Have you conquered Cardiac Hill in SIlang, Cavite?

Cliff and I were thrilled to be invited to the Friendship Power Kembot, an exciting running event hosted by the Fabulous Running Divas to bring the running community closer together. For those unfamiliar with Tagalog, kembot playfully refers to a hip shake—though, in this case, it’s more about powering through the course than dancing (well, maybe a little!).

The route was a wild mix of rough roads, pavement, and trails, constantly challenging us with rolling uphill and downhill stretches. And the real test? Tackling the legendary Cardiac Hill—a climb that lives up to its name! This scenic yet grueling 21-kilometer trail started in Silang, Cavite, looping back through Laguna’s iconic Cardiac Hill, making for an unforgettable adventure.

History of the Cardiac Hill Trail

Cardiac Hill starts out flat but don’t be fooled — Cardiac Hill lives up to its name as it drops sharply through a series of uphill and downhill roads. The walk down is a breeze, but the haul back up, will get your heart pumping. Then you will be welcomed with another stretch of continuous ascend. If you think you’re already finished on the next turn, the road only keeps getting steeper. 

Situated between the communities of Westgrove and South Forbes in Silang, Cavite, lies the renowned Cardiac Hill—a name that might sound intimidating, but for many fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers, it’s a beloved challenge. This steep incline has become a popular spot for runners and cyclists looking to test their endurance and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

While the challenge is significant, the sense of accomplishment upon completing the course is unparalleled. Plus, the lush greenery and serene environment of Silang provide a beautiful backdrop, making the effort worthwhile.

It is said that a biker has died due to ‘Cardiac Arrest’ attempting to reach the summit of the trail hence it’s called ‘Cardiac Hill Trail’.

If you’re planning to tackle Cardiac Hill, it’s advisable to prepare adequately. Ensure you’re in good physical condition, stay hydrated, and consider going with a group for both motivation and safety. And remember, while the hill is a formidable opponent, the reward of conquering it—and the stunning views along the way—make it a must-try experience for fitness enthusiasts visiting Silang.

So, lace up your running shoes or hop on your bike, and take on the challenge of Cardiac Hill. It’s not just a test of endurance but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cavite.

Definitely, not for the faint-hearted.

The Trail

Trail Going To and From Cardiac Hill

Cliff & I at the Trail

Finishers

We were among the first to complete the run (my estimated personal record, or “PR,” is 5 hours and 16 minutes). Some, as you can see, managed to smile and look good in the photo despite my evident exhaustion. I’m sure the person I was chatting to was sick of hearing me complain about being exhausted (and my aching knees). How do you do it, guys?

Final Thoughts

The experience is incredible! To be honest, I had no idea we’d be climbing Cardiac Hill that day. I was simply informed it was in Cavite and that it would be a 21-kilometer run (my Garmin says 25 km though). I’d have done some preparation, right?  But, in all seriousness, I had a great time running, sight-seeing, and laughing our butts off.

I am incredibly grateful to be invited to events like this and to be able to meet new people whose faces I often see in the races that I have participated in. People from various parts of Metro Manila and from different running teams. The organizers did an excellent job in selecting the route, which is extremely challenging. I’d done a few trail runs before this, but this has to be one of the most notorious in terms of elevation.

Oh, and it almost pushed me to my breaking point. I’d want to give it another go. Meanwhile, #AchievementUnlocked!

If you’re visiting the Philippines and want to test your endurance by running or cycling… THIS IS THE PERFECT SPOT!