Salomon Xtrail Run 2017 Race Recap: It’s a Mudfest

Posted On July 28, 2017

The Salomon Xtrail 2017 can be summed up by the words of Hollywood actor Denzel Washington:

“If you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too.”

And deal with the mud we did, although no one probably asks for rain in Subic the night before the race. For years, the Salomon Xtrail is considered to be one of the most technical trail races in the Philippines. Just ask anyone who ran any of the past races, and they will tell you one thing- it’s difficult, but at the same time fulfilling.

(Members of the local Aeta community giving an intermission; some also served as marshals)

I’ve run the Xtrail for three consecutive years: first was in 2015 held at Anvaya Cove where I was at the 12K distance. It was my first trail run, and I was a total newbie (I was wearing road shoes, then). The next year, I joined the 24K and was better prepared physically and have brought the proper equipment. Finally, this year I dared to continue my consecutive streak and go all in for the 32K.

The Starting Line to El Kabayo Junction

It was a bit chilly on the morning of July 23, with some dark clouds hovering over the bright sun. The starting line was filled with an anxious crowd who probably knew right from the start that this would be much difficult race given that the trail is muddy and rain can pour anytime.

(Photo Credit: Paksit Photos/ Glairold Recella)

The 32K category started at roughly 8:05 A.M., it’s not the usual gun start for the longest distance. Often, you would see this group to be filled with runners wearing headlamps, blinkers and reflective gears as they make their way into the darkness of dawn. The only required gear that day was a whistle and a 500 mL hydration bottle/vest/belt.

The Enchanted Forest

The first segment of the route was less than 2-km part of El Kabayo road leading to the first junction towards a forested area. From here, it’s a rolling course that is mostly single tracks with about four or five river crossings. The forest also has lots of large roots that could entangle your feet with a single wrong step. I almost tripped a couple of times, but was lucky to find my balance.

(This is my awkward moment, should’ve taken the cap off for better photo)

On the river crossings, I made sure that I did not let my shoes catch water as part of my strategy. When your feet are wet, there’s a chance they could get blisters in the later part of the race. As such, I have to skip on rocks scattered along the river, which is very difficult given that some of them offer a small foot hold.

It’s not only the elevation profile that makes Salomon a very technical race. There are lots of natural and human-made obstacles that will test your wits and stamina. Several fallen tree trees were blocking your way (a staple in the long distance category of Salomon races), which you should jump or climb over.

(Several portions of the trail were blocked with logs such as this one; some were much bigger)

First U-turn and Killer Uphill

Upon exiting the forest and running a few hundred meters or so, I reached the second aid station to get some hydration. I skipped the first AS to lighten my load, that’s why this time I filled my two 500-mL hydration bottles.

The next segment of the course is a rocky, rough road with a couple of uphills leading to a section where ambulances are waiting. Here you have to take the left turn toward a seemingly flat segment which has very little inclines. The surrounding area was a typical rural farm setting albeit it’s a few kilometers from Subic Bay Free Port. It is also around here that I encountered the lead pack (and potential podium finishers) who have already on their way back.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Arch Allan Jay Quesada; LINK to Arch’s Xtrail Docu)

The route then takes you to a mostly downhill portion which leads to the first U-turn at the bottom. Before entering the dreaded downhill, I first refilled one of my bottles in the third AS. There was also a small shack which was very useful in getting some shade given that it’s past 10 AM and the sun was scorching hot. After readying myself, I proceeded to the next challenge.

The descent was quite challenging given that the mud has now become sludge-like and is very slippery. Luckily, there was a rope where you can hold onto for better stability, and you can also reach for the nearest tree branch or vine. However, you also have to be careful which one to hold. I was stung a couple of times by bamboo shoots which I thought were completely harmless.

After making it to the bottom, you have to make a U-turn where there’s someone taking note of your bib number. You then have to make your way back towards the top and into the rough road once again. It’s become quite a challenge because the ascent was very steep and the added weight of the mud is making the climb tougher. I also suffered some minor cramping, but I easily fixed it with a pain-easing ointment I carried.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Arch Allan Jay Quesada; LINK to Arch’s Xtrail Docu)

Back on the Rough Road and Enchanted Forest

I then make it back to the top and rested shortly at the aid station. From here, I ran the flats towards the rough road. Over the years, I learned that crucial to finishing a trail race fast (or in my case, on time) was to run the flats and downhills as much as possible. For uphills, you have to master power hike.

Some half kilometer or so after the 3rd AS, my pace group saw a runner who was on the ground and wincing in pain from what he said was severe cramps. I and two other runners carried him to the side (since it was a single track) and position him in a way he could recover from his cramps faster. The guy said he had with him some electrolytes and he will be fine. We wish him good luck and moved on.

