By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter
HAVING established its reputation as one of the most challenging trail runs in the country and, consequently, garnering a large number of following, the Solomon X-Trail Run Pilipinas will be back for a seventh year in 2018.
Happening on July 22 at the Subic Bay Free Zone, the ever-evolving trail run is set to present new things to challenge racers’ skills as well as will and determination even as organizers said they are aiming to top last year’s turnout of 1,200 participants.
This year’s run will have two categories, namely the Trail Run category for beginners with 6 km. and 12 km. distances, and the more technical Mountain Run designed for experienced runners with its 24 km. and 32 km. distances.
Organizers said the Trail Run category is in line with their advocacy of inclusivity, to open its doors to avid runners with basic to no trail running experience so as to allow them to enjoy and appreciate what the Salomon X-Trail Run is all about.
While less demanding, the Trail Run still boasts of a technical terrain geared at testing the limits and abilities of the racers.
The Mountain Run, meanwhile, is positioned as the most challenging category and features a heady combination of terrains such as asphalt and rocky trails to rivers, sandy tracks, and steep technical ascents — all of which are designed to test the stamina of the most tenacious runner.
Registration for the trail run is set at P1,600 for the 6 km. run while for 12 km it is set at P1,500. Trail Run participants will receive a race bib, timing chip, Salomon X-Trail technical jersey, post-race meal, raffle coupon and products from sponsors.
For the Mountain Run, it is P2,000 for the 24 km. and P2,300 for the 32 km. run. The Mountain Run participants will receive a race bib, timing chip, Salomon X-Trail technical jersey, Salomon Microfiber towel, post-race meal, raffle coupon and products from sponsors. Only those who finish within the cutoff time will receive a Finisher’s medal for this category.
CHALLENGING
“I’ve been racing in the Salomon X-Trail since 2012. It has always been a good trail race and very challenging one. And now they have a variety of races, both long and short, and I think it’s great in promoting trail running here,” said Coach Ige Lopez, Salomon brand ambassador, at the media launch of the run last week.
He went on to say that he hopes more people take up the challenge and see for themselves how trail running is a worthwhile activity.
Given the demanding nature of the distances, participants of the 32 km. and 24 km. Mountain Run must adhere to the prescribed medical certificate before registration and mandatory gear before the race which includes a head lamp, a whistle, a hydration pack/belt with at least 500 ml of water. Those with incomplete mandatory gear will not be allowed to participate in the race.
Throughout the event, there will be specific areas and control points located in varying locations within the course to ensure that the participants finish the race within the official time alongside motivational posters and signages to encourage racers.
Moreover, the Salomon X-Trail Run will be a Green Race. Participants are not permitted to use disposables during the event and are required to bring their own water bottles.
Interested participants have until July 8 to register at Salomon stores at SM Aura, SM Megamall, Glorietta 3, SM North EDSA Annex or online at www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com.ph. The claiming of the race kits will be on-site. Alternatively, online registrants can opt to have the race kits delivered via courier for an additional fee.
