CEBU, Philippines - This year's edition of Carrera Habagat, the country's toughest outdoor adventure race, will be staged in Cebu Province covering five cities on November 21-15. It is one of the major activities in line with Habagat's 25th year anniversary.
"It will be tougher and more challenging that any previous Carrera Habagat. This time, they'll be running around in our backyad," said event director Randy Su in a press conference the other night at the Outpost Resto Bar in Brgy. Lahug this city.
The multi-discipline joust involving land navigation, running, trekking, biking, swimming, kayaking/paddling and rappelling among others puts the participants in a particular terrain and tests their outdoor skills.
Each team is allowed to have four members, with one member of the opposite sex, and two support crew. Throughout the race, each team has to carry mandatory equipment - without which it would be almost impossible for them to accomplish their tasks.
It's a four-day, non-stop contest spread out in various locations around the province, thereby showcasing the natural beauty of the locality and increasing awareness regarding the fragility of the environment.
Carrera Habagat has been the training ground for athletes and outdoor buffs in the country such as Leo Oracion, Pastor Emata, and members of the Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team.
Team Santorini, the champion of the 2001 Carrera Habagat:Mystique Island Quest in Siquijor, performed notably during the 2002 Eco-Challenge in New Zealand.
From 2001 until 2008, the event has been held in places such as Camotes, Camiguin, Bilira, Bucas Grande and Siargao Islands, and Sto. Domingo, Albay.
For further details, one may visit www.habagat.com or subscribe to updates from www.facebook.com/habagatoutdoor. One may also call the Habagat main office at (032) 231-5651. – PR (THE FREEMAN)