Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2012 – a Sneak Peak

Salomon, a premier brand for outdoor sports, takes running a notch higher with its Green Event this 2012 dubbed as Salomon XTrail Pilipinas, Salomon’s way of promoting trail running in the Philippines. This eco – friendly race is happening on March 31, 2012, with the start and finish lines at Tagaytay Highlands Amphitheater. And to further preserve the natural trails, disposables cups and bottles will not be provided in all hydration stations. Runners are advised to bring their personal handheld water bottles, hydration belts or other form of hydration equipment.

The event has three categories which caters to beginners (6k), intermediate (12k), and elite or advanced (24) runners. All categories, which include a road – to – trail terrain, are open for both male and female participants. Whether this is your first trail run like myself, you can still join the pack of 24k runners and experience the challenges of the trail.

As part of the launch, on March 17, I had the privilege join the lot of runners/ bloggers (to represent Pinoyfitness) for a sneak peek of the race venue and the race route. We left Manila three quarters past 5 in the morning, and stop – over at SLEX for breakfast. We arrived at Tagaytay Highlands around 8 o’clock in the morning. A brief presentation of the event followed at the conference. Janice, the brand manager for Salomon, and Laira of Primer Group handed us our test run kits which included a Salomon Hydration Bottle, Salomon technical singlet and a Salmon lanyard. This is all new to me, so I was kind of trying to fit in and get the feel of the whole event. A little past 10 in the morning, we geared up to test run the 6k route.

There were about 20 of us in the group, composed mainly of runners/ bloggers. And it’s also an opportunity to run with the members of Philippine Skyrunners Association – Alex, JC and Mayo. Towards the fourth kilometer, we lost track of our guide and other runners. Instinct may tell you to follow a route where there are footprints. And sometimes, instincts could be wrong as we took a different route. We had to back track to find the correct route. One of us happened to have a handy phone with him and called someone in the other group. After some five minutes or so, we were on the right track again. With barely a kilometer or so left, instead of getting in the van, we decided to make it to the end of the route.

We had lunch and the staff was very accommodating, to the extent of asking if any of us have food restrictions or allergies. We then had a tour of the Animal Farm, Tagaytay Highlands and Midlands, and the Peak Bar, which was our last stop. We thanked Jane of Tagaytay Highlands who toured us through the whole place, we then boarded the vans and headed back to Manila.

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We were tired. But we had a lot of fun!

Here are other things that you need to know:

Registration Fees

• 6k road – to- trail run: Php750.00; inclusive of race bib, timing chip, Salomon shoe bag, Salomon headgear, Salomon XTrail technical Tee, post – race meal.
• 12k road – to – trail run: Php1,000.00; inclusive of race bib, timing chip, Salomon shoe bag, Salomon headgear, Salomon XTrail technical Tee, post – race meal.
• 24k mountain run: Php1,200.00; inclusive of race bib, timing chip, Salomon shoe bag, Salomon headgear, Salomon XTrail technical Tee, finisher’s medal, post – race meal.
Cash prizes, medals and premium Salomon items will also be awarded to the winners and top finishers in each category.

So, here are the Race Routes:

6k Route – Click Here
– Race will start & end at the amphitheater of Tagaytay Highlands.
– Single loop course, paved roads, single track, grass fields and dirt roads, perfect for beginners.

12k Route – Click Here
– Race will start & end at the amphitheater of Tagaytay Highlands.
– Race course would start the same way as the 6km for the first 4 kilometers.
– It has a tough uphill portion with roughly 2 kilometers of climbs with an elevation of 1,800 feet.
– Single loop course, paved roads, single track, grass fields and dirt roads, perfect for intermediate runners.

24k Route – Click Here
– Race will start & end at the amphitheater of Tagaytay Highlands.
– Race course would start the same way as the 6km & 12km for the first few kilometers.
– Very technical race, lots of climbs (ropes will be provided) simulating a “mountain run”, lots of single tracks, dirt roads, and switch backs; paved and concrete roads will also be part of the course.
– This 24 km race course is the toughest race to date ever done in Tagaytay Highlands.

Experience the thrill of trail running. Join the Salomon XTrail Pilipinas 2012!

Full Details -> Click Here

Words by: Supladong Irish Runner