21 Kilometer Trail Run via Cardiac Hill in Silang, Cavite
Cliff and I were invited to the Friendship Power Kembot, a running event hosted by the Fabulous Running Divas to foster camaraderie within the running community. For those who do not speak Tagalog, ‘kembot’ implies to shake one’s hips (although not literally). The course was a mix of rough road, pavement and trails that went constantly uphill and downhill. It is believed to be a 21-kilometer trail that begins in Silang, Cavite and returns through the iconic Cardiac Hill in Laguna.
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.
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’.
Definitely, not for the faint-hearted.
The Trail
Trail Going To and From Cardiac Hill
Cliff & I at the Trail
I am firm with most of my decisions but this one… Dang! I hated my life so much! *think happy thoughts: FOOD, BULALO, SISIG, UNLIMITED RICE. ICE CREAM! *
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, #Bucketlist completed!
If you’re visiting the Philippines and want to test your endurance by running or cycling… THIS IS THE PERFECT SPOT!
21KM wow!!! what a long trail. It sounds like a great adventurous place but challenging.
That looks like a lot of fun! I do a lot of mud runs and hiking. I may look into trying something like this in the future! Very inspiring.