We’ve shown the #STAR2016 18K Route, now let’s take a look at the 8K and 12K Routes. We’ve kept it newbie friendly but at the same time there will be some surprises to make sure that it would be a memorable one.
Pinoy Trails #STAR2016
Pinoy Trails Sierra Trail Adventure Race 2016 ( #STAR2016 ) is just a few weeks away. You’ll get to enjoy the beauty, cleanliness and fresh air of Tanay. We’ve made the 8K and 12K distance both newbie friendly and challenging. Here’s a peak of the map, elevation and what to expect at the 8K and 12K course.
8-Kilometer Course
Unlike the 18K distance that starts at the lower trails of Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp, the 8K and 12K will start heading towards the top of Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp and proceed to the top trail access heading to the main road. The main road will be among the higher access points in the race so expect to see the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains and the morning sea of clouds on the side of the road. Do take time to appreciate the surroundings.
It’s about 2 kilometers in the highway before entering the Maysawa Trail head. The surface then shifts to wide dirt roads. The trail slowly descends and there are a lot of pockets where you can see and appreciate the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Enjoy the dirt surfaces, get dirty and feel the exhilarating downhill adventure.
You get to explore local trails that’s a mix of paved and dirt roads. It would be a good to feel the different trail surfaces as you go for the u-turn slot at kilometer 4.
The u-turn slot would have a view of both Mount Binutasan and Mount Sapari. From the main trail, you get to ascend a short upward trail where you get to see the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. We’ve specifically selected this slot for that picture perfect moment with nature.
The 8K u-turn slot is one of the best spots to see the sea of clouds. From here, the race goes back to the main road. For the last kilometer, It’s gonna be a slightly challenging trail but we’re sure it’s something you’d be able to do. We’re also putting our best marshals in this area to cheer the runners towards the finish line.
12-Kilometer Course
After the first 4 Kilometers of the race, the route heads downward further. You get to enjoy the sweet descent as you navigate your way to a mix of dirt roads, rocky surfaces and muddy terrain. It’s one of the most run-able descending trail that gives you a lot of different feel of the trail.
The descent is just moderate so you can definitely run this part and let gravity take control. Learn to be reactive to the varying trail surfaces. As you head to the bottom of the route, you’ll then proceed to about a kilometer of muddy forested trails. Prepare to get dirty here.
The forested part of the trail will also give you open looks of the mountains. Follow the muddy trail until you hit the u-turn slot. There will be some snacks ready for you there. Take some time to rest here as it would be mostly climbs on the way back. It’s about 4 kilometers of moderate climbing until you hit the main road. Follow the main road and prepare yourself for the last kilometer, which would be fun and challenging.
Enjoy #STAR2016
Pinoy Trails Sierra Trail Adventure Race 2016 is designed perfectly for newbie runners yet still has some challenging elements that experienced runners would enjoy. We’ve focused on the run-able trails, which you can explore at your own pace whether on solo mode or your running with friends. The key part is to enjoy the experience and let the trail be your playground too.
