Soon To Open: 100 Miles Cafe At The BGC

The Bonifacio Global City continues to be a popular venue for road races every Sunday and finding a place to eat could sometimes be a chore, as there are lots of restos to choose from. The fast food joints are still the ones to go for a fast, no frills post-race fare although food options here are quite limited to the usual burgers, pancakes and value meals.

Coming up in a few days is a new restaurant called 100 Miles Cafe which will be located at the 2/f of Fort Pointe Building, just across Fitness First. A brainchild of Ultra runner Jael Wenceslao whose family (the Wesceslaos and Antipordas) are restaurateurs, this cafe will be an unassuming hang-out not only for runners but also for habitues who love good food.

A few weeks ago, i together with ultra runners Tin Ferrera and Alfred Delos Reyes  were invited by Jael to have a sampling of the dishes they will be serving-in at 100 Miles Cafe.

So here we are, sitting at another restaurant that Jael’s family own, the ORIANG, a newly opened eatery just outside the Market! Market! Mall where we are to sample a delectable array of dishes like their Seafood Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chicken and Mushroom Fettuccini, BBQ Spare Ribs, Fish Fillets and other great eats.

Their menu is extremely wide ranging, catering for everyone from the fuzzy veggie, various pastas for runners right up to the ravenous carnivore and it lives up to its promise.

Now, a word about the food. As a starter, we had the Bouillabaisse Soup which is suitably rich and creamy. Then i go with the Chicken and Mushroom Fettuccine which is spicy flavored with only a hint of sauce and is served with bread sticks.  Alfred relishes the Fajita Platter with strands of greens like lettuce and tomatoes while Tin has all the green salad to her liking.

An artist’s perspective of 100 Miles Cafe

I won’t go into the details anymore but i would recommend all the pastas in their menu and what runner doesn’t love pastas, anyway?

The other menu items are detailed below and i will be announcing in this blog when their doors will be open to the public. Bon Appetit!

Bouillabaisse Soup

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

BBQ Spare Ribs

Chicken and Mushroom Fettuccini

Seafood Salad

Your choice of dressings for the salad

Oglio Oglio Marina

Fajita Platter

Fish Fillet with Marsala Sauce

High Protein Noodle Soup

L-R: Jael Wenceslao, Tin Ferrera, Alfred Delos Reyes and moi.

4th Quezon City International Marathon: Race Recap

Done, finished, complete! The wee hours outside near home felt perfectly fine, people were up and about as if you were just strolling within your neighborhood.

Our neighborhood, the Quezon Memorial Circle

Da hu? What is this neighborly thing i’m talking about? The Quezon City International Marathon!

It’s the marathon that when you step back along Commonwealth Avenue on your way back to the finish, you see gigantic traffic at a standstill, hot-headed cursing drivers and heat that’s guaranteed to melt you away.

Well, not this time, at least not as bad as it was the previous years’ editions. Traffic was more manageable, there were less of those irate drivers, water was *still* available during the last stretches but the weather didn’t change–it was warm and humid. QCIM-4, the race i didn’t almost want to run.

Yes, i didn’t feel like running this one as many things transpired days leading up to it. The torturous Tanay 21-k trail run the Sunday before really left me all-beaten up with muscle soreness that lasted for several days. Ice and Ibuprofen were my solace during those dreadful days. The feeling carried on until the Fundracing Run last Friday where i was supposed to do the 16k distance.

Still, besides being late, i was in no mood nor vigor to do the distance so i down-graded to just running the 8k that morning. The result was rather pitiful. I couldn’t run continuously and had to stop and walk most of the time. It was a botched attempt of psyching myself  to be ready 2 days before the marathon and felt completely at a stand-still.

The day before the marathon, i was just dilly dallying whether to just do a long run of about 30-32k along the route, drop out somewhere if things won’t turn-out to be good. Even shared this feeling on FB where some good meaning friends offered encouragements.

Atty. Jon Lacanlale, an esteemed ultra-runner seemed to sum up what everybody was saying, “Just toe the line and don’t make any plan. Let your body dictate the pace and all.” I took that in mind…seriously!

