📍 Nasugbu, Batangas – July 26–27, 2008
Before trail running became a scene in the Philippines, it was already happening — quietly, muddy, and under heavy rain. The 2008 edition of The North Face 100 was one of the earliest long-distance trail events in the country. And for the few who showed up that weekend, it wasn’t just a race. It was a turning point.
✍️ The Backstory
By 2008, Ronald Declarador was already hiking mountains. He had started road running around 2005–2006, with early races like the Runnex 10K at UP Diliman (₱150 reg fee, singlet included). But trail running? That was still a mystery. When he heard about TNF100, something clicked: “I already hike. I already run. Why not try something that combines both?”
He signed up for the 100K with friends — Carlos Paredes, a fellow outdoorsman-runner, and Marc (last name forgotten, but remembered for long road runs and jeepney rides home). The farthest they had run in training was 33km on road. Zero trail exposure.
🏞️ Race Format & Setting
- Location: Mount Batulao and Mount Talamitam
- Format: Two loops of 50K each for the full 100K
- Start/Finish: Evercrest, Nasugbu
- Date: July 26–27, 2008
- Weather: Wet, foggy, and unforgettable
The route passed steep ridgelines, forest trails, and open fields. It was mountaineering-grade in places — ropes on Batulao climbs, river crossings near Talamitam, and long, isolated sections with little signage.
Many runners got their first taste of real trail conditions here: non-stop mud, chilled air, flooded paths, and minimal aid.
👟 The Gear of the Time
Back then, there was no clear idea of what “trail gear” meant. Ronald showed up in:
- TNF Arnuva shoes (yes, hiking shoes)
- Black Adidas running attire
- Nathan bladder vest (with shallow front pockets — “tech” at the time)
Aid stations were stocked with saba, suman, and kamote. Race kits came in brown office envelopes. Trail tech? Wala pa.
For a glimpse of how today’s trail gear evolved, see Ahon’s “Race-Ready Shirt” breakdown (soon) — a modern take on how far we’ve come since TNF100 2008.
🧠 The Mind Game
Ronald recalls the mental spiral near the halfway mark: After finishing the first 50K loop just before nightfall, the cold fog set in. They saw athletes like Leo Oracion and Retzel Orquiza not continuing.
“If those guys stopped… why should we keep going?”
He was already feeling sick. The thought of running the second loop in total darkness — with barely any experience — pushed him and Carlos to stop.
No regrets, though. Relief outweighed disappointment. That DNF lit a fire.
🔁 Full Circle
Looking back, TNF100 2008 wasn’t about finishing. It was about starting something — for many runners, for the community, and for a trail movement that hadn’t yet found its name.
Today, Ronald writes about gear, trail culture, and the roots of Philippine trail running. You can read the humorous, detailed, and more personal version of this story on his personal blog here.
And if you’ve ever felt unprepared for a race, know that he once did too — at a time when trail running had no maps, no vlogs, and no blueprint.
Wala Pang Strava 