The North Face Thrill of the Trail Series hits Nuvali

Distances were 11k (both for individual and couples) and 22k. The terrain for both distances was incredibly challenging, with grass trails, stony riverbeds, and steep descents.

“It's a one of a kind experience, each route offering a challenge to the runners. River crossings, dirt trails, what have you... it's a refreshing break from the usual road race in the metro,” says Neville Manaois, ultramarathoner and race course director.

The participants were a good mix of regular road runners, trail virgins, triathletes, ultramarathoners, and mountaineers. The route started along the main Nuvali avenue, led on to a grass trail, and then to a hilly dirt track that descended to the riverbed. Runners took on the knee-deep river and conquered the slippery path.

Each finisher received a Valentine's rose at the finish line. Winners for the 22k category were Jessie Ano for the men and Mercy Go for the women. The singles 11k category were topped by Ronald Salgado and Genevieve dela Pena, while Roel Ano and Hermandito Pineda were the fastest male duo. Couple Chad and Natasha Davis were the first to cross in the mixed category, and Jocelyn Elpides and Polias bested the female tandems.

The North Face Thrill of the Trail is a grassroot campaign to promote trail running in the Philippines. NUVALI was the third leg after Nasugbu, Batangas, and Manresa Cagayan De Oro. It serves as a tune-up for The North Face 100, Asia's 1st Trail Running Ultra Marathon whose 2010 Philippine edition happens on April 24-25 at Baguio City. Both events challenge and inspire new and current crop of runners as well as weekend warriors to Never Stop Exploring.

The North Face is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by The Primer Group of Companies with shops at Glorietta 4, Shangri-la Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa Annex, SM City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM City Cagayan de Oro.

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