I’ve been running for over two years now, but let’s just say the marathon was never really on my radar—until 2025, that is.

I impulsively signed up for a race, but before I even toe the line on the road, I dove headfirst into something much more intense: an ultra-marathon. And yes, it’s a trail run. Why? Because why not?

Now that I’m about to face my first ultra, I needed a little push to get more serious about my training. So, every weekend, I pushed myself to run a 36km trail with a brutal 2200m elevation gain. Just to prepare.

In one of those runs, I thought, why not bring the new GoPro HERO13 Black along for the ride?

Let me tell you—this little action camera became my trail companion in ways I didn’t expect.

The early morning struggle

I’m the type of runner who loves solitude, especially on the trail. I don’t usually carry a camera. I’ve always preferred to just lose myself in the run, my thoughts, and my surroundings.

But I was running solo that day, and I figured the GoPro would be a fun way to document my adventure. I didn’t think about the extra weight at first—until I had to carry it around on a monopod while also lugging a hydration pack and snacks.

It was 4 a.m. when I started, and I didn’t even think about recording. For the first two and a half hours, the GoPro just sat in my hand. The weight didn’t help my already tired legs (sore from the dreaded leg day before), and I couldn’t quite figure out where to stash it.

When the sun finally began to rise, I started recording. And honestly? I was starting to wonder if the battery would even make it to the end.

Fun fact: I didn’t charge the GoPro HERO13 Black all the way. I started with just 78%… and let’s just say I was a little concerned about it running out before I reached the finish line.

Fear, but make it dramatic: 16KM In

By the time I hit the 16km mark, I found myself in a remote place I’d never been: Sitio Malasya. It’s a small enclave, miles from civilization, after a pretty intense river crossing.

The only thing I could hear was the sound of my footsteps and the rushing river. It was quiet. Too quiet. And the whole situation? It was a little… eerie.

@hemjaye And I made it, 36KM trail run without injuries. My hamstrings are tired but my legs are still fresh, able to still drive going back home. My love for trail running just got even stronger. 💕 #trailrunning #trailrun #fyp #foryou #fypシ #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Jomar.Escandor

I found myself recording with the GoPro HERO13 Black, almost as if I was documenting my last moments on earth (dramatic, I know). I mean, who really gets that deep into the trail with no one around?

My overactive imagination kicked in, and I convinced myself that if something went wrong, the GoPro would be my only witness. I even had the weird thought that my loved ones could see the footage.

Looking back, I can’t say why I was thinking so darkly. All I had to do was retrace my steps. But in the moment, the river’s current was stronger than my legs, and for a second, I wasn’t sure I’d make it back. (Spoiler alert: I did. Clearly.)

But that moment? It made me appreciate the value of having the GoPro to record not just the fun, scenic parts of the run, but the whole experience—the highs, the lows, and all the in-betweens.

Trail running + 4K footage = New obsession?

I was a little worried that the GoPro HERO13 Black would give up on me mid-run, but nope, it held up.

I realized that most of the time, you don’t really want to be recording every single step because you’re, well, running. But when I stopped to hydrate or take in the views, the GoPro captured some beautiful 4K footage.

Every moment—whether I was resting or charging up a hill—was documented in a way that made it feel like I was starring in my own adventure movie.

My only complaint? The camera gets hot during long runs. But, to be fair, it wasn’t as bad as when I used the GoPro HERO12 for a canyoneering trip in Cebu, where it practically overheated.

Despite that, the GoPro HERO13 Black’s stabilization system blew me away. It captured every twist, turn, and jump along the trail without shaking or blur.

For someone like me who doesn’t always run in a straight line (hello, off-trail shortcuts), the GoPro made it all look smooth.

And the HDR support? Let’s just say your footage will look Instagram-ready with minimal effort. The hybrid log-gamma (HLG) HDR video feature means the colors pop, and the contrast is sharp, as if you’re seeing things straight from the eye.

If you love to experiment with color grading, you’re in for a treat. Every clip you take on the trail can easily turn into something that feels like a movie.

Is the GoPro HERO13 Black your GadgetMatch?

By the end of my long trail run, I had a real moment with the GoPro HERO13 Black. I used to be skeptical about carrying cameras on long runs.

But after experiencing the stabilization, the HDR quality, and the ability to document every fun (and dramatic) moment, I’ve come around.

So, is the GoPro HERO13 Black your GadgetMatch? Here’s the rundown:

Swipe right if you’re all about smooth footage, creative shots, and need an action camera that can keep up with long, demanding trail runs. With its interchangeable lens system, ND filters, and accessories, it’s built for the adventure-loving content creator.

Swipe left if you prefer to shoot indoors or in low light. The HERO13 Black doesn’t handle those situations well—you’ll want to wait for the sun to come up if you’re capturing your outdoor adventures, where it truly shines.

For me, the GoPro HERO13 Black isn’t just an accessory; it’s a worthwhile companion. If you’re ready to capture your trail adventures with all the beauty, chaos, and sweat involved, it’s totally worth it.