have made their mark at a prestigious mountain running event in Mindanao. Ronie Jandog and Realyn Lugo secured third-place finishes in their respective categories at the recently concluded 2nd edition of the Arakan Mountain Run, held in North Cotabato.
Event Details and Challenging Course
The Arakan Mountain Run took place over two days, from Saturday, March 21, to Sunday, March 22, 2026, in the municipality of Arakan, North Cotabato. Organized by Vertical To Sky Sports Management, this ultra-trail race attracted participants from across the region, featuring multiple distance categories to cater to various skill levels.
Race Categories and Zamboanga's Achievement
The event offered four challenging categories: 14 kilometers, 25 kilometers, 42 kilometers, and the grueling 80-kilometer ultra-distance. It was in this longest category that Zamboanga's runners excelled. According to the City Hall Public Information Office, Ronie Jandog claimed third place in the male division of the 80-kilometer race, while Realyn Lugo mirrored this achievement by taking third in the female division.
Scenic and Demanding Route
The 80-kilometer course was designed to test the limits of even the most seasoned trail runners. Participants navigated a breathtaking yet arduous path that included several natural landmarks, such as:
- Epol Waterfalls
- Sumalili Peak
- Diamond Peak
- Ma Avang Avang Peak
- Kabiku Peak
- Matigol Falls
- Vowvulon Cold Spring
This diverse terrain added to the race's difficulty, making the podium finishes by Jandog and Lugo all the more impressive.
Significance for Zamboanga Athletics
The success of Ronie Jandog and Realyn Lugo highlights the growing talent and dedication within Zamboanga City's running community. Their achievements not only bring pride to their hometown but also inspire other local athletes to pursue excellence in endurance sports. The Arakan Mountain Run serves as a platform for showcasing regional athletic prowess, and Zamboanga's representation on the podium underscores the city's competitive spirit.
As the event continues to gain popularity, it promises to foster more opportunities for athletes across the Philippines to challenge themselves in one of the country's most scenic and demanding trail running competitions.