Race Day:

Met up with running buddy June Santiago and arrived at the Quezon City Hall at about 2:25am, still early for the 3:00am start. Saw Teammates Betty and Tonette who i was supposed to pace with for that long slow attempt of  getting the run done and if all thing got well, even finishing the marathon, all 42kms of it.

But almost as soon as we were headed to Quezon Avenue at the 2 km mark, i felt raring to go and shifted my thoughts of entirely finishing the race. My apologies to Betty and Tonette, specially to Tonette whom i promised to run with throughout the route, but the urge to run my pace at a more tolerable (upbeat) pace was calling and dictating at that time. Had i succumb to her pace, i knew i would not be able to finish the race. Sorry na. Hope you ladies know me well to understand.

With Betty and Tonette

The run inside the University of the Philippines was slow and dark with marshals straining their flashlights on humps and potholes for runners to see. Exiting back to Commonwealth Avenue towards Fairview, the lead 21k runners were fast catching up on us. The wide Commonwealth Avenue was a familiar sight and by all accounts, i was able to glide on satisfactorily until our entrance to La Mesa Dam.

Had a great time inside the reservoir; trees, shades, the views were appealing, hydration was constantly present but i have to say that doubts were still lingering if i could make it out of the reservoir and onwards to the last 8 kms strongly for the finish. Coming out of La Mesa Dam, the traffic was there as expected but had to concentrate on moving on myself while the traffic enforcers try to sort out everything else.

By the time we were approaching the long uphill stretch to Litex, mother mercy seem to have abandoned us temporarily and here, i had to struggle and walk, walk with many others who had probably thought of conserving some energy. For me, my batteries were already draining out. The legs and heart were still fine but for some reason i was gasping for air, trying to find that second wind.

The last 6k was in a word, agonizing. Whatever strength there was left, i tried to put it all into my head overcoming the layer of pain that had engulfed the rest of my body. A few more kilometers and i would see the Iglesia Ni Cristo Tower and that would be the Nirvana i was looking for because that signaled the last 2.5k. But at this point, nothing of the INC tower yet.

Adjusting my cap which had ice cubes in it during the last 2.5 kms

The aim was now to run-walk from one water station to the next. Although i had my own hydration bottle, i would seek some ice cubes in every station and put some inside my cap and it helped cool me down during the last stretches. Finally, the sight of the INC Tower excited me and i knew it was only a matter of 2 kms plus before i could get a glimpse of the finish.

I was running with this guy from the Fairview Running Club and we paced each other and overtook some runners still as a result.

And all of a sudden…this sight! Oh, the most beautiful sight of all!

Home and home sweet home it was! Made it through everything. Was ecstatic upon stepping on the finish mat but was so exhausted that i nearly dropped to my knees and couldn’t hold myself up. I poured all the water that was left in my bottle over my head to the amusement of passers-by who clapped and cheered on.

Just a few more meters before the finish line

My time was nothing to cheer about at 5:47, a far cry from my time last year on this same event but better than my Run United Phil Marathon time a month ago. All things considered, i’m just so happy to finish this one without any injury, praise God!

With friends who also finished the marathon

I empathize with all other runners who came later because i heard that some of them who finished past 6:30 hours (including Tonette and Betty) where already at the mercy of water station personnel who had begun to pack-up, dismantle their tables and left those 6-hour plus runners to mend for themselves at the last 5 kms. I had hoped that this problem would be addressed in this year’s edition as this has also occurred during the previous stagings of the race.

The organization is far from perfect but is a big improvement from any of the previous QCIM stagings. With a little more preparation and communications with those manning the water stations, this marathon could still be vastly improved. I’m aware that the organizers were only given the go signal to prepare everything 3 weeks prior to the race and this should have affected their over-all readiness.

I would like to thank all the PACERS for both the 21k and the 42k for doing a job well done! Thanks guys!

Here is the unofficial results of the race:

http://www.withoutlimits.ph/race-result/race-titles/category/10-smdc-quezon-city-international-marathon-2012.html

Till next year!

