BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The Kennon Global Marathon an epic race flags off on April 15 along the historic Kennon Road in Baguio City; the country’s premier Summer Capital.

The race is the toughest yet most scenic of all running events in the country this year. It will be the first all-uphill half marathon – 21 kilometers which will start in Camp 3 (Tuba, Benguet) all the way up to Burnham Park Lake Baguio City at an altitude of 5,000 feet.

Other race, supported by LBC, Tiong San Harrison-La Trinidad, the city government of Baguio, municipality of Tuba and Department of Public Works and Highways (Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has included categories – 8.5K, 5K and 3K. It will be an Open competitive race (Men, Women, boys and girls divisions).

The event is sanctioned by Philippine Amateur Track & Field (PATAFA), the governing body of athletics. It will be the only marathon that will pass through a mountainside road that offers breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls and other natural wonders. And it will be the first time a running record will be established on Kennon road.

“Decades, Baguio and Cordillera athletes have given honor and pride to flag and country. The Kennon Global Marathon will surely be another event to showcase their running prowess, and also to other participants across the country,” said Patafa president Go Teng Kok.

“Patafa commends the organizer of the event for promoting healthy lifestyle like running and environmentally friendly sports. I’m certain that the event will also boost Sports Tourism.”

Junep Ocampo, President of the Organizing Group Kennon Global Marathon, Inc. said the main attraction of the event is the challenges it offers runners from Metro Manila.

“It’s time to level up. Many Filipino runners competing in fun runs and other marathons in Manila may no longer be excited to run on flat terrain. We’re offering them the chance to take their running to a totally higher level,” said Ocampo, a former sports and motoring editor who has covered major sporting events such as the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.