Mt. Batolusong Mountain Run is one of the more challenging trail runs with several mountain peaks to conquer. Tin Salazar shares her Mount Batulusong 50 Kilometer Trail Experience.
Mount Batolusong Mountain Run
DBB Mountain Rockstar Trail Run is part of MGM Trail Running Series with 12 Km race, 25 Km race and the main event, the 50 km race (Utra Trail Mt. Batolusong). The race happened last August 7, 2016 with start and finish area at Barangay Hall of San Andres, Tanay Rizal.
Race Report
“This is my 8th trail run with ultra distance (beyond 42km) and by far, the hardest mountain run for me.” – Tin
The inclement weather, which made the trail muddy, slippery, and dangerous, was a major factor. Still, sans the rainy weather, the route itself is really difficult given that you have to summit 6 peaks!
The first 25 km of the route requires climbing the 3 peaks of Mt. Batolusong, namely Rangyas peak, Susong Dalaga, and Radar. These 3 peaks were so wicked that I thought the second half could not be worse but I was wrong. A week before the race, I was injured from a road marathon so I thought of finishing just the first half of the race (meaning, climbing just Mt. Batolusong and going back to the starting line, which is also the end of 25Km course). My foot extensor and plantar worsens everytime I tackle the uphills because of the extra effort I had to exert to have a good grip so as not to slip in the muddy ascents of Batolusong.
After the last peak, i.e., radar, the last uphill was short and gradual followed by last 3km of downhill and flats going to the finish line of 25km course. The easier course helped reduce the pain in my extensor and plantar and when I reached the finish line, I decided to continue with the second half of the 50Km course (km 25-50).
Halfway Point
The first 5km of the second half of the course featured flats to mild uphill of wide fire roads This gave me a feeling of optimism and confidence that I’ll finish the whole course within the cutoff time. I was the last runner to leave km 25; the others behind me already DNF’d so I was alone in my journey from km 25-km 30.
Few kilometers after KM 30, I started to enter a single, muddy and slippery track of Mt. Natad, which meant suffering again. The ascents were gradual but never ending. After a few ascents, the sweeper of 50km was able to catch up with me. Sweeper Kevin helped me picked up my pace. Climbing Natad alone is exhausting and boring and that means more time wasted to rests and food breaks. It rained so hard while we were inside Natad but because of the forest covers we were not soaked from the rain. At the foot of Natad was another aid station, which also marked km 42 of the course.
The marshal mentioned that there were no more uphills for the remaining 8km, just a manageable elevation and wide fire roads until the finish line. But I guess he was joking. After just around 1km of wide roads, we were greeted by the aid station marshals and instructed us to turn right to climb Mt. Cayabu and Mt. Maynoba. What???
Surprise!!!
Mt. Cayabu features a steep ascent on stair trails. After that seemingly endless ascent, we had to go down a bit to climb another equally steep mountain, Mt. Maynoba. Mt. Maynoba features two peaks – Peak 1 and the Summit. Huhuhu. I had no choice but to complete the course since I’m almost there. I just prayed hard and each line of the prayer I uttered helped me climb a step further. Dasal lang talaga, as per Tita Alma Moreno. After reaching the summit (highest peak of Mt. Maynoba), we had to pass through the rolling hills. This meant tackling minor yet exhausting uphills. You got to hate the word rolling after you finished 3 major climbs. After the rolling hills, you’ll go all the way down going back to MGM trail (the first major ascent of Batolusong before reaching Rangyas).
This MGM trail is rather dangerous because of the muddy single track and portions where you have to use a rappel. After crossing a few streams, I reached the finish line beyond the cut-off. I’m still thankful to have finished this race in one piece. Other than my extensor and plantar, I felt no other injury – no cramps and blister despite the number of rivers we’re required to cross.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the organizers, DBB Delos Angeles and the entire members of the MGM Productions. With their route, you’ll not feel shortchanged! The registration fee is all worth it! The aid stations were also well-supplied. I have the right to claim it because I was part of the last pack and when we reached the last aid station. They still had hydration and food by then. The marshals are also very accommodating and motivating. If you want to experience hard core, you’ve got to try this UTMB Pinoy version!
About Tin Salazar
Tin is a passionate traveler. She uses her passion and love for geographic information to fully realize the potential of her spatial abilities. She dreams of visiting every province in the Philippines and completing an Ironman distance triathlon, a Hardcore Hundred Miles, the Ozaki 8 and go for even bigger desires. Her passion for outdoors is fueled by her love for running, hiking, and cross country biking. She also writes her adventures at her Blog, A Song of Road and Trail http://asortd.blogspot.com/.
