EXPERIENCE OVER RECORDS IN 2017’S ULTIMATE RACE-CATION
Words by Ela Bendaña
A day or two off the jammed urban streets, under the serenity of nature and bliss of outdoor recreation, is what most people would pray for. Truly, what else could be more fun than having some time to test your limits through physical and mental activities? Check out this event by The North Face Philippines (TNF) in partnership with the local government of Camarines Sur, which upgraded the usual out-of-town vacation to a more exceptional one.
“Rule number one: This [outdoor challenge] is really designed for the experience and the fun. Always keep that in mind because if you’re not having fun, you are violating rule number one.”
With his remarkable statement, race director Eric Imperio of eXtribe Inc. set the primary scene of the first-ever The North Face Outdoor Challenge on November 18, 2017, at the CamSur Watersports Complex, instilling among over 500 participants the most important rule of the trail run.
The ten-hour ride from Metro turned out to be worth it after I witnessed how the crowd’s anticipation and excitement filled the base camp on that very morning. In all directions were athletes, runners, hikers, and fitness enthusiasts equipping and warming themselves up—bracing for the forthcoming trail race. Being new to outdoor activities, just the picture of them preparing has already left me in awe.
Located a few meters away from the busy area was the starting point of 22km and 11km mixed terrain routes that encompassed four different ecosystems zones—water, earth, forest, and endurance—set to test the participants’ fitness, endurance, and teamwork. To highlight the new format of the race, TNF installed obstacles along their courses such as the Isarog Climb, Rock Garden, Berlin Wall, Pamaba Challenge, Bamboo Raft, Boa Constrictor, and Balance Beam for the 11km category (7 stations in total), and the additional Bag Carry, Lago Crossing, and Roller Challenge for 22km (12 stations in total).
“This is a unique race. This is not just a trail run, and this is not your Spartan obstacle race,” Imperio reminded the participants.
A horn prompted the 22km runners at exactly 11 a.m. while teams and individuals up for 11km followed in an hour between each category. In a split second, I found them sprinting to their destinations, enduring the scorching heat of the sun, the long run, and the escalating difficulty of tasks. Most, nonetheless, still played along with other teams as if acquiring the best track records became the least of their priorities.
Nearly five hours passed until loud cheers surrounded the last stop. Participants approached in succession, faces all glowing in fulfilment. They made it!
“’Yung pagod, napapalitan ng enjoyment—yun ang maganda roon. Tuwing nagsa-succeed kami sa obstacles, masarap sa pakiramdam. Mas enjoyable ’to kung ikukumpara sa mga dati naming nasalihan kasi rito, lahat gagamitin mo—lakas ng tuhod, lakas ng katawan, lakas ng isip.” said Rafael Vargas of CamSur Tri Team 3, who was awarded first in the 11km team category.
Good music and stories of success pervaded the base camp at night as participants recalled the event. Going back to rule number one, it has been one great event that gave everyone their well-deserved race-cation experience. We’ll definitely try it next time!