HOKA went back to its trail running roots last weekend as close to 100 runners, among them prominent mountaineer Romi Garduce, tackled the exciting five-kilometer Timberland Mountain Bike Park course wearing the versatile and popular HOKA Challenger ATR (All-Terrain Running) 7 shoes.
On a bright early Sunday morning, HOKA Run Club members and friends ran a thrilling route that began with an uphill 900-meter concrete road entering the trails, passing through a gauntlet of fire roads, lush vegetation, mud and gravel, before returning to the area where they began.
The scene would have made Frenchmen Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-luc Diard, the co-founders of HOKA – meaning “To Fly” in the Maori language – proud considering their business began in 2009 creating shoes known for their being lightweight, comfort, stability and durability for the rigors of trail running.
“It is good to see bumabalik ang sport ng trail running. Something that is both enjoyable but in a different running environment,” Garduce, the first Filipino mountaineer to climb “The Seven Summits,” including the towering Mount Everest in Nepal, noted.
“We want to draw more runners to hit the trails and experience a different form of running. For runners and nature lovers as well, this course is good exposure to the unique challenges that comes with the sport,” said HOKA Philippines representative Sharon Salvacion.
“This is why we are offering a wide range options for trail running and hiking with one of HOKA’S most versatile model, the Speedgoat 6. This is one of the most widely-used shoes for off road performance running.”
“We certainly hope that the HOKA Run Club participants enjoyed their trail running experience and were encouraged to join some of our races in the future,” said veteran trail running race director Neville Manaois.
Some of the runners ran with the sixth and latest model of the trail running shoe named after famous American ultramarathoner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, who has won more than 100-mile ultra marathons than any other athlete.
Among them was Takbo.ph writer-runner John Ladaga, who gave the thumbs-up to the trail running shoe after going through the demanding route.
“The HOKA Speedgoat 6 was phenomenal in tackling the trails around Timberland Heights in Rizal,” Ladaga said. “Its Megagrip outsole and four millimeter traction lugs (bumps on the outsole) provide excellent grip especially on steep climbs and sharp turns.
“Meanwhile, the impressive cushioning and an overall stable ride help trail runners cover longer distances without feeling foot fatigue. Overall, this shoe is great for those looking for an affordable shoe that can glide through moderate and technical (mountainous) terrain.”
The HOKA Run Club also meets every Wednesday at Pretty Huge in Bonifacio Global City for Run Clinic. Pretty Huge is located at 2F Bonifacio Civic Center Tower, McKinley Parkway in Taguig City.
To know more about HOKA Run Club activities, visit any HOKA store located at One Ayala Mall, Greenhills Mall, SM Aura, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Those interested can also message HOKA on their social media accounts — Facebook (@hokaphilippines) and Instagram (@hoka_philippines). HOKA Run Club PH is also on Viber.