(Thanks to Tsinelas Runner, Photojojo, QCIM, Running Castles and others for the pictures)

4th Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM): December 2, 2012

If you’re not running T2N or the Nike-We Love Manila Run, the 4th Quezon City International Marathon, to be held on December 2, 2012 is still open for registration. This is a great way to start the December Christmas season and deplete your reserves so you can feast-up on your holiday eating binge!

QCIM is one of the most popular marathon races in the calendar, mainly because it traverses the widest avenue in the country but also transports you inside idyllic La Mesa Reservoir that helps the kilometers pass. This year, the route also passes Quezon Avenue all the way to the underpass of EDSA and back.

Like the previous years, Pacers for the 42k and 21k distances will be employed to guide you on your projected finish times. Also this year, the race will be organized by one of the top race organizers in the country, Without Limits Sports Events led by Mr. Ian Alacar.

This race is ideal for those who wants to run a marathon at very reasonable registration fees.

SMDC – Quezon City International Marathon 2012
Quezon City Memorial Circle
December 2, 2012
LOCAL: 5K / 10K / 21K / 42K

INTERNATIONAL: 5K / 10K / 21K / 42K

SMDC-Quezon City International Marathon 2012 is slated on Dec. 2, 2012.

Activity area will be held in Quezon Memorial Circle, route includes Quezon Avenue, Commomwealth Avenue, UP Diliman, and La Mesa.

4th Quezon City International Marathon “QCIM” 2012
December 2, 2012
Commonwealth Avenue and La Mesa Eco-Park
5K/10K/21K/42K

Registration Fees:
LOCAL
5k – P400
10k – P500
21k – P600
42k – P800

INTERNATIONAL
5k – $18 or P750
10k – $24 or P1,000
21k – $48 or P2,000
42k – $72 or P3,000

Registration Sites:

RUNNEX Office

UP Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman

SMDC Showrooms

- SM MOA – Field Residences Showroom

- SM Megamall – Blue Residences Showroom

- SM North EDSA – Grass Residences Showroom

Chris Sports

- SM North Annex

- SM Megamall

- SM MOA

- SM Manila

- SM Fairview

Fitness and Athletics

9th Ave., COr 28th St., BGC

Altera Bike Shop

Club 650, Libis

MC Home Depot, Julia Vargas, Ortigas

Guidelines
1. Singlet sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL. Availability of sizes is first come, first serve and while supplies last.

2. Registration Period: October 15, 2012 – November 26, 2012

3. Registration fees:

LOCAL
5k – P400
10k – P500
21k – P600
42k – P800

INTERNATIONAL
5k – $18 or P750
10k – $24 or P1,000
21k – $48 or P2,000
42k – $72 or P3,000

4. Race kit includes:

a. Race singlet,

b. Race Bib with B-TAG chip (Chrono Track timing system),

c. Safety Pins

5. Race/Event Date: December 2, 2012 (Sunday)

6. Assembly Time and Program Start:

7. Start Line Venue: Quezon Memorial Circle, Liwasang Aurora

8. Race route : visit http://www.withoutlimits.ph for route information

9. Registration refund is not applicable.

10. Change of singlet sizes upon availability only and until supplies last

11. Finishers Medals will be given to 21km & 42km finishers

12. Finishers’ loot bag for all participants will be available.

13. International runners must present valid passport

14. Promo:

Residents, schools, companies and organizations based inQuezon City may avail of a P50.00 discount by presenting any valid ID (school ID, SSS, Company ID with QC address, Postal ID, Driver’s License) upon registration.

Only one promo/discount per person only.

16. There will be no onsite registration. (Registration on the race day is not available.)

17. Registration Partners:

- Chris Sports SM North Annex

- Chris Sports SM Megamall

- Chris Sports SM Fairview

- Chris Sports SM MOA

- Chris Sports SM Manila

- Fitness & Athletics BGC, 9th Avenue corner 28th Street

- All Terra Cyclery Club 650, Eastwood Libis

- All Terra Cyclery MC Home Depot, Julia Vargas, Ortigas

- Runnex Office, UP Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman

- SM MOA – Field Residences Showroom

- SM Megamall – Blue Residences Showroom

- SM North EDSA – Grass Residences Showroom

(Registration Period: October 15 – Nov. 26, 2012)

