TNF Thrill of the Trail Bohol

Registering for the Trail Run

Originally, we were planning to go to Marinduque on the weekend of September 12, 2010 but when we heard that TNF Thrill of the Trail will be in Bohol, I had doubts on the Marinduque trip. Then a rumor came out that the route will be including the Chocolate Hills and they said it was a Chocolate Hills Challenge, Marinduque quickly became a second priority and we signed up for the TNF Thrill of the Trail.

I’ve always dreamt of climbing the Chocolate Hills and since I knew that it was a protected area, I knew that my dream was close to impossible. I was actually expecting that the route was going up the Chocolate Hills.

When TNF Megamall texted me that the race packets can be picked up, I excitedly went to the store, gave my receipt, took my race packet and viewed the map. NOOOO!!! The race route was not going up the Chocolate Hills. I already had a plane ticket to Bohol, there’s no turning back now even if my dream was not going to come true.

Race Proper

I flew to Bohol, rode a 3 hours bus provided by the organizer and I was now in front of the starting line.

My goal was simple, run and take pictures. No worrying about the time. For me it was a 11km trail fun run. 😀

Guess what the 11km trail fun run had in store for me?

Crossing a small stream through rocks

Running through corn fields

through rice fields

Crossed some river (notice how strong the current is?)

Climbed a muddy, slippery wall (I actually had to hide my camera just to use both of my hands to get up here)

Ran through beautiful sceneries

Stepped on these tree branches just to get across rice field water systems

Saw many Chocolate Hills

Fought the shoe eating monster

Trail Signs

Got annoyed by how the marshalls were helping the women but not the men (joke!)

Came across the statue of Francisco Dagohoy

I just ran and mostly walked until I reached the

It took me almost 3 hours just to finish my 11Km Trail Fun Run/Walk. 🙂

Other things I liked

The dialect of the crowd was mainly Bisaya. My provincial dialect. 🙂
The trail was dynamic, you’ll never get bored.
The route wasn’t easy, it was challenging.
Free bus ride from Tagbilaran to Danao and back.
During the pre-race briefing in Tagbilaran, I liked how the organizer stressed out that to help the local people we should support their local businesses.

Rooms for Improvement

There was a shortage of water and sports drink during the race.
The claim stub for the luggage counter was made of cartolina paper. It could get easily wet and be torn to pieces.
The schedule of the bus ride going back to Danao wasn’t announced properly. I was asking around and I was getting different answer from different organizers.

Thanks for The North Face (TNF) for organizing this event. Also to the sponsors who supported the event. I really enjoyed the trail. I hope there will be a next time.