Endurance is: TNF100
THE NORTH FACE CELEBRATES NATURE, THE PHILIPPINE LANDSCAPE, AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT WITH HISTORIC 100K MARATHON
Nasugbu, Batangas came to life last July 26-27 when premium outdoor brand The North Face supported by Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.), Southeast Asia’s biggest outdoor superstore, brought together runners and trekking enthusiasts of all ages and many nationalities to compete in 100km trail marathon. The race, which was held at the Evercrest Resort, was a celebration of nature, its wonders, hazards, and multiple possibilities for adventure. Race participants, which included Mt. Everest conqueror Leo Oracion, a one-armed para-athlete and a 71-year old man, braved chilling winds, knee-deep mud, rocky rivers, rough mountain trails, steep descents and steeper climbs in what turned out to be a true testament to the strength and resolve of the human spirit.
In the end, it was a 38-year old farmer from Lucban, Quezon by the name of Pepito Deapera who emerged as the winner when he crossed the finish line only 14 hours after setting out on the iron man trek. Caked from head to toe in mud, looking tired but triumphant, Pepito definitively answered the challenge posed by The North Face 100, which presented racers with the question, “Are you tough enough?” Coming in at second was the aforementioned one-armed athlete, a man by the name of Isidro Vendesola who is set to represent the country in the upcoming Paralympics in Beijing.
Mang Pepito thanked The North Face for giving him the chance to explore and exceed the limits of his capabilities. “Para akong lumulutang ngayon,” he said. “Gusto kong pasalamatan ‘yung mga nag-organize ng race. Ngayon lang ako nag-first place sa marathon kaya napakalaking bagay po nito sa akin.” Pepito will get another chance to test himself when he represents the Philippines in the upcoming Coco Marathon in Guam which will be held in August, an honor that was part of the winner’s prize.