18. For inquiries, contact Without Limits office, 383 7658 or email secretariat@withoutlimits.ph / http://www.runnex.org

FOR EVENT-RELATED INQUIRIES: (office hours only, 9am-5pm)

Call (02) 3837658

Shoe Review: Skechers ‘Keflezighi’ Go Run

Backgrounder:

Lightweight Minimalist Running Shoe:

• For efficient runners, mid-foot and forefoot strikers, minimalist runners seeking a light, responsive ride
• Specifically designed to promote a mid-foot strike
• Geared for fast-paced training or all-out racing
• Height differential of 4mm between heel and forefoot to closely replicate barefoot running
• Weight: 7.4 Oz (size 10)

Okay, forgive me for adding the name “Keflezighi” on Skechers’ new innovative running shoe, Go Run but this shoe could just as easily have been named after Meb Keflezighi, the American runner who finished 1st place in the recent 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in Texas wearing this particular shoe.

Skechers has struggled to develop a successful running shoe for the serious, hard-core runner as many of its prior efforts have been weighted down with gizmos. The Skechers Pro-Speed isn’t a bad shoe but wasn’t that much sold-out to runners because of its weak aesthetics and plain look.

Making a good running shoe is a matter of putting components together a certain way and the Go Run was put together with one thing in mind. A mid-foot strike. Although the Go Run isn’t as visually interesting as other traditional running shoes, it takes minimalist running and racing one step further.

My initial reactions to this shoe were positive. See part 1 review (here). Since then i have logged more mileage on it on various terrains.

CONSTRUCTION:

The uppers are soft, light and made of weightless synthetic/mesh fabric although there is very little ventilation inside, a bane for hot weather running. The sock liner is built-in, stitched on its sides and the toe-box is roomy and comfortable enough for the toes to set in.

The midsole is made of Rasalyte, an injection-molded compound which gives it a resilient feel and just enough ground absorption. Like its direct ascendants, the LIV, Pro-speed and SRR models, the GO RUN has still that curved bottom although it is less-pronounced than those of the latter ones. The outsole is made of soft rounded lugs with high abrasion rubber at strike points for extra traction control and stability.

Another nice feature of the shoe is its flexibility: because of its lightness, you can twist and flex it upwards or down wards although you will have to be very careful when running on technical trails as it does not have much support and stability.

FIT and FEEL:

My shoe size is a size 10 and this particular shoe came in standard width. The toe-box however is roomy enough that you’d think that this came in a 2E width, wider than the standard which is great! I was able to put an extra sock-liner on top of the built-in one to protect my plantar fascia and add more cushioning to it. Its just a personal thing i do to avoid recurrence of previous Plantar Fasciitis ailment.

As i reported earlier, you feel an elevated lump in the mid-foot which kind of stretches the arch a little bit when you run. I’m still feeling the lump every time i put on the shoe but disappears as soon as you have warmed up for about 15 to 20 minutes into the run.

As the outsole is designed in a semi-rocker form, you will be consciously landing on your mid-foot for most of the time which takes a little getting used to specially if you are a heel striker. But once you get to the motions of the shoe, the feel is one of quickness and responsiveness.

PERFORMANCE:

You’ll probably get the feeling why Meb Keflezighi has liked this shoe very much after winning the 2012 US Olympic Trials for his stint with the USA Team to the London Olympics this year and setting various PRs in the recent New York City Marathon wearing this shoe. It definitely bodes well with his fast and efficient style of running. The feel is snug, there was no sliding towards the forefoot and you can feel the receptiveness as you hit the ground upon toe-off.

The one and still complaint as was last time is that it overheats under the ball of the foot and if you forgot to apply some form of petroleum jelly before your run, it tends to create minor blisters on this area. The ventilation needs to be improved.

BEST RECOMMENDED FOR:

For fast-paced training or racing, for developing mid-foot running and a good transition shoe for minimalist running.

CONCLUSION:

Skechers should be given credit for trying to break out of its mold of making heavy, toning shoes because that’s what it does best. However, it really comes as a surprise that Skechers is expanding its market by making a lightweight shoe this wild and this good!

