Many runners have their own favorite races. Some of them may be the big established races or megaraces such as Condura, Adidas King of the Road, QCIM, Globe Run or the Milo Marathon. With their sheer size, grand organization, opulent logistics and high energy, these races are eagerly anticipated by everyone because they generate so much excitement.
If only time and finances allow, i would love to run all these races.
But there’s another kind of favorite race–smaller in scope but no less special that captures the spirit of a particular community. These races are the heart and soul of Metro Manila’s road running scene. Without them, our sport wouldn’t have the foundation and breadth that it has now.
You probably have your own favorite small race. Mine would be the Takbo.ph Runfest!
Now on its third anniversary, the Runfest has become the focal point of Forumers of the Takbo.ph website and serves as a reunion run of sorts for old original members. It’s the brainchild of Takbo.ph owner Jinoe Gavan who later joined forces with Ian Alacar, Doc Lyndon and others which has now become known as Leadpack, Inc.
These individuals have contributed in shaping Takbo.ph Runfest into the tight community that it is today. The Runfest is a fun run for runners by runners and has molded into one big family that has maintained its friendship through the years.
Last year’s Runfest was one of the best organized races to be held at the BGC. It was a new route that took us to the vicinity of the British School for the first time with abundant water and sports drinks situated at every 1.2km intervals.
From last year's race
Most importantly, i knew why i was running this race. It was for the inspiration, camaraderie and the renewal of acquaintances that only a community run like the Takbo.ph Runfest can generate.
The original takbo.ph group
This years Runfest will be held on July 24. You can check out details here ( here ). See you there!
i miss the old times with takbo.ph!
Me too, Cindy!:-)
the ORIGINAL takbo.ph!
before any of the sub-groups and sub-teams… break down those barriers so that we could all get back together as ONE.
Correct, Doc Marvs! Looking forward to a one, big get-together!:-)
More of family gathering than a race, Kuya Rene
That’s how i feel about this run too, more of a family gathering than any other.:-)
Awww, Sir Rene! (sniff sniff) Reading your article brought back a lot of good memories! So true, this time the routes should bring us back to our roots!!!
Rachel, we all miss the good ole times. See you and Neil soon!:-)
i miss the tanders too! este PIONEERS pala!
can we, for old time’s sake, run (and eat) together ulit? walang team team
isang malaking takbo.ph family lang 
Tim–haha… you’re considered as one of the tanders too.
I’m game on that get together.:-)
Puwede pong makisali Sir Rene? Second generation naman ako eh, anak nyo po kumbaga, lol!
Pedz, di pa na uuso running eh tumatakbo kana! That makes you our forefather!:-) See you soon!
hahaha.. Mas nauna ka pa rin po sa akin :p
Sir, ihanda ang lalamunan on Saturday
Saturday? Ano meron?
Love Love this article. ‘Must write my own account why the takbo RunFest is my most favoritest (not a word, I know. and redundant too! lol).
Big Hug, JazzRunner!
Haha..thanks Marge!:-)
Thanks for this Sir Rene. Love the simple days. Carboloading uli ito.
Jinoe, hope we can bring Kenny Rogers back!:-)
Uy Kenny Rogers… The first night race sa BGC… umikot pa tayo ng sementeryo..