Johnray “Stingray” Onifa, a pride of Antique province clinched the gold medal in the men’s 40-kilometer short trail category and carried Team Philippines to a second-place overall finish at the inaugural Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships, held recently in Ulju, South Korea.
“I am happy to bring home the gold medal and proud to represent the Philippines and hear the national anthem play during the awarding,” Onifa said his golden performance with a clocking of three hours and 47 minutes.
Onifa’s golden finish helped secure a silver medal for the Philippines in the men’s short trail event, with strong support from teammates Randolf Gonzales, who placed 6th, Romnick Tongkaling in 12th, and Godwin Mirar finishing 17th.
The team trailed behind only Japan, which took the top spot overall.
Facing intense competition from elite athletes representing 22 nations, the team brought home multiple medals, including an individual gold and two silver medals in the team events.
This year’s APTRC welcomed top trail runners from across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, China, and New Zealand.
The Philippine team entered the event with high hopes, especially following their dominant performance at the Southeast Asian Trail Running Cup in June, where they claimed 17 medals and established themselves as a regional powerhouse.
The team’s journey to Ulju was marked by determination and a renewed commitment to their cause. In the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine, which devastated parts of the Philippines, the athletes carried the rallying cry, “Isang Landas, Isang Puso – Laban Para sa Bayan” (“One Path, One Heart – Fight for the Nation”), reflecting their dedication to uplift the Filipino spirit amid adversity.
The competition intensified the following day, as runners tackled the 80KM Long Trail, a grueling 49-mile course with a punishing elevation gain of 4,870 meters. The Philippines’ Men’s Team — consisting of Larry Apolinario, Arnie Macarenas, Rhys Pawid, Roberto Cain, and Paul Brillantes — braved the rugged terrain to earn a silver medal. Their tenacity exemplified the team’s fighting spirit as they pressed forward despite the formidable challenge.
The Philippine women’s team also made a commendable effort, finishing 4th overall in both the Short Trail and Long Trail categories. Team members Christabel Martes, Trisha Reyes, Noime Fernandez, and Angelica Alejo represented the country admirably in the 40KM category, while Elizabeth Dangadang, Angelie Cabalo, and Cecile Wael delivered strong performances in the 80KM race.
Christabel Martes, a two-time Southeast Asian Games marathon gold medalist, served as the head coach of the team, guiding the athletes through the rigorous preparation for the competition.
PHILTRA secretary-general Tin Ferrera expressed her gratitude to Martes, the team’s officers, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to support the athletes. Ferrera shared her pride on social media, acknowledging the team’s efforts to embody resilience in the face of recent challenges.
