To encourage more Filipinos to an active and outdoor lifestyle, Columbia Sportswear is launching its Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon series on May 20 at the scenic yet challenging Nuvali eco community in Sta. Rosa Laguna.

“The Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon series is our way in urging more Filipinos to engage in exciting and challenging outdoor sports,” said Tiffany Batungbacal, Columbia brand manager, in yesterday’s PSA forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch in Manila.

Not too far from Metro Manila, Nuvali, a 1,700-hectare Ayala-developed property with its rolling terrain and picturesque landscape, is an ideal kick-off site for the Columbia-sponsored duathlons, the Columbia brand manager said.

“We aim to take the Columbia Trail Masters duathlon series in various provinces throughout the country so that duathletes of all levels will have the opportunity to test their limits,” Batungbacal said.

On the other hand, race director Thumbie Remigio, announced that the run-bike-run competition is open to both is  in both men’s and women’s age group categories  with a total cash pot of P200,000  up for grabs plus Columbia premium products for the winners.

The men’s division will be the following age categories: 16-23-year-old, 24 to 31, 32 to 39, 40 to 48, 49-above, while the women’s division will be 16 to 23, 24 to 31, 32 to 39 and 40-above classes, Remigio said.

As an incentive to the entries to perform well, Remigio explained that the top five overall finishers in the men’s and women’s age group contests will be given special "elite" prizes, although they will no longer be eligible for the awards in their respective age groups.

Aside from the individual contests, he said, there will also be  men’s  and mixed relay (at least one woman in the team)– two runners and one biker – divisions to spice up the day’s activities, he added. 

With the event, Batungbacal said, Columbia hopes to showcase not only the beauty of  the Philippine countryside but also its own high-quality sportswear and gear,  which, with its cutting edge Omni-shade technology, provides comfort and  maximum protection from the damaging rays of the sun for its users who dare face the challenges of the greater outdoors

Among the products that have won raves from outdoor enthusiasts are Columbia’s Ravenous shoes and Mobex backpacks, which have been cited by international trade publications and magazines, Batungbacal said. 

She said those interested to compete in the initial leg of the Columbia Trail Masters Duathlon may register at the Columbia Sportswear branches at the Mall of Asia, Megamall Bldg A, Greenbelt 5, SM The Block, Gateway Mall, Festival Supermall, SM City Cebu and  Limketkai Mall Cagayan de Oro.

This event is made possible by: Nuvali, Res/Toe/Run, ROX, Isuzu, Royal Carribean Jamaican Patties, Gatorade, Manila Water and in partnership with Business Mirror, Multisport, Onesport, Runner Speak, Run Radio, Action and Fitness.

Exclusively distributed locally by Primer Group of Companies, they are available in the following Columbia Sportswear outlets: 2/F Greenbelt 5, G/F SM Cebu Northwing, Upper Ground Floor Bldg. A SM Megamall, 3/F SM The Block, 2/F SM Mall of Asia, G/F Limketkai Mall, 2/F Festival Supermall, 2/F Gateway Mall and in all R.O.X., Res/Toe/Run stores. For more information visit www.columbiasportswear.com.ph