Beyond the limit

MANILA, Philippines - With the demands of today’s fast-paced lifestyle, more and more Filipinos are becoming health conscious. Taking care of themselves becomes their utmost priority because of their desire of being able to take care of others, too. It is through activities that push themselves to the limit that they fulfill their promise in keeping themselves fit — including an adventure run.

Thousands of runners recently hit the trails of Mt. Sinai in Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal for the fourth Merrell Adventure Run.

This year’s trail proved again to be even more exciting as it became the toughest Merrell Adventure Run thus far, with a route filled with adrenaline-pumping obstacles — flowing streams, dirt roads, rock scrambling, river crossings, mud pits and uphill and downhill paths.

The adventure run is the pioneer in Philippine trail runs. It continues to inspire athletes who love the outdoors and who love to conquer new adventures.

“It was a very challenging trail run this year. Running upwards a high, long and steep hill was difficult.  It was a real test of physical endurance and sheer will,” exclaimed Miscelle Gilbuena, first placer in the women’s 21km trail run category.

The event also served as the launch of Merrell’s newest shoe line, the M-Connect series composed of four key collections: Barefoot, Bare Access, Mix Master and Proterra. 

Participants were pleased with the M-Connect series as it addressed their needs as runners and the demands of their other activities while giving them a “minimalist feel” that allowed them to connect better with the ground.

Trail-runners who tried the Barefoot Trail Glove 2 favored the shoes’ heightened ground feel and secure fit, which they agreed is perfect for races. They also liked the new upper material, which had microfiber and breathable air mesh. On the other hand, runners who preferred more cushioning chose the Bare Access, which provided utmost comfort with its M-Bound cushioning, as they navigated the tough dirt roads. 

Runners who opted for the Mix Master collection, ideal for multi-run use, offered shoes that are lightweight and flexible. The Mix Master Move with its sticky rubber sole grips and Mix Master Tuff made specifically for hiking, provided better traction and stability during the runners’ steep climbs and descent.  Meanwhile, runners who wore the Mix Master 2 were won over by the shoes’ durable and waterproof upper, ideal for both trail and road running.

Lastly, runners who went for multi-run and multi-hike activities chose the Proterra. This model features Stratafuse technology, which offered runners a lightweight fit and the ability to move more naturally during the race.

This year’s Merrell Adventure Run finishers who braved the 5km trail included Mary Grace dela Torre and Patrick Gongob (first place); Kristine Cosio and RG Lumawag (second place); and Analiza Marzan and Loweman Estrella (third place). Winners of the 10km trail were: Flordeliza Donos and Richard Salano (first place); Janette Lumibao and Benjamin Kipkazi (second place); and Michelle Devera and Gregg Vincent Osorio (third place). Those who won in the 21k trail were: Miscelle Gilbuena and Willy Rotich (first place); Luisa Raterta and Rafael Poliquit (second place); and Janette Agura and Bonifacio Monjas (third place).

 The 4th Merrell Adventure Run was sponsored by Fern-C, Jam Liner, Aquabest, Walter Bread, Orion Hotel and media partners The Philippine Star, Clavel, MultiSport, Health Today and Moms Today.

(For more information on Merrell, visit www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines or follow it on Twitter @MerrellPH.)