Run with the Wind- Pagudpud 2018: a Race Recap

Some 180 trail runners together with their family and friends gathered last Sunday, February 18, for the first Run with the Wind 2018 at North Luzon Renewable (NLR) facility in Brgy. Capispisan in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Trail runners get to partake on a larger than life trail running experience as everything in Pagudpud always seem larger- from its roaring waves, its towering windmills and the picturesque sceneries of the trail route.

(Team KIMAT, an Ilocano runner group)

The trail running event has three race distances- 3K, 14K, and 27K. The 3K and 14K went around NLR’s windmill facility, while the 27K also explored the nearby shorelines.

Running with the Wind

Participants literally ran with the wind during the event, as the mountains and coastline of Pagudpud are known to catch strong currents of air, especially during the Amihan season.  You can even hear the winds wheeze as you run on top of Capispisan’s several hills.

Run with the Wind 2018 was also a green race, meaning participants have to follow the “Leave No Trace” policy and not litter while on the trails. This policy also aligns with NLR’s clean and green policy.

Pre-Race and Program

Prior to the race event, a pre-race briefing was conducted Saturday evening by race director Raoul Floresca of Tri Temple Inc. The 14K and 27K participants were reminded on some of the race regulations and were given safety tips during the race.  A carbo-loading dinner followed afterward, which ensured everyone has enough energy to tackle the upcoming race.

On Sunday morning, between 4:00 to 5:00 A.M., participants made their way in front of Pagudpud Municipal Beach Resort in Saud. The place is known to host some of the most pristine beach resorts in Pagudpud and is a place to scores of transient houses. It is here that the race participants were picked up by shuttle vehicles en route to the race venue.

Before the race began, it was drizzling in the venue that made the air a bit chilly. At around 6:00 A.M. the race program started. NLR president Gabby Mejia gave the opening speech and welcomed the participants. Mejia also joined the 14K race and finished it in a little over 2 hours.

(NLREC President Gabi Mejia)

Chasing Windmills at Run with the Wind

The gun start for the 27K race started at 6:30 A.M. followed by the 14K and 3K with at least 10 minutes of interval. The bulk of the participants, which is more than half of the 180 participants, was in the 14K category- including the author.

The first two kilometers of the race takes you to a forested path towards a clearing. The ground was a bit soft and muddy because of yesterday’s rain, but it was manageable. The trail’s elevation was gradual with a few small streams and water crossings.

Next, runners have to trace the side of the hills where the windmills are installed. This section is a bit rocky and has several uneven surfaces. This path goes about for another couple of kilometers (maybe three). Before the turning fork, though, you will get a glimpse of the magnificent West Philippine sea. From afar, you can see dozens of windmills lined up like watchful sentries.

After which, you have to make your way to the top of the hills. Here you can get a closer look at the gigantic windmills which are 33-stories high. When you are near enough you can even here the windmill’s blades as it goes “swish.”

Runners then have to run along the fire roads with a couple of slightly steep uphills. On the right was the windmills and on the left the sea. It’s the coldest part of the race and also the windiest. This is also where you can replenish your strength as the cold wind seems to just blow away your exhaustion.

Towards the Finish Line

From here, there is a steep downhill en-route to a u-turn point in one of the windmills below. You then have to make your way back up and re-enter a forested area. The trail then leads you back to where you entered the woods and finally into the finish line.

Once you crossed the finish line, you can then enjoy a post-race meal with viands of Ilocano favorites- pinakbet and bagnet. There’s also plenty of hydration (care of Nuun) along the trail route and in the event venue itself.

Finishers also get to receive a finisher shirt and a unique handcrafted wooden medal with a “banig” styled cord.

Wrapping It Up

After the last 27K participant crossed the finish line within cut-off time, there was a short awarding ceremony. Awarding the winners on stage were RD Raoul; Ms. Lai Tuba-Principe, NLR Stakeholder Relations & CSR Manager; and Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Senior Board Member who also ran 14K.

Overall, the Run with the Wind was a great trail run because it offers something different. The lower distances have beginner friendly (but still challenging) routes with multiple types of terrain. The surrounding scenery was absolutely mesmerizing whether it’s the sea or the mountain. Add in the famous windmills of Pagudpud, and it’s totally worth the long travel up north.

The race route has plenty of hydration and medics were strategically placed in cases of emergency. The markers were visible and are only about 5 to 10 meters apart; which means the lesser occurrence of “ligaw” or losing one’s way. The marshals were also quite friendly and courteous.

It’s one of the most organized races I’ve been through. I highly recommend that you try to run its next edition/s, especially if you are someone who is new to trail running. If you are into cycling, NLR also has a nearby bike course.

For more photos of the event visit Takbo.ph’s FB Page- Run With the Wind Album

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Special thanks to Sir Raymond Sesuca for being my contact person for the whole event. Maam Lai and Sir Raoul for their hospitality. Sir Michael and Ms. Lhea for driving me to my accommodation. And to the staff of Jhoenah’s Homestay for taking care of me.