Get ready for an adventure

MANILA, Philippines - More and more Filipinos are becoming health conscious that they resort to activities that will make them fit — including an adventure run.

Serious runners are now getting ready for another adrenaline-pumping trail run with Merrell Adventure Run on April 27, 4 a.m. at the spectacular Mt. Sinai in Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal. In this adventure, expect another challenging event packed with dirt roads, flowing streams, river crossings, rock scrambling and uphill and downhill paths.

Now on its fourth year, the all-terrain Merrell Adventure Run has gained a vast following from trail runners who want to push themselves to the limit. The race will have three categories: 5k, 10k and 21k for hardcore trail-runners.

Registration is done at Merrell Concept Shops in TriNoma; Market! Market!; Festival Mall, Alabang; and Marquee Mall, Pampanga. Last day of registration is on April 7. Race kits include a timing chip, singlet and bib number. Medals will be given to the top 50 finishers of the 5k and 10k categories, as well as all the 21k category finishers.

To best prepare for this thrilling and dynamic event, participants are encouraged to come in proper gear — especially with the kind of shoes they will wear. Organizers of the event are one in saying that it’s time to connect to Merrell’s M-Connect series with its four key collections — Barefoot, Bare Access, Mix Master and Proterra.

The M-Connect series takes the benefits of minimal footwear and addresses the needs of the user and demands of the outside activity. These intuitive shoes are designed to enable good ground connection, but are built on different platforms.

Merrell Barefoot gets a major update with heightened ground feel and new upper design for running. The Barefoot Trail Glove 2 is great for races with its secure fit and microfiber and breathable air mesh material. On the other hand, Bare Access is ideal for running and training with its M Bound cushioning.

For multi-run use, Mix Master is the best given its flexibility and light body. For running, opt for Mix Master Move. It gives the user a closer experience to barefoot stride with its sticky rubber sole grips. There’s also the Mix Master Tuff, a minimalist hiking shoe that allows better ground feel.  It is lightweight and has shock absorption plate to protect the feet. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a durable and waterproof shoe, get Mix Master 2, which is great for multiple adventures.

For those who go for multi-run and multi-hike activities, Proterra has the latest Stratafuse technology for lightweight fit and natural movement.

(Merrell Adventure Run 2013 is sponsored by Jam Liner, Aquabest, Walter Bread and media partners Clavel, MultiSport, Health Today and Moms Today. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines.)