Philippine Athletics Championships set to heat up PhilSports track oval in Pasig City

The Philippine Athletics Championships is set to heat up the track oval at the PhilSports in Pasig City as close to 700 athletes, including top contenders from nine foreign countries, gear up for the competition scheduled from May 8-12.

Formerly known as the Philippine National Open, the event returns to Metro Manila after being held in Ilagan, Isabela in recent years. With the move back to Manila, a bigger crowd is expected to witness the fierce battles on the track, with records likely to be shattered by the local athletes.

During the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, Relli de Leon, special assistant to PATAFA president Terry Capistrano, expressed excitement about the event’s return to Manila. Joining him were PATAFA secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco and national team coach Jeoffrey Chua, who highlighted the participation of foreign athletes from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.

With around 60 foreign athletes expected to compete, the stage is set for an intense showdown as Filipino athletes aim to secure berths to the Paris Olympics in July. Sprinter Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Robyn Brown, Eric Cray, Janry Ubas, and Kristina Knott are among the local stars vying for Olympic qualification.

Aside from the elite athletes, the competition will also feature events for Under-14, Under-18, and Under-20 categories, making it an inclusive and exciting affair for all participants.

Due to the scorching summer temperatures, the competition will kick off early in the morning and resume in the late afternoon to avoid the peak heat of the day. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the Philippine Athletics Championships promises to be a thrilling spectacle for both athletes and spectators alike.