“We’re really happy with the OATM 2 as we were not only able to convince people to check out nature and enjoy trail running, we were also able to help local tourism and livelihood as we hired local guides as marshal and responders to ensure safety of the participants. Pinoy Trails has evolved into not just being a portal for trail runners but a tool to promote brands, nature, fitness, tourism and local empowerment.”
– Franc Ramon of Pinoy Trails
On A Trail Mission (OATM) 2
OATM is a trail series designed for trail runners of all fitness level as the participants are group into fast and moderate paced runners and also have a walker’s wave for newbie participants. From a live trail talk series in 2016, Pinoy Trails and Trail Academy has evolved into a combination of trail run and trail talk as well as an advocacy in promoting running, trail running fitness, nature, tourism and local empowerment. Over the years, Pinoy Trails and Trail Academy has nurtured thousands of runners from its races, trail talks, and trail camps.
Trail Academy
Trail Mission Number 2 was unlocked at Mount 360 last December 2, 2022. Over 70 participants joined the latest trail academy edition, which featured a scenic run along Mount 360 and a comprehensive trail talk at the summit. The event is powered by On Running Philippines and co-presented by Pinoy Trails, Trail Academy and Sierra Trail Adventure Run. OATM 2 is sponsored by Dans, Polar Watches, Lightwater, Vitamin Boost, Blackwood Nature Homes, My Daily Collagen and Everyday Athlete.
This was a follow up to the first On A Trail Mission held at Mount Bidawan in Itogon, Benguet last October 2, 2022 and also of the trail academy series by Pinoy Trails, which has been running since 2016. The advocacy project between Pinoy Trails and On Running Philippines culminated its 2nd leg with the picturesque backdrop of Mount 360.
Participants registered at the foot of Mount 360. Each wave of runners were sent on an uphill climb of 2.8 kilometers with an elevation gain of 500 meters. The run was short but the elevation was a challenge. The participants also had to navigate on slippery slopes brought about by the rain. Pacers and also local guides supported each pace group.
Mount 360
The event village was awaiting the runners at Mount 360 summit. Mount 360 features a panoramic view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The first group of runners also had to do some drills to help strengthen their legs. A panoramic and magical backdrop was the added attraction as the Sierra Madre mountain range also came with a rainbow.
The next part of the event was the trail talk portion of the event. Franc Ramon providing a brief history of Pinoy Trails, Trail Academy and the advocacy in promoting nature, fitness and trail running. Seasoned trail and ultra-runner and Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) qualifier Noy Gentoleo was the main speaker. Noy detailed the history on how he started up to his current training plans and future races. The talks and discussions went free flowing. Questions from the participants ranged from Gear, Nutrition, Race planning, Training and a lot more. After the talk, different participants gave testimonials about how they enjoyed On Running brand in Trail Running.
After the talk came a quick photo opportunity. The runners then descended to reached the base of the trail. It was a really quick descent for the participants to wrap up the event.