(Help from a fellow trail runner is as abundant as a rain pour)

Seeing someone stopping from cramps or getting injured is normal in a trail race. However, one should not worry when such incident occurs as you could always expect help from fellow trail runners. Often, its the camaraderie and bayanihan that sets trail to road races.

When I arrived at the road junction with an ambulance, I took another rest and ate the two boiled eggs for lunch, which gave me some of my energy and sanity back. After which, I then made my way back to the enchanted forest. Along the way, I met with a few acquaintances that are in the 24K category.

The weather changed quickly; an hour ago it was darn hot in the exposed area of the trails. Next thing you know, it’s drizzling a bit. The mud has also become stickier, and your shoes sink deeper in them.  The mud limits your option to run downhill because it risks you sliding or tripping. Because I wear glasses, it’s an added challenge as I also have to constantly wipe the sweat or raindrops that are on the lenses from time to time.

Towards Binictican Drive

Upon exiting the forest, there is a small Aid Station which only has water and no sports drink. I was hoping to get some of the latter as I have run out of it, but it’s part of the challenge, I guess. From here we have to make a loop with the U-turn on top of Binictican Drive (if I’m not mistaken by the road’s name). It was also at this point that I became worried because I was off by a few minutes on reaching this particular AS.

The route towards Binictican was a bit rolling with a few minor river crossings. Finally, I reached a dam-like segment where you have no choice but to get your feet wet. Also, there’s a photographer taking pictures here, which is commendable given that it’s quite remote.

(Photo Credit: Paksit Photos/ Glairold Recella)

The last part before reaching the road on top was a technical climb capping off with some concrete stair steps. I then reached the BEST aid station. They were giving sports drink and ice which was very helpful in reviving your tired body.

I then made my way back, this time with a slippery downhill and a gradual rolling terrain. Along the way, we also met some of the 12K runners including running bloggers Franc Ramon of Pinoy Trails and Dennis Ravanzo of Running Pinoy. At this point, it was a race against time. By my estimate, I was lagging by 15-minutes or so, on my race plan and I have to step it up. Unfortunately, the muddy trail answered my persistence with the same amount of resistance.

(One of the many river crossings)

Hustling Towards the Finish Line

Finally, I reached the El Kabayo road junction. My legs were tired and my breathing somewhat heavy. There were only less than 10-minutes before the cut-off. My plan was to dash off, but it would only work if I have fresh legs. The people manning the nearby Aid station told us that the organizers had extended the cut-off by 30-minutes (up to 3:30 P.M.).

(I also asked through Salomon’s FB page about this, but as of writing, I have yet to get a reply.)

Still, I pushed myself to run on the flats and power walk on the uphill. My efforts were then rewarded when I heard the music coming from the event venue, and I saw the finish line. I then dashed towards the finish line and finished at 7 hours, 4 minutes, 36 seconds. (UNOFFICIAL).

I have mixed feelings about finishing the race. On one hand, there was relief and satisfaction that I finished a very technical race injury free. I was also thankful for the people who helped me get in the race. On the other hand, however, I felt a bit disappointed because I did not reach my target time (and the previously announced cut-off) of 7 hours.

However, the fact that I could make it past Salomon’s most extreme challenge boosted my morale. I just need more training and to be familiar with different situations in a trail race. Overall, it was a very satisfying race.

(That’s gonna need a lot of scrubbing)

Where to Look for Salomon Xtrail Photos

If you are one of the participants who wants to check for their photos, look for them in the following Facebook Pages:

Salomon Philipines

Paksit Photos

Pinoy Trails

Glairold Recella Photography

Salomon Xtrail Race Review: Pros and Cons

The Salomon Xtrail is one of the major trail races in the Phillipines and as such, many expects it to be a model among other trail races. Here are the pros and cons of the race:

Pros

• Very visible markings (no ligaw!)
• Enough marshals and other personnel
• Continues to be very “technical”
• Welcoming and hospitable atmosphere
• Lots of side events and ice breakers (especially the beer runs)
• Love the medal design

Cons

• Not one aid station offered food, which some runners complained about
• Got some feedback that the 32K route is short by at least 2KM on their GPS
• Not enough markers to tell you how much more distance you need to go/ where you are

Overall, the race still lives up to its reputation. The difficulty you face along the trails make it more worthwhile finishing strong.

PHOTO CREDITS: Salomon PH (unless attributed from another source)

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SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Kevin Conopio of Primer and Vida Marie Dela Cruz who took care of us bloggers and made sure we have a safe and comfortable journey.