“It’s always a happy day on the trail when you see 204 trail mission participants of all ages and fitness level enjoying nature and outdoors. We’re really glad that On A Trail Mission (OATM) has grown into a series on its own. It has now accomplished 3 trail missions in Mount Bidawan, Mount 360 and Timberland Heights. Pinoy Trails and Trail Academy has been a tool to unlock new playgrounds and environment for our participants.”
– Franc Ramon of Pinoy Trails
OATM 3 x Timberland Heights
On A Trail Mission has continued to grow. The third mission was a very familiar playground in Timberland Heights, San Mateo Rizal. Timberland Heights has been our home for races and trail academy in 2018 and 2019. We always love the proximity and the flexibility of Timberland Heights as a trail playground. It’s a totally different environment compared to the long moderate climbs of Mount Bidawan at OATM 1 and the short and steep climbs of Mount 360 at OATM 2. Timberland Heights is playground from trail runners with runnable trails, which culminates at the Panoramic Table Top. The Table Top provides both a scenic view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on one side and the city scape at the other side.
Run On Clouds
On A Trail Mission has been powered by On Philippines. We’re happy to be with them for 3 legs already (and counting for more). We’re also grateful for Timberland Heights for being our venue partner and Timberland Highland Resort as our Hotel Partner. Lightwater, Vitamin Boost and Lecka was our hydration and nutrition partner. We also have Dans and Polar Watches supporting the event.
OATM is a trail talk and run series designed for trail runners of all ages and fitness level. True enough, we had kids to seniors, students to professionals, newbies to elite runners and even dogs being part of the event. Pinoy Trails and Trail Academy has nurtured thousands of runners to have a better appreciation of the trails and nature. Kudos also the 204 trail mission participants who made this mission a successful one with their energy, aura and passion last May 7, 2023.
Trail Academy
The event started at exactly 6 am with a brief introduction by Pinoy Trails founder Franc Ramon with a message of thanks and a brief explanation of the event. The trail talk part offered a new format with our lead pacers from Team Run Direction, Team Cholo Flight and other running groups sharing a tip or two on the trail topics. The topics ranged from navigation when you get lost, weather management, nutrition, pacing, race preparation, best and worst trails and a lot more. After the casual talks, the participants have to prepare for the run with warm ups led by Noy Gentoleo. Then the runners were then released by pace groups (Fast, Moderate, Walkers)
Trail Run
The run part started around 6:45 am with the different pace groups. They had to navigate the whole of Roxas loop going to Base 2 then climbing the scenic table top. The run heads back to Base 2 then returns to the spine road with the faster runners taking a very enchanting green zone loop. All pace groups were packed but the pacers were equipped in leading and assisting them in their run. They also had some pitstops for a few talks in the route and some drills at the Table Top. It was an amazing experience for the runners to witness the beauty of the Table Top.
It was an 8-10K run depending on your pace group. Everybody’s energy was on full display as they unlocked a lot of endorphins during the run. There’s a few takeaway for some.It includes that the trails is for all as long as they can pace theirselves well and endure a little bit of challenge. This does break the intimidation factor that trails and climbs can be scary. Fitness is for everyone and all it takes is for them to start with events like On A Trail Mission.
After the run, the event was formally closed with a thank you note from the organizers and a raffle, where one participant got an On Running Shoes. On A Trail Mission – Success