Looking forward to more converts of the Go Run!

Subic International Marathon 2012: A Transformation

There are three (3) full marathons scheduled at the start of 2012 and they are the Cebu Marathon (January 8); Subic International Marathon or SIM (January 21-22) and the Condura Skyway Marathon (February 5). How i wish i could run all 3! The Cebu Marathon will be one costly proposition unless you have the time and budget to travel the 1 hour flight to Cebu City.

While the Condura Marathon is just within our confines in Metro Manila, the Subic International Marathon would be an ideal out-of-town choice for runners based in Manila or nearby provinces. The race organizers of SIM, Ex-tribe led by Eric Imperio have promised to provide runners a first class race which is going to be held in Remy Field, Subic.

According to those who ran it last year, the race was well-organized and has tremendous potential because of its nice scenery, wide roads and an unpolluted course. I was able to attend the launching of this marathon a few weeks ago and here below was their presentation:

Subic International Marathon 2012
January 21 and 22, 2012

3K/5K (Saturday, January 21)
10K/21K/42K (Sunday, January 22)

Registration Fees:

January 21 Race:
3K – PHP 50
5K – PHP 150

January 22 Race
10K – PHP 600
21K – PHP 700
42K – PHP 800

Registration Starts on November 22, 2011!

Registration Venues:
- New Balance @ Glorietta Mall
- New Balance @ Shangri-la Mall
- New Balance @ Trinoma

For ONLINE registration of the 2012 Subic International Marathon, you may log on at:

https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=1413

Other registration outlets:

The OUTLET store (Subic Bay Freeport Zone near Meat plus)
New Balance Marquee Mall Pampanga
www.subicmarathon.org

 

The Subic International Marathon (SIM) is all geared-up in creating a different and more satisfying race event on January 21-22, 2012. Running on its 6^th year, SIM forged new partnerships with CORPS Movement Foundation and Dilaab Movement as the beneficiaries of the 2012 SIM and eXtribe, Inc. as the running event’s co-producer and race organizer.

With Running becoming one of the most popular fitness and recreation activities today and a means to support and raise funds for advocacies and special causes, the 2012 SIM will support development programs of CORPS Movement Foundation and Dilaab Foundation.

“Running has easily become a favored activity because it’s easy and accessible to anyone. But we would like to make a difference by making running a direct approach to push transformation of individuals and the community. With the discipline attached to running, members of the community tend to live healthy and clean to meet the demands of their running game,” said retired General Sammy Tucay. “The discipline and clean living fostered by running trickles down to how these individuals act in their community,” added Ret. Gen. Sammy Tucay, Founder and Chairman Subic International Marathon.

To further foster the Filipino community’s love for running, premier multi-sports event company eXtribe, Inc. is putting out all efforts to deliver a well-organized 2012 Subic International Marathon. SIM race course is a break from the usual city runs, with its internationally endorsed race course in the sprawling, lush green Remy Field in SBMA, Subic Olongapo City.

Runners can expect a safe, clean, and cool run with rest facilities in the race course in every turn-around point for the 5,10, 21 and 42k race; committed hydrating station within every 1.5km; full medical support in case of emergency; RFID Accurate Timing System, and; an uncrowded run with the split-schedule of the races. Three-kilometer and 5-kilometer races are set on January 21, Saturday afternoon, while the 10-, 21- and 42-kilometer races are set on January 22, Sunday morning.

“The way we are organizing the Subic International Marathon is focused on making sure that our runners will have a satisfying and memorable experience. Eventually, we hope that our efforts will make SIM one of the premier running events in the Philippines that will attract international marathoners. And, that will set the stage in making the Philippines a recognized member of the global running community,” said Eric Imperio, President of eXtribe, Inc.

Being part of the 2012 SIM is easy with affordable registration fees starting at P50.00 for the 3k, P150.00 for the 5K, P600.00 for the 10K, P700.00 for the 21K and P800.00 for the 42K. Participants of the 10K, 21K and 42K races can vie for the cash prizes, amounting to over P100,000.00.

