My first trail run: Salomon X Trail Run 2015

Posted On May 7, 2015

Outran the road. Outlasted the trail.

Base camp (starting line)

The sun was up about an hour and a half. It was 7 a.m. and the gun start signaled the beginning of the 12K distance of the trail race. The experienced runners in front wasted no time and sprinted ahead of the group. I was nervous. It was my first trail run and it has to be on one of the largest runs this summer. I took my first step. About a hundred meters from the starting line, my shoes hit dirt- the race was on.

For more than a year I have been through different fun runs usually organized in Metro Manila. Most of the runs in the metro usually took place in the concrete roads of- CCP-Roxas Boulevard, BGC in Taguig or Skyway, Alabang. Running on a terrain, other than cemented roads was a new experience- and I am glad it was the Salamon Xtrail 2015 held last April 25 at the Anvaya Cove in Morong, Bataan.

Breathtaking ascents (3K mark)

About half a kilometer or so we hit the dirt road. Striking it with my foot offered lesser resistance and rebound as compared to the concrete I got used to. Marshalls were stationed to direct us to the right path. In this case, the next course was to hit the road. I thought this will be the easiest part of the race- I was wrong.

Around the 2K to 3K mark, we faced the first ascending point. Which has about a hundred feet elevation. This is something you don’t see in the metro. For someone who have less experience in this kind of terrain was grueling. I struggled to steady my breath for the next elevation point and before reaching the 4K mark was forced to slow down my pace drastically. I could feel myself gasping for air.

Luckily, there were hydration stations every 3K or so. The Salomon Xtrail was promoted by organizers as a “green run” and required participants to carry their own hydration bottles. This is another new scenery for me (in city runs plastic cups usually litter the streets). Feeling cooled down and rehydrated I continued until the next elevation point which heads to a forest like trail.

Rugged vegetation (6K mark)

The next quarter of the trail was like a semi-dense forest. Here you can see different vegetation from grass (there were also talahibs) and trees of varying kind. The ground was dry, but there were a few hints of mountain dew. Some parts of the forest-like maze were also covered in shadow which allowed escape from the now scorching sun.

In front of me was the lead group, which by my estimate will be the top 10 finishers (separately for the male and female). I just followed them, and tried to imitate how they tackle the terrains. I also chanced to see other nationalities-one was a Japanese, another an American. The Salomon Xtrail, as we were informed, were joined by many other nationalities who shares the hobby of trail running.

The real challenge at this phase was the alternating ascents and descents. It’s really hard to time your pace here (unlike city running). You never know what’s going to turn up in the next corner. One descent was so steep, I decided to just slide than run-for better balance. For a newbie like me that would mean- trying to run fast in an uphill and trying to slow down in the downhill- which I think was the wrong approach as it only made me more fatigued. At the end of this stage was the Bataan shoreline.

Rocky shoreline (9K mark)

After a grueling uphill and downhill comes the rocky terrain near the costal line. At this point there was an alternating pattern of sand and huge rocks where most of the participants slowed down. Navigating your way here is fairly difficult as you need good balance and coordination. The sun was now fully up, and it was about 8:00 A.M.

It was a good thing that the sea breeze kept us cool and the scenery of the seat was marvelous. The salty taste of air was as refreshing as the free refreshments I have stored on the second water station. The ebbing waves were making an all familiar tune. I was sweating a lot at this point, and my eyes were teary because of the heat.

The lead group has left me in the dust (or sand). Trying when I can, I semi-run on the shoreline only to find out that it drains a lot out of your stamina. I noticed that running near the water as much as possible was better than any other part of the beach. At one point, you can also see the nearby Clark Free Port Zone. Every turn was a site to behold.

Anvaya beach front (12K mark)

For the last quarter of the race, runners got a glimpse of the prestige of the Anvaya Cove, which is one of the premier properties owned by Ayala. The beach front has a very fine sand and lots of beach activities can be enjoyed here- such as beach volleyball. Last March, a group of reporters and bloggers also got to experience Anvaya, as we were invited by the Premier Group for the preview of the Salomon Xtrail 2015.

After the kilometer or so beach front, comes the last stretch of the race- a final portion of a rocky shoreline. The sun at this point was punishing- it was almost 8:30 A.M. and my muscles began to ache. The last part was another kilometer of dirt road, the ground was hotter now and all I could think about was just for some shade- which I know is only on the finish line.

We shared the road with great number of the 6K participants. Their event started at 7:30 AM, thirty minutes later after the 12K. They too were feeling the sun. I just kept on going knowing that it was not only I who was feeling discomfort. That is what I love about running- everyone have different goals but they share the same finish line.

Relishing this thought I garnered my remaining strength for just one push. I wanted to finish while sprinting. And I did. The finish line was a bit uphill, but just the sight of the finish stand was more than motivational. I finished in the top 20 of the male category with a time of 1:29:42.

Salomon Xtrail results

6K Female 

1. Angelina A Powel- 39:01

2. Mariela Janet Martinez- Powel- 39:11

3. Patricia An- 41:59

4. Anh Cross- 44:02

5. Roselle Dadal- 45:13

6K Male

1. Marvin Lacsa- 27:07

2.  Ronald Marquez- 27:48

3. John Emarlie Bacerdo- 28:35

4. Allan Gapaz- 29:56

5. Patrick Ang- 31:01

12K Female

1. Mary Grace dela Torre- 1:14:51

2. Maricar Hiponia- 1:22:44

3. Michelle Anne Tibagacay- 1:25:19

4. Mariel Flores-1:30:36

5. Laarni de Guzman- 1:32:35

12K Male

1. Andrew Chinalpan- 1:03:04

2. Aris Suaverdez- 1:03:40

3. TJ Isla- 1:09:5

4. Philip Johannes Groenwald- 1:11:02

5. Drew Arellano- 1:12:52

24K Female

1. Jannette Lumidao- 3:09:09

2. Melissa Martinez- 3:15:04

3. Iris Torculas- 3:19:29

4. Editha Alvarez- 3:32:13

5. Princess Que- 3:50:00

24K Male

1. Angelo Gonzalo- 2:23:57

2. Erick Guieb- 2:24:05

3. Noel Reyes- 2:31:57

4. Roland Wangwang- 2:33:11

5. Patrick Hervic Aquino- 2:42:24

32K Female

1. Majo Liao- 4:36:50

2. Charm Bartolay- 4:37:09

3. Arlene Agulto- 4:51:10

4. Rashel Peña- 5:11:24

5. Nina Dacanay- 5:14:00

32K Male

1. Manolito Divina- 2:56:54

2. Aldean Lim- 3:07:48

3. Warren Lumidao- 3:09:51

4. Dino Mohammad- 3:15:56

5. Alford Mallory Sumagui- 3:17: 44