Salomon XTrail run at Highlands

MANILA, Philippines - Weekend and recreational runners will have the chance to experience the thrill and challenge of trail running in the eco-friendly 2012 Salomon XTrail Pilipinas Run on March 31 at the rolling course inside the posh Tagaytay Highlands in Tagaytay City.

“For those who want to try trail running but are daunted by the demands of racing a full trail run, we have the 6- and 12km road-to-trail races for them to participate in,” said Salomon brand manager Janice Tañada in yesterday’s PSA forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave.

“These races will have road and trail portions, which have been plotted not only for their safety but also so they can take in the beauty of their rustic surroundings with no less than the breathtaking Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in the background,” Tañada said of the Philippine leg of the popular Asian Salomon XTrail circuit.

She added both events are suited for the leading sport gear company’s top-of-the-line XR Crossmax and XR Mission shoe models, with adequate cushioning for road running yet have the grip, protection and stability needed for trails.

Unlike road racing, Tañada said, trail running is done on rough, rugged, sometimes muddy, terrain and is a fast-growing sport in the country, counting mountain climber Leo Oracion, among the first Filipinos to conquer Mt. Everest, and noted multi-sport coach and athlete Miguel Lopez as its enthusiasts.  

Joining Tañada in the session was race director Neville Manaois, who said that a major portion of the centerpiece 24-km trail run for experienced runners will be uphill with natural obstacles “that will test their wits, agility and skills in overcoming these hurdles .”

The 6, 12 and 24-km. categories will be both in the men’s and women’s divisions, Manaois said, with transport shuttles for runners to be provided by organizers to and from the site at designated locations to be announced shortly.

As part of Salomon’s commitment to a clean and green environment, Tañada, an active runner herself, said they will not provide plastic cups and bottles at the hydration/water stations along the route and advised the participants to bring their own hydration gear. Cash prizes, medals and quality Salomon items await the top finishers, she said of the event backed by R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor eXchange), Tagaytay Highlands, BDO, TIMEX, Nathan Performance Gear, Gatorade, High5, Sea-to-Summit, Gold’s Gym, Red Dragon Active Energy Drink, The Starting Line; and with Media Partners: Manila Bulletin, Front Runner, Sports Digest, Total Fitness, OneSport, Clavel, The Bull Runner, SBR.PH, and WAVE 89.1.

Registration is ongoing at R.O.X. at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. Online registration is also available via www.runnersrunner.com/store/events/salomonxtrailpilipinas.html. For details, visit www.salomonxtrailpilipinas.com & Salomon Trail Running - Pilipinas Facebook page.

Participants on Xtrail Pilipinas are entitled to 20 percent discounts on all Salomon products available at R.O.X stores.

The Primer Group of Companies, Asia’s next retail giant, is the exclusive distributor of Salomon in the Philippines.