ON a Trail Mission Accomplished

On A Trail Mission – Photo by Zepoh Creations

Trail Academy Returns Post Pandemic on a Mountain Setting. ON A Trail Mission powered by On Running Philippines last October 2, 2022 at Mount Bidawan in Poblacion Itogon Benguet.

Trail Academy

It was a long road back to classes resuming for Trail Academy but that long and winding road led 70+ runners at the foot of Mount Bidawan in Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet for On A Trail Mission. The event was powered by On Running Philippines and organized by Pinoy Trails, Itogonia and Trail Academy. On A Trail Mission is also sponsored by Dans, Polar Watches, Skratch Labs, Lightwater, Vitamin Boost, Medtecs and Barangay Poblacion, Itogon.

On A Trail Mission started with the usual grouping of runners between the fast, moderate and walkers. The runner group were also allowed to bond by creating a cheer for their respective waves, Franc Ramon of Pinoy Trails opened trail academy with a brief opening remarks. He recalled the journey for Trail Academy and Pinoy Trails and highlighting the importance of Pace and Trail Gear.

Franc Ramon of Pinoy Trails formally opens Trail Academy

Itogonia Race Director Don Santillan took over the talks with the first topic which is training & trail gear. Don highlighted the importance of having the proper trail shoes like On Running shoes. On Running trail shoes uses the missiongrip technogy that provides responsive grip across different trail surfaces. Other gear highlighted includes gps watch, hydration vest and flask, poles and others. After the talk, it was time to unleash the runners by waves starting with Fast, Moderate and the Walkers.

Don Santillan Discussing About Training and Gear

Trail Run

After the runners were unleashed, each wave headed to Mount Bidawan, which was about 5 kilometer climb, 600+ meters of elevation gain reaching the peak at Ave Maria Shrine and the Mount Bidawan Saddle. It was a climb fest for every one and it was a different trail academy this time. In the past editions of Trail Academy, the terrains were moderate but this one was mostly climbs with several pit stops to highlight the different techniques and trail tips on uphills.

Charina Javier Leading the talk on nutrition

At the height of the climb, trail talk resumed with Charina Javier and Tam Jedi Sagun, both from Philsky discussed nutrition and injury management, respectively. It was a very fruitful discussion with a very scenic backdrop at Ave Maria Shrine. After the talks, the runners went ahead at their different pace group back at the Starting line at Sacred Heart High School in Itogon.