Constantly pushing the limits of outdoor experience, Salomon hosted another widely successful installment of the Salomon X-Trail Run last July 23rd at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. An annual event mounted throughout Southeast Asia since 2008—in countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong—the Salomon X-Trail Run is widely anticipated by the trail running community for its exceptional and technical trail routes that never fail to offer runners a remarkable experience each time.
In the Philippines, the Salomon X-Trail Run has been held in various premier locations throughout the country; thus, attracting more and more participants each year. Over the years, it has established a reputation for being the most-attended trail running event in local history. Now on its 6th consecutive year, it has once again proven its mettle in delivering another exceptional trail running race as it welcomed more than 1,200 runners.
Resonating with the brand’s core mission of inspiring people to play and progress in their chosen outdoor pursuits, this year’s Salomon X-Trail Run has undoubtedly set the stage for another highly stimulating yet immensely demanding challenge for local trail runners and enthusiasts.
Held within the trails of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the race consisted of two categories, namely, “Fun Trail” with 6km and 12km distances and the more technical “Mountain Run” with 24km and 32km distances.
Conquering resistance
At 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., the gun start fired for the Mountain Run race with 32km and the 24km categories respectively. Serving as the ultimate test for the most dedicated trail runners, the Mountain Run at this year’s race simulated the taxing ascents of Skyrunning races—an arena dominated by Salomon.
Conceived for trail runners who want to take their skills to the next level, the 24km Mountain Run featured technical ascents and descents, varying terrain consisting of mainly thick mud, and a cut-off time of 5 hours. The emergent winners of this category were Drexel Dino and Midori Mori in first place, Aris Suaverdez and Beverlee Parale in second, Roland Wangwang and Samantha Lesis in third, Rhoderick Guieb and Nikki Cordero in fourth, and Richard Akol and Cecille Faustino in fifth.
Meanwhile, positioned as the most challenging category of the race, the 32km Mountain Run drew trail runners who had set out to defy the limits and go beyond their own boundaries. From asphalt, mud, rocks to a lot of river crossings and steep technical ascents and descents, the route for this category proved to be an intensely grueling challenge for the participants. And only a select few have conquered the path of most resistance.
Sure to go down in local trail running history are the 32km Mountain Run winners John Ray Onifa and Jocelyn Eliveran who led the race at first place, Nelson Eliveran and Maria Josephine Liao in second, Chou Ching and Sandi Menchi Abahan in third, Andrico Mahilum and Cherryl Navarro in fourth, and Wilnar Iglesia and Elmimie Damuggo in fifth.
Carving the path
By 1:30 p.m., the gun start signaled the start of the Fun Trail race. Designed to accommodate road runners with zero to basic experience in trail running, the Fun Trail race sought to encourage road runners to get out of their comfort zones and dive into the world of trail running.
Given the turnout of this year’s Fun Trail, Salomon appears to have achieved its goal as countless runners converged to take part in the 6km and 12km categories—all of whom proved to be determined in leveling up their abilities in technical terrain.
For the 6km category, those who dominated the race were Robin Angeles and Midori Mori in first place, Kristoffer Troy Sison and Beverlee Parale in second, Rowell Bada and Samantha Lesis who came in at third, Aldrin Mancera and Nikki Cordero in fourth, and Samuel Bada and Cecille Faustino for the fifth slot.
Meanwhile, those who headed the pack for the 12km race were Jhoe Ward Quiñones and Janette Luminao at the first spot, Regie Lamuag and Laarni De Guzman in second, Andrew Chinalpan and Charlie Sy who followed in third, Rodelio Gadapan and Maan Villamor in fourth, and Kinol Cabarte and Brooke Johnson in fifth.
Green revolution
Seeking to lead by example, the Salomon X-Trail Run was a Green Race. A pioneer advocacy championed by the Salomon X-Trail Run since its first installment back in 2010, the Salomon X-Trail Run did not permit the use of disposables during the event. Instead, participants were required to bring their own water bottles.
Throughout the event, there were specific areas and control points situated across varying locations within the course to ensure that the participants finish the race within the official time.
Plus, motivational signages were mounted along the race routes to inspire the participants along the way. Throughout the race, live entertainment was held at the event area, creating a festive atmosphere featuring percussion performances by Batang Gapo.
Year after year, the Salomon X-Trail Run grows bigger and bolder as it strives to elevate trail running across the globe. Far from over, the next leg of the Salomon X-Trail Run Pilipinas 2017 will be held at the Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City on August 20th. Registration is ongoing until August 15th at Salomon Abreeza.
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