Runners can register for the 2012 SIM from November 22, 2011 to January 15, 2012 and get ready for a different running experience. Registration sites are at New Balance Glorietta, New Balance Shangri-La, and New Balance Trinoma. Registration at New Balance Marquee Mall Pampanga and in Subic starts on December 8, 2011.

The 2012 Subic International Marathon is co-produced by eXtribe, Inc., in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and supported by PAGCOR, Casino Filipino, ABS-CBN Sports – the official TV partner of the 2012 Subic International Marathon, Discovery Suites, Total Fitness Magazine, Pinoy Fitness and New Balance.

SIM singlet

Ret. General Sam Tucay, Founder of SIM giving the welcoming remarks during the launch

Eric Imperio, SIM Race Director (2nd from left) with Ret General Sam Tucay and the heads of beneficiaries

With the bloggers

QCIM3 Medals for 21k and 42K

These are the medals that will be given to the 21k and 42k finishers of the SMDC-QCIM3 on Sunday, December 4, 2011. Not so clear as this was taken using my mobile phone.

It looks bigger and better than what you actually see in the picture. Same design except that the medal in the yellow ribbon has “Marathon Finisher” engraved on it while the Blue-medal ribbon has a “Half-Marathon Finisher” written on it.

Nice addition to your medal collection!

Meet The Pacers of the SMDC-QCIM3

This year’s QCIM3 Pacers were selected from local running groups who are very active in the local running scene. The running groups represented are Frontrunner Team, Team Boring, Powerpuff Boys, Team Dilaw, adination of Runners-UP and the Rundezvous Team.

They’ll be pacing the 21k and the 42k runners who will be holding a short 2 feet handled flag which is color-coded and the finish times indicated on each banner which corresponds to their target times. Each time slot will have 2 or more pacers allocated, the “LEAD” pacer/s at the front of the pack and the “SWEEPER” pacer/s at the rear. The Lead Pacers will be setting the pace and the Sweeper Pacer will be on hand to offer support and encouragement to any runner who may be dropping off the pace.

The 42k runners will be fired-off first at 4:00 am so all those running the full marathon should be at the starting line at about 3:30am to seek out their pace leaders. The 21k runners will be sent off 30 minutes later at 4:30am.

Below is the QCIM3 pacers:

42k Pacers

4:00 Hours:   Eric Socrates/ Alfred delos Reyes

4:30 Hours:   Keisha Fule/ Rain Ordonez/ Russel Pata/ Ronnel Go

4:45 Hours:   Chris Ng/ Mel Severino/Chito Carreon/Leo Hernandez/ Sylvia Hernandez

5:00 Hours:   Jonel Mendoza/ Rey Jimenez/ Cristina Cunanan/ Prince Baltazar

5:15 Hours:   Rod Apolinario/ Frederick Gabriel/ Mar Marilag/ Abet Henson/ Isko Lapira

5:30 Hours:   George Dolores/ Bookie Ocampo/ Betty Rosario

5:45 Hours:   Junar Layug/ Allen Gaspar/

21k Pacers

1:45 Hours:   Mark Maulder/ Joey Odhuno

2:00 Hours:   Jixee Lagunda/ Angelo Lagumbay

2:15 Hours:   Elaine Araneta/ Mark Terrado

2:30 Hours:   Abet Ocampo/ Alexis Estinor/ Jerome Lagumbay/ Alex Araneta

Last day of registration for the 3rd QCIM will be on December 1, 2011 at the Runnex Office 3/F, Bahay ng Alumni Bldg, U.P. Campus, Quezon City, Tel no. 435-5292.

Pacers For 21K QCIM3 Still Needed

The publicity and support group of the SMDC-Quezon City International Marathon3 (QCIM) are looking for additional volunteers to pace runners for the 21k distance this coming December 4, 2011. Only 21k pacers are needed as the 42k pacer slots have all been filled up.

The pacers will lead pace groups for the following finish times of 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 hours. Each time slot will have 2 or more pacers allocated. The “LEAD” pacer/s at the front of the pack and the “SWEEPER” pacer/s at the rear. The Lead Pacers will be setting the pace and the Sweeper Pacer will be on hand to offer support and encouragement to any runner who may be dropping off the pace.

The objective here is to be able to comfortably run the pace you have volunteered for and to be prepared to offer encouragement and motivate runners in your pack. Pacers shall be equipped with clearly identifiable time markers in a flag or baloon.

In exchange, all pacers will be entitled to the following:

1. A complimentary race packet will all race freebies included (T-shirt, race bib, timing chip, loot bags, etc.)

2. Pacers eligible for the Raffle draws (condo unit and other valuable prizes)

3. Special mention of his/her running club

4. Names of pacers and their time goal groups will be posted at the QCIM website

5. Acknowledge them before the race starts

All interested parties may contact me by e-mail and submit their credentials (no. of marathons, half-marathons ran, best times, etc.) at: runnerjazz@yahoo.com

Here is the full mechanics:

THE 3rd SMDC- QUEZON CITY INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

Mechanics and information for pacers:

Objectives:

· Lead runners across the finish line, at the same time achieving their target time goals;

· Lead the group. Pay attention to the overall group goal, not personal/individual goals;

· Look out for the welfare of all;

· Have FUN leading them across the finish line so they remember the QCIM as one great experience.

Important points for the Pacers:

• Pacing duty is a big responsibility. So pacers must be fit and strong to run and pace a group, should have ran the 42K and 21k many times before, and must have a wealth of running experience to lead and pace a group effectively. Running a marathon or half-marathon is hard enough as it is; to run it at a different pace is even harder. And the challenge of pacing is to maintain consistency.
• A pacer is a leader, coach, cheerleader, psychiatrist, etc. A good sense of humor will greatly help.
• Ideal set up: pacer and a back up pacer in the same group.

Each time slot should have at least two (2) pacers allocated. The “Lead” pacer/s at the front of the pack and the “Sweeper” pacer/s at the rear. The Lead Pacer will be setting the pace and the Sweeper Pacer will be on hand to offer encouragement to any runners who may be dropping off the pace.

• Participation in a pace group is free to all participants who will run the full 42 and 21k distance. .

• The Pace Groups are: 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 .

• Pacers should maintain an “even split,” which means that every kilometer will be run at approximately the same pace. A pace guide shall be provided to all pacers, and even the runners. Pacers must maintain their designated pace.
• Pacers should meet with their group before the actual race so that an assessment of the group’s individual and collective capabilities and personalities can be done as soon as possible. That way the race day strategy can be drawn up. Pacers are encouraged to communicate their strategy as soon as possible and as clearly as possible.
• Hydration and water station strategy must also be drawn up. Walking breaks can be encouraged right after the water stops especially for the slower groups (2:30 and up). However the runners must be told that after a walking break, the pace will have to pick up a bit in order to compensate for the walk and so that the time goal can be met. Also pacers should communicate regrouping instructions.
• The names of the pacers and their time goal groups shall be posted in the QCIM website after confirmation with the pacers.
• Other/additional/final instructions shall be issued before the race start.
• Pacers shall be equipped with clearly identifiable time markers in a flag or balloons.
• Pacers shall take up corral starting positions arranged with the faster groups in front in front with the slower groups taking up the rear positions.
• About ten minutes before the start of the race final instructions shall be issued. This will include any adjustments being made to the pace due to course conditions. This shall also include back up and contingency measures. This is another great opportunity for the pacers to encourage questions from the runners they shall be leading.
• Try to spot as early as possible those who have a difficult time keeping pace. Encourage them to fall back to the next group if they can’t really keep pace, or walk. Please do not risk the safety, health, or condition of the runner.

Macau International Marathon: December 4, 2011

The long arm of international marathons have reached our shores!

Many of our local runners are lured into venturing out of the country to experience running in international races, often searching beyond the local scene, making plans on which races to join.

However, it’s quite rare that an international race will go out of their way to promote a marathon earnestly to a country outside of their own and i think it’s one clever idea to venture out of one’s confines, specially with our own local organizers staging international marathons who would want greater participation from other countries.

Last Thursday, the Macau Government Tourist Office here in the Philippines (through RunRio events) