Leading trail running brand, Salomon, gathered over a thousand outdoor enthusiasts and trail runners of varying skills for an adrenaline-filled weekend
Time stopped and the earth stood still as nearly 1,500 trail runners gathered for the biggest trail running event of the season, the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2015, last April 25, 2015.
For more than five years now, the Salomon X-Trail Run series has been one of the most anticipated trail running events in the Asia-Pacific Region. Held in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines, it has attracted numerous participants, from newbies to hardcore loyalists of Salomon. The race’ technical trail route combines different terrain surfaces including vertical ascents, long uphill climbs with multi-surfaces of dirt, rocks, sand, and concrete paths.
On its’ 5th consecutive year, Salomon Pilipinas X-Trail events were held at Premier locations outside Metro Manila, boasting beautiful sceneries, where mountains & coastlines merge together in the race route, with more than 1,200 participants – making it one of the most well-attended trail run races in the country. And this year is no different as it surpasses previous feats – cementing Salomon’s slogan, being the “#1 in Trail Running.”
This year, the race toured the roads, hills, mountains, and valleys surrounding the beautiful enclave of Anvaya Cove, one of the country’s premiere developments in Morong, Bataan by Ayala Land Premier. New trail routes were created exclusively for the event such as trail sections overlooking the cove that are steep and technical, with sharp and loose rocks, roots, and thick foliage. To recharge lost energy, runners were blessed with a breathtaking view of the sunrise that made the experience all the more worthwhile and memorable.
As the clock struck 5:00am, trail racers for the 32km embarked on an adrenaline-filled adventure as they sped through a mixture of challenging terrains, from asphalt, to sand, to rocks, to river crossing and technical ascents. The category simulated ascents of Skyrunning races – an arena wherein Salomon dominates. Given a seven-hour cut-off time, hardcore trail runners were surely tried and tested to push their boundaries and surpass the limits.
At 5:30am, trail runners of the 24km mountain run went blazing off into the trail and were greeted with technical ascents and varying terrain which likewise simulates ascents of Skyrunning races. The cut-off time for the 24km race is five hours.
By 8:00am and 9:00am, the participants of the 12km and 6km Road-To-Trail category were tested with a unique yet introductory trail running course, which consists of road & trail routes that are likewise challenging and technical. The cut-off times for the 12km and 6km categories are two and a half hours and one and a half hours respectively.
As the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas is a Green Run, no disposables were provided at the hydration stations and participants were required to bring their own provisions.
At 11:00 am, the awarding ceremony commenced and this year’s roster of winners earned not only a range of prizes but most importantly, the ultimate sense of achievement upon taking on and conquering such a challenging feat as the Salomon X-Trail Race.
As an added, no one went home empty handed as Salomon gave away items during a raffle portion, together with awesome items from sponsors—Suunto, Otterbox, Eco x Gear and R.O.X.
It has been the absolute objective of Salomon to promote trail running and passion for the trails. Each year, it never fails to push every runner’s boundaries and test their limits as it inspires each one to recognize their potential and overcome challenges. Once again, the Salomon X-Trail race has proven to be the trail running event that runners can aspire to take part of each year.
The Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas 2015 is in cooperation with AXN & R.O.X., with official venue partners: Anvaya Cove, an Ayala Land Premier property. This event is also sponsored by Honey Stinger, Suunto, Gatorade, Sea to Summit, Sudeco, Otterbox, Goal Zero, Eco x Gear, Nalgene, and the Primer Group of Companies. Thanks also to our media partners:The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, PinoyFitness.com, Endurance Magazine, UNO Magazine, Clavel Magazine, Psst! Magazine, Multisport Magazine, and Speed Magazine.
Salomon is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies, Asia’s next retail giant.
Anvaya Cove: Ayala Land Premier’s Development
From its inception, respect for and sensitivity to the locals and the environment have been ingrained into the vision for Anvaya Cove. With the excitement of a seaside resort and the tranquility of a mountain retreat, its unique combination of tropical features with the blissful Morong has led to a long-term commitment in community development and a balanced ecology. This year, Salomon is happy to be part of this vision as it presents a new venue for this much awaited trail race. Set to ignite the passion among hardcore trail runners and newbies alike, the Salomon Xtrail Pilipinas will be held in this breathtaking enclave of Anvaya Cove, Morong Bataan, a joint development of Ayala Land Premier and Subic Bay Development and Industrial Estate Corporation (SUDECO).
Alongside this distinct destination, new trails and new routes will be created exclusively for this event. This outstanding trail network will feature the most rugged but sophisticated course inside Anvaya Cove, the impressive cliffs and exciting view atop the indigenous Kanawan Aeta community, and the fresh air of the ocean passing through the stunning long stretch of Pawikan-conserved beach.
Salomon S-Lab Series
The leading trail running brand has long established its reputation for creating products that meet the individual fit and performance needs of trail runners from all over the globe. Together with its team of athletes and designers, Salomon has come up with a range of running shoes that has one end in mind—winning. The result is a range of products that assures maximum performance, designed for freedom along the off-beaten track—THE SALOMON S-LAB SERIES.
First up is the S-Lab X-Series, the first road racing shoe and top of the line product of the City Trail line meant for city urban roadrunners. Whether you’re climbing the stairs, running through a bridge, or enjoying a short route across the park, the S-Lab X-Series was specifically made for the urban setting with its dual-density midsole, which offers exceptional impact protection. Meanwhile, the Contragrip in the outsole provides traction for making tight turns or cutting across urban trails. On the other hand, its stretchable upper with nylon fabric keeps one’s feet comfortable and cool as one races over hot asphalt.
Light and fast, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 4 Ultra is Kilian Jornet’s personal choice for being a lightweight trainer for trail running or a racer for ultras. Engineered for performance, the shoes feature a reflective mesh upper that snugly holds the feet in place. Meanwhile, its endofit technology allows one to fend off debris as you zoom your way through a race. For added security, its outsole provides optimal grip in dry and warm conditions and a forefront rock place for maximum support and protection over rough surfaces. Its upper has a breathable mesh and an updated lug design from the previous versions.
Hands down the best choice for an ultra-marathon with the toughest conditions, the S-Lab Sense 4 Ultra SG is a specialist in wet, muddy trails for its aggressive lug pattern with an embedded rock plate that provides supreme traction and protection. The mesh upper has a reflective material that snugly holds your feet in place while the endofit technology fends off debris while training. A choice of ultra-marathoners – the trail shoe is engineered for performance.
Last but not the least is the S-Lab XT 6, a performance trail running shoe designed for high-mileage trail running with its cushioned and supportive midsole for protection and comfort. Plus, the lightweight material and sleek design supports a runner’s trail racing needs while the outsole serves to ensure traction and has been tried and tested on various surfaces.
This year, venture into greater heights and explore new terrains of experience as you test your mettle at the Salomon X-Trail Pilipinas 2015!