MANILA, Philippines - Newbie runners, hardcore adventure seekers, families looking for some outdoor fun and everyone in between had a blast at the Waldorf Trail Run at Timberland Heights held last January 26.
Organized by the Manila Waldorf School, which is located inside Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal, the Waldorf Trail Run was designed to showcase the nature paths and rugged terrain of the property, taking advantage of the cool climate at this time of year for an exciting race that’s just a little bit more than the usual fun run.
For some, this was their first race for the year. For a few others, this was their first ever trail run experience. The trail run featured a 3k, 5k, and 10k race distance. The trail routes were designed and prepared by Jayson Gabrinao and his team.
Despite the short lead time for organizing, marketing and promoting the trail run, the event managed to attract a sizable crowd, especially for the premier 10-kilometer category. Over 500 runners showed up on race day and the weather cooperated in providing a perfect setting for a quick (or long) run (or walk) on the trails of Timberland.
Registered runners received the standard race kit, plus a nifty shirt specially designed by futuraextrabold design agency. All runners were also advised to bring their own refillable water bottles or hydration packs to avoid polluting the forest. Up to four water stations were set up along the route for runners to refill their water bottles. Disposable cups were not used so as to avoid littering the trails.
Topping the 10km distance were the following: Men’s: 1st, Aries Suaverde; 2nd, Lorenzo Hipol; 3rd, Ronald Marquez. Women’s: 1st, Marie Anne Constantino; 2nd, Emily Fabros; 3rd, Nina Dacanay.
In the 5km distance, the top three finishers were: Men’s: 1st, Danilo Dapitan; 2nd, Charles Bitoon; 3rd, Jose Arcega. Women’s: 1st, Ina Bautista; 2nd, Catherine Manuel; 3rd, Dianne Partolan.
Lastly for the 3km distance, the top finishers were: Men’s: 1st, Reynaldo Ricafranca Dapitan; 2nd, Kinno Virata; 3rd, Justin Morente. Women’s: 1st, Alexandra Abo-Hambda; 2nd, Nikki Limpo; 3rd, Martha Cruz.
After a great trail run, runners enjoyed the post-race ambiance at the school grounds, with complimentary snacks like Soyami Soy Chips, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, San Marino Tuna Paella, affordable breakfast meals, arroz caldo, organic taho, and other refreshments. Fun prizes like gift packs from Soyami Soy Chips, SecondWind running visors, travel pillows and organizers from Caribee, were raffled off to all runners after the awarding ceremonies.
Winners received a special medal made of terra-cotta clay created by Class 6 of the Manila Waldorf School. Other prize sponsors were: Timberland Sports and Nature Club, Fila, Avon Philippines, and ScratchIt cards.
The Waldorf Trail Run was organized by the Manila Waldorf School as a fund-raising activity for the development of the school’s sports facility and the teachers’ fund. The event was co-presented by Timberland Heights, in partnership with Healthy Options and the Municipality of San Mateo, through the Office of the Mayor. Media partner was The Philippine STAR, with the support of online running websites Takbo.ph and PinoyFitness.com. Race partners in charge of registration were Runner’s Runner and R.O.X. Special food sponsors were San Miguel Corporation and San Marino Tuna Paella. The raffle prizes were sponsored by Second Wind Running Store, Timberland Sports, and Nature Club, ScratchIt Instant Tama!, Fila, Avon Philippines, Caribee, and Soyami Soya Chips. Additional transport was provided by JT Lakbay Services.
For more information, visit www.waldorftrailrun.wordpress.com.