Team Will Tackle 100-Kilometer Hong Kong Trailwalker
Four hikers from the Philippines will test their endurance in a 48-hour trek to support global poverty alleviation efforts.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Hiking
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A team of four hikers will represent the Philippines in the annual OXFAM Hong Kong Trailwalker this October 2026. The group aims to complete the 100-kilometer course within 48 hours to raise funds for poverty alleviation and disaster relief.
Why it matters
Participating in long-distance endurance events like the Trailwalker requires months of physical preparation and highlights the importance of sustained aerobic conditioning. The challenge serves as both a feat of athletic endurance and a mechanism for international solidarity in support of humanitarian causes.
The OXFAM Hong Kong Trailwalker is a long-standing endurance event held annually since 1986. Participants must navigate a 100-kilometer course through nine checkpoints to successfully finish within the 48-hour mandate.
The players
John Alster Soriano
A 42-year-old athlete participating as part of the 2026 Philippine trail-hiking team.
Adrian Marcelino
A 34-year-old team member preparing for the 100-kilometer endurance challenge.
Rey Angelo Imperio
A 26-year-old member of the hiking team training in Tanay, Rizal.
Jess Pomida
A 35-year-old hiker representing the Philippines in the upcoming international event.
Tanay Mountaineers
A local mountaineering group that provided technical training and supervision for the team.
The details
The challenge requires team members to cross each of the nine checkpoints as a single unit, emphasizing coordinated pacing and collective stamina. To prepare for the elevation changes and distance, the team conducted rigorous training sessions in the mountains of Tanay, Rizal, under the guidance of the Tanay Mountaineers. The route stretches from Pak Tam Chung to Harrow International School Hong Kong, demanding high levels of physical and mental resilience.
Timeline
The OXFAM Hong Kong Trailwalker has been held annually since 1986.
A previous Philippine team participated in 2012.
The current team began training sessions in August 2026.
The team continued their training through September 2026.
A final team training session is scheduled from 16 to 18 October 2026.
Health Landscape
This effort marks the return of a Philippine team to the international trail-hiking circuit after a 14-year hiatus since the 2012 OXFAM Philippines team participation. The event sits within a broader trend of utilizing extreme endurance challenges as a platform for global humanitarian advocacy.
Engaging in long-distance endurance training requires a gradual increase in mileage to prevent overuse injuries and joint strain. Before attempting intense mountain training, it is worth discussing your cardiovascular health and physical limitations with a physician.
The takeaway
Endurance challenges like the Trailwalker underscore the vital role of team-based training and consistent aerobic conditioning in achieving complex physical goals. Always consult with a qualified trainer or physician to establish a safe, progressive training load tailored to your specific physical baseline.
What happens next
The team's final training sessions are scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 October 2026.
Further reading
For more information on preparing for long-distance treks, visit our Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tribune.
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