Trail running: The new weekend “island hop”
How do you explore the Philippine islands? The first thing that probably came to mind was island hopping. Getting on a bangka, lying on the sandy beach, cooling off in the ocean, and feasting on a meticulously prepared boodle fight made with fresh local ingredients. And for those who enjoy a little partying, throw in a couple of ice-cold beers.
Island hopping is the quintessential tropical excursion, and it’s definitely here to stay—but a more active alternative is on the rise.
The thrill of running
Trail running is exactly what it sounds like: running on natural terrain. This can range from dirt paths and forest tracks to rocky mountain routes and coastal trails. Unlike road running, which emphasizes pace and consistency, trail running introduces unpredictability—elevation gain, uneven footing, and constantly changing scenery.
Distances vary widely. Some runners stick to short, beginner-friendly routes, while others dive into ultratrail races that stretch beyond marathon length. There are also specialized formats like vertical races, which focus on steep ascents, and sky running, which takes athletes to high-altitude terrain.
But beyond the technical definition, trail running offers something deeper. It’s a sport that blends endurance with exploration. You’re not just chasing a finish time—you’re navigating landscapes, adapting to nature, and experiencing places in a way that roads rarely allow.
The Philippines is a trail runner’s paradise
With over 7,000 islands in the Philippines to choose from, trail runners are spoiled for choice. Known for our scenic landscapes and diverse terrains, the country has an incredible mix of coastal and mountain routes. The archipelago’s geography is a playground for the sport, letting trail runners enjoy and explore the Philippines in a multitude of ways.
And if you’re new to trail running and want to get acquainted with the sport, it’s also quite accessible. Just a short drive from Metro Manila brings you to the mountain ranges, scenic ridges, and river crossings of Rizal. This area alone can cater to trail runners of all levels, with short loops to ultra trails going over 50km.
Kinds of trail running
As there are different terrains, there are also different kinds of trail runs.
First off the list are single-track trails, which are narrow, often allowing just one person at a time. It’s considered one of the most technical terrains, since it might even require other skills like climbing. Second on the list is mountain/sky running, which places runners in high altitude and rocky terrains, often involving significant elevation gain.
Next up is our third kind—trail hiking/fast packing—which combines hiking and running, where athletes walk uphill, but run downhill. For something a bit more relaxed where you can maintain a steady pace, fourth on this list is cross country running, and this takes place on flatter areas like grass fields or forests, and even managed routes such as roads or park paths.
And last on the list, which is also the kind often held for international events, is ultratrail running. As the name would suggest, these trail runs are the most challenging, with distances exceeding the standard 42.195km marathon and a mix of various terrains. Think of this as the final stage after you complete all the others.
The trail running scene in the Philippines
The rise of trail running in the country is perhaps best reflected in its events. Over the years, several races have helped shape the local scene and attract international attention.
Setting a benchmark for ultratrail competitions in Asia and also garnering global visibility and recognition is The North Face 100 Philippines. Often held in Benguet of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the shortest distance is 11km, with the longest at 100km. The North Face 100, or TNF100 for short, also takes place in other countries—with our very own John “Stingray” Onifa winning 1st place at TNF100 Hong Kong in the year 2023.
Another renowned ultratrail event, which also takes place in CAR, is the Cordillera Mountain Ultra (CMU). The flagship race for this event is 50km with over 3,000 meters of elevation gain. Although gruelling, the CMU has breathtaking sites, with athletes traversing through pine forests, steep ridges, and Indigenous communities.
Heading south to Central Visayas is the Danao City International Ultratrail (DCIU) held in Cebu. Distances range from 15km to 100km with a mix of urban areas and scenic natural terrain. And again, Onifa is the champion of the 100km category in the recent DCIU held just recently, in April 2026.
The Philippine Trail Running Association, or PhilTRA, is an organization for trail running and other related sports and disciplines. More than an organization, it’s a community that embodies that growing in athleticism and ecological awareness can happen simultaneously.
These races do more than test physical limits. They bring runners into remote communities, boost local tourism, and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment. For many participants, the race becomes secondary to the experience of discovering a new place.
The road—or trail—ahead
Imagine this: you book a weekend getaway in one of the Philippines’ dreamy destinations to break away from your day-to-day. You participate in a trail run event, and each step you take feels like a release from all the pent-up stress you accumulated in the city. The sites of busy streets and corporate buildings are replaced with forest trees, mountain ridges, and coastal views that most tourists never see. You get to know the lay of the land more intimately and build a deeper connection.
The day after, you relax and recover with the quintessential island hopping. As your sore feet touch the cool ocean water, you take a quiet moment for yourself and appreciate where your legs just took you. This is the new rhythm of travel for many trail runners.
It’s not about replacing island hopping or similar activities, but, on the contrary, adding another layer to it. You experience a place more profoundly—you feel its terrain, its climate, its challenges, and most importantly, its people.
