Race Review: Merrell Spartan Trail Race 2020
Hundreds of trail runners braved the challenging trails of Alviera in Porac, Pampanga to conquer the much-awaited Merrell Spartan Trail Race last February 22.
It’s the second time that the 10 KM trail race was held here as part of the Spartan Obstacle Race. Spartan hosted three obstacle categories that day– Sprint, Super, and Hurricane Heat category.
The 10K trail race started at 10:00 AM sharp. According to Accuweather, the average temperature in Pampanga during the race was around 31 degrees Celsius. While there are occasional cool gusts of wind, the humid weather was already felt a few of hours before the race proper.
Merrell Spartan Trail 2020 Race Review
After the gun start, participating trail runners ran a few hundred meters of a grassy area before hitting a gravel-filled clearing. After this, they have to run a concrete road section and then proceed towards the trails located in the neighboring hills of Alviera.
Much of the area’s land is covered with sandy “lahar,” which are remnants when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. Running in lahar is a unique experience, since it’s a challenging surface for runners. Because of its loose structure, it’s easy for your feet to get buried under the sand and lifting your feet requires extra effort than usual.
After the rolling hill section, there are a couple of shallow river crossings. Along the way, you will also be greeted with an excellent view of the nearby Mt. Arayat. Later in the trail, there’s also a section where you will have to pass underneath a bridge.
The last part of the race takes you to a ditch (much like a quarry site) near the event area. Then, you have to make it back around the event area where some of the obstacles for the Spartan obstacle race is setup. Trail runners don’t need to do the obstacles and just passing on the side will ultimately lead them to the finish line.
Overall, the course offers a lot of running surface from thick vegetation, concrete roads, rocky streams, and the sandy lahar. However, the most grueling element of the race was the hot and humid temperature. Fortunately, there’s a hydration station every two miles or so to keep you hydrated.
“The trail run is uniquely created for a fresh and exciting experience every time. Trail runners get to experience the beautiful scenery of the venue that is unique for its variety of terrain,” Gio Diamante, Spartan Race Philippines Vice President for Sales and Marketing said.
Merrell MTL Skyfire and MTL Long Sky Launched
The Merrell Spartan Trail 2020 also served as the staging ground for the launch of the new Merrell MTL Skyfire. This new trail weaponry is perfect for tackling a demanding and rugged course much like that in Alviera, Pampanga.
Specifically designed for mountain running, the MTL Skyfire features tear-resistant fabric and Quantum Grip outsole riddled with 5 mm lugs. This no-frills trail shoes is a perfect companion when running on rough terrains thanks to its protective shock-absorbing cushion.
Furthermore, the shoe is also equipped with Trail Protect rock plates that prevent any pointy rocks or sharp obstructions on the trail from harming your feet. Despite having an additional thin layer of EVA foam, the MTL Skyfire still gives you plenty of ground feel and a firm ride.
Meanwhile, the MTL Long Sky also offers the same features but is designed specifically for long distance races. Unlike its more minimalist brethren, the Long Sky features more cushioning, which makes it slightly heavier and taller.
The MTL Skyfire and MTL Long Sky are available now on your nearest Merrell outlets and concept stores. The MTL Long Sky costs Php 5,590 for Men’s shoes and Php 5,395 for Women’s shoes. On the other hand, the MTL Skyfire is priced at Php 4,590 for Men’s shoes and Php 4,495 for Women’s shoes.
Merrell’s latest gear for all kinds of adventures are available at Glorietta3, TriNoma, SM North Annex, Market!Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Mall Alabang, SM Southmall, SM City Dasmariñas, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Harbor Point Subic, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM Lanang, AbreezaMall Davao, Gaisano Mall Davao, Limketkai Mall, Centrio Mall, and selected specialty stores and department stores nationwide.
Celebrities and Fitness Enthusiasts Also Joined the Trail Race
Among the Merrell Team who came and conquered the Merrell Spartan Trail Run were hiking aficionados Edsel Uy and Gerald Tipones who, with their own friends also participated in the other Spartan Races including Trifecta-qualifiers. Actors Rey Talosig, Mark Rivera, Casey Merritt, Ashley Ortega, and Keziah Landicho showed off grit and determination through the endless trials of the course.
Models Fino Herrera, Ella Cristofani, Vaness del Moral, Ella Lubag, Ben Katzuba, and Kadir Yeles also joined the run. These fitness and running enthusiasts showed how grit and determination are paramount in performing well in the Merrell Spartan Trail Run.
During the event, Merrell also presented other trail shoes under its brand such as the Momentous, Nova, Agility Peak Flex 3, Agility Synthesis Flex and the Anthora.
For more info, visit Merrell online at merrell.com.ph, on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippinesand follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @Merrell_PH.
About The Author
Adrian John Ladaga
Adrian started running in 2012 and instantly fell in love with the sport. He now frequents local road and trailrunning events. For him running is simple: "you take one foot in front of another and repeat the process over and over again." You can catch him running in Roxas Boulevard and SM MOA area. When not on his running kicks, he steps in the shoes of a content writer and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expert.