A Valentine’s Day Adventure at NUVALI
Nuvalievoliving.com
The outdoors are truly great at NUVALI.
Most of the runners who joined last weekend’s The North Face Thrill of the Trail in NUVALI agreed that it was one exhilarating adventure. Even ALI Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who was among the hard core marathon runners, was raving about the rough, unpredictable but beautiful terrain of NUVALI. He participated in the 22k category which is a challenging two to three hour race.
The first run of its kind to be held in NUVALI was interestingly timed on Valentine’s Day. It was organized by the leading outdoor sports brand The North Face in partnership with Ayala Land. Thousands signed up and converged at the starting line right across Solenad at the break of dawn to participate in one of three categories. These included 11k and 22k runs for individuals and an 11k couples run.
Jun Bisnar, General Manager of NUVALI, said that the Thrill of the Trail will set the pace for similar events in NUVALI in the coming years.
"We have lined up more outdoor activities and nature attractions in NUVALI. For this event, one of our objectives was to give runners a break from their usual road runs. NUVALI’s natural landscape provided that refreshing route. Many people are not aware that within our project are natural ravines and waterways that are perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s what makes NUVALI unique. It is a community where the air is clean because there is an abundance of green spaces and families can enjoy a good balance between work and play,” he said.
Since the event was likewise publicized as a Valentine’s Day affair, hundreds of couples joined the 11 k run. This was another distinct feature of the event which lent a romantic air to an otherwise rugged activity. As the trail required participants to traverse ankle-deep streams with different rock formations, couples were spotted aiding each other through. Some men even carried their spouses and girlfriends across the waters. Couples also held hands, hugged and kissed as they reached the finish line in the hope of bagging the “sweetest couple” award of the race. One of the awardees even made a formal proposal at the end of the race, complete with an offering of an engagement ring. At the finish line, ladies also received roses.
Later that same morning, as families began to mill around NUVALI’s retail haven Solenad, participants of the run settled down under a huge activity tent for the awarding ceremonies. The fastest racer for the 22k category was Jessie Ano, a skilled ultra-marathoner who overtook two other veterans Pepito Diapera, who won the first The North Face Run in Batangas two years ago, and Isidro Vildisola, a person with disability whose spirit and winning attitude never fails to inspire fellow runners. The top runner for the 11k run was Ronaldo Salgado who finished the average one hour race in 47 minutes and 11 seconds. The “oldest couple” who ran the 11k race (ages: male--73, female--67), also inspired the younger ones to look forward to many years of running.
Joining Jun Bisnar to award the race winners and special awardees was Meean Dy, group head of ALI Strategic Landbank Management.
Next time there is an outdoor adventure at NUVALI, be sure not to miss the opportunity.
For the Complete Results, click HERE.
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