Salomon X-Trail Run 2014 | On the 6k Road to Trail

32k Trail runners kicks off the event
32k Trail runners kicks off the event

If you’re an experienced road runner, 6k seems like a walk in the park. But 6k on the trail is a lot different than you think. Add in the X-factor from Salomon and you got yourself some heck of a trail run. Last Saturday, I joined this years Salomon X-Trail Run 2014 hoping to explore the nature trails of Hamilo Coast,Pico de Loro . Initially I was planning to run the 12k trail but I had a nasty bump on my shin causing it to have some sort of a stress fracture forcing me to be cautious and safely run the 6k instead by the time it healed.  I had no regret running the 6k trail as it offered a little bit of everything I like about trail running in the mix.

Running by the beach
Running by the beach

The 6k Road to Trail Run

There were roads, boulder run, steep climbs, scenic ridges, beach run and a short splash on a mangrove stream. I’m no stranger to trail runs as I’ve done a couple before like the TNF 100 and Columbia Eco Trail both in Baguio but this 6k Road to Trail route, albeit short does let the runner experience a variety of trails. If you’re a spoiled roadrunner, it’s not a walk in the park, expect steep elevations, bring your own hydration since there are no water stations on top of the hills or mountains, and watch out for the rocky technical descents. In all this, the views on the trail is breathtaking (not just from exhaustion) making for a great motivation to egg on.

A favorite part of the trail is this ridge overlooking the sea and the coves
A favorite part of the trail is this ridge overlooking the sea and the coves

Accomplishments

Salomon X-Trail 2014 Runningmate results clocked me finishing 1:09:16 at a pace of 11:32min/km. Overall placing 42nd among 178 trail runners wasn’t bad considering I stop once in a while to appreciate the views and take photos. I also have my MapMyRun app running on my phone so here are the data gathered for this trail run.

The Salomon X-Trail 2014 was really challenging but definitely fun. After running 6k, it led me to wonder how the 12k and the the pro trails went. Next year I’ll definitely look forward to another exciting series of trail running.

6k Road to Trail run details
6k Road to Trail run details
Overlooking a cove in Hamilo Coast
Overlooking a cove in Hamilo Coast
Turning point at the ridge
Turning point at the ridge
One of the steep climbs up the ridge
One of the steep climbs up the ridge
Splashing through the short mangrove trail
Splashing through the short mangrove trail

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