
STAR Trail Challenge 2018 was both easier and harder to organize compared to the previous editions. Easier because the runners, sponsors and the familiarity was there. It was extra difficult since we wanted to add new features during the race like new inclusions, a race village for sponsors and food concessionaire and special categories and prizes, where any one can be a winner.
STAR Trail Challenge 2018
We wanted to shake things up a bit for STAR Trail Challenge with the concept that anybody can be a STAR. While we still wanted to honor the top runners, we wanted to create an atmosphere where there are surprises in between with a lot of prizes for the participants. That’s the game plan from the start. Pinoy Trails and Be Trail Ready was still the lead partners but Hoka One One had a bigger role as title sponsor.

A lot of thanks are in order. Hoka One One, not only came in as sponsor, they also were key in having inputs to level up the race and coming out with the race village. We have Lightwater, Vitamin Boost and Emco Musli who gave the finisher drinks at the finish line. We had Nuun who provided electrolytes supplement along the race course. Garmin provided the clocks while we had Goorahna / My Run Time as registration and timing partner. Runnr, Drymax and Toby’s Sports also came out with a lot of prizes for the participants. Amihan also came with the prizes for our podium and some raffle items. Of course, we are thankful for Tanay Adventure Camp as venue sponsor.
Introducing: SkyVille
Aside from leveling up the inclusions with a Hoka Windbreaker and STAR Caps, SkyVille became the official race village for STAR Trail Challenge. The sponsors were able to come up with reasonable and exclusive deals just specific for the runners. Funny, how the runners queued at the Hoka Booth immediately even before getting their bibs just to ensure they would reserve their shoes. We also introduced a sponsors raffle where runners who patronized the different booths were able to join a special raffle where they get to win a Hoka Shoes and the latest top-of-the-line Amihan Vest, Raizen. We also had food concessionaires to ensure that the runners would have affordable meals as the race progressed.
The Race
The race was overwhelming with the number of runners as all distances were loaded and we even added a Hoka Wave for last minute registrants. From the entry of the first batch of runners, the venue was packed and it was nice to see that STAR has grown so much from the first edition. After the race briefing, we started releasing our runners with each wave an hour apart to reduce congestion on the trails.
Be Trail Ready led by DBB functioned like a well oiled machine as usual on the race route. They had placed marshals all over the route and had roving marshals as well. They also took care of the aid stations, which was loaded with goodies. As Joma always mention, BTR Cares. Active Pinas and Glairold Recella were the race photographers and thank you for the wonderful shots.
Joma did a splendid job as host of the event. While I was just planning to just brew coffee during the event, I was practically everywhere in the event venue shifting from one errand to another. We had to address issues as they came and thankfully, we survived. We’re also happy that Toby Claudio joined the runners in the Hoka Wave.

It was exhausting holding STAR Trail Challenge as I was practically going around the venue for more than 12 hours attending to the different needs and tasks. But, as long as we see that the trail community is growing with a lot of newbies being part of the race, we are eternally grateful. We aim to be a venue for all types and level of runners and we hope to promote trail running further. Thank you runners and see you in the trails.