Bon-as calls on runners: Conquer the first-ever TC2TC 60K, discover Kalinga!

"Invite ko dagiyay racers tayo nga ag-join da ta mayat daytoy nga ultramarathon tapno maipromote tayo ti tourism ti province tayo." – Councilor Jayferson Bon-as

Tabuk City, Kalinga – City Councilor Jayferson Bon-as is inviting runners and endurance enthusiasts from across the country to take part in the inaugural Tuguegarao City-to-Tabuk City (TC2TC) 60-Kilometer Ultramarathon, which is set to highlight the 2027 Kalinga Bodong Festival while promoting the province as a sports tourism destination.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an ultramarathon is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers).

Standard ultramarathon distances include 50 kilometers (31 miles), 50 miles, and even 100 miles (160 kilometers). More than just speed, these races test participants' physical endurance, mental toughness, and determination.

The inaugural TC2TC 60-Kilometer Ultramarathon is scheduled to be held in February 2027 as one of the major activities of the Kalinga Bodong Festival. The event aims to promote sports tourism while giving participants the opportunity to experience Kalinga's rich indigenous culture, scenic landscapes, traditions, and hospitality along the cross-provincial route.

In an interview, Bon-as said organizers are expected to coordinate with the Provincial Government of Kalinga in August or September to finalize the event's logistics and other preparations.

The city legislator also encouraged marathoners, ultrarunners, and fitness enthusiasts to join the event, emphasizing that it will not only promote health and wellness but also help boost tourism in the province.

"Yes, may coordination tayo this coming August or September because we really want to align it with the Kalinga Bodong Festival to promote our tourism. It's a simple but effective way to showcase what Kalinga has to offer. I invite our runners and marathon enthusiasts to join because this ultramarathon is a great activity. Not only will it promote health and wellness, but it will also help boost tourism in our province," Bon-as said.

In a separate interview, Race Director and Organizer Ericley Louise Lazaro shared that the idea for the ultramarathon was first conceptualized last year but was temporarily set aside due to other commitments.

Lazaro said organizing endurance races has long been part of his advocacy to promote tourism through sports. He has previously organized ultramarathons from Tuguegarao City to Santa Ana and from Laoag City to Pagudpud.

"Actually, I first conceptualized this race last year, but I became busy with other commitments. I am an advocate of sports tourism, and this is not my first project. I've organized ultramarathons from Tuguegarao to Santa Ana and from Laoag to Pagudpud. As a runner and triathlete myself, I've seen how sporting events can boost tourism, and that's what I want to share with different communities," Lazaro said.

Lazaro added that his vision for the TC2TC Ultramarathon was inspired by his experiences training in Kalinga in 2016, when he discovered the province's immense potential as a sports tourism destination.

He recalled regularly cycling from Tuguegarao City to Lubuagan and even extending his rides to Sagada, experiences that convinced him that organizing an ultramarathon linking Tuguegarao and Tabuk would one day become a reality.

"When I was training for triathlon back in 2016, Kalinga became one of my training grounds. I used to ride my bike from Tuguegarao to Lubuagan and even to Sagada. That's when I realized Kalinga's tourism potential. Since then, one of my goals has been to organize an ultramarathon from Tuguegarao City to Tabuk City," he added.