Limits were tested, boundaries were pushed as more than a thousand runners converged for one of the biggest trail running event of the season – the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016 – last April 9.
Over five years since its inception, the Salomon X-Trail Run continues to be the most anticipated trail running event throughout the Asia-Pacific Region. With competitions held in unique and exotic locations in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hongkong and the Philippines, it is reputed for mounting the most challenging and scenic trail running races that feature a mixture of different terrain surfaces, including vertical ascents, long uphill climbs, with multi-surfaces of dirt, rocks, sand, and concrete paths.
In the Philippines, the Salomon X-Trail Run has been held for 5 consecutive years, in exclusive venues– ensuring that the race venues not only demonstrate the majestic beauty of nature but also, offer participants a stimulating and unique trail running experience. This year, Salomon decided to hold its 5th installment at the Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales, where new trail routes were created exclusively for this year’s race.
Known for its thick forest areas with steep and technical descents, the Subic Bay Freeport Zone definitely served this year’s trail racers a grueling challenge as they dashed through its lush paths, long roads, hills, rivers, and valleys. However, the breathtaking view around Subic surely made the fiercely demanding track exhilarating, as it is delightful.
At the crack of dawn, trail runners of the 32km Mountain Run began to embark on their adrenaline-filled journey through a route that possesses a mixture of different terrains – from asphalt and sand, to rocks, river crossing, and technical ascents. The category simulated ascents of Skyrunning races – an arena wherein Salomon dominates. To add more to the pressure, a 7-hour cut-off time was imposed for the participants.
At 5:00am, gun start signaled the arduous adventure of the 24km Mountain Run trail racers. Meant for runners who wish to test their mettle, the category presented technical ascents and varying terrain that likewise simulated ascents of Skyrunning races. Getting through this track was definitely not an easy feat especially with a five-hour cut-off time.
Following suit at 7:00am and 7:30am were the 12km and 6km race categories, respectively. The 12km Road to Trail targeted runners with basic trail running experience with an equally basic yet technical terrain. On the other hand, outdoor enthusiasts were given a taste of trail running with the 6km Road to Trail category, which was mainly conceptualized for trail running rookies. Like the rest of the categories, cut-off times of two and a half hours for the 12km category and one and a half hours for the 6km category were similarly enforced.
Committed in ensuring that each race leaves as little to no harmful environmental consequences, the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016 remained strictly, a GREEN RUN. As such, no disposables were provided at the hydration stations, which required participants to bring their own provisions.
By noontime, the awarding ceremony commenced and this year’s roster of winners took home not only a range of exciting prizes but above all, a strong sense of fulfillment for pushing themselves to be the best that they can be – a philosophy echoed by Salomon. At the end of the day, no one went home empty handed as the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016 proved to be a memorable and extremely satisfying feat for all the participants, regardless of winning. Plus, Salomon also gave away items during a raffle portion alongside awesome products from sponsors – SBMA Tourism Office, R.O.X, Solar Sports, Gatorade, Otterbox, Honey Stinger, KleenAthlete, Sea to Summit, Dr.Cool, Cobra Erergy Drink, Summit Water, Stance, Nathan, C3fit, Fox Head Philippines, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Best Western Hotel Subic, Subic Park Hotel, Subic Crossfit, Sunsilk, Rexona, Beer Below Zero (BBZ), & the Primer Group of Companies. Thanks also to our media partners Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Business World, Manila Bulletin, MB Sports Digest, Endurance Magazine, Speed Magazine, Wave 89.1 as our official radio partner and Solar Sports as our official TV partner.
At the core of each Salomon X-Trail Run event is to champion trail running and passion for the outdoors. This year, it has once again succeeded in inspiring each and every trail runner and outdoor enthusiast to realize their potential and inner strength with its zero-compromise race principle – ideally embodying Salomon’s slogan of being “#1 in trail running”. In the years to come, Salomon will continue to uplift the trail running discipline by constantly mounting no less than a premium event such as the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2016!
For more information about the race, please visit www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com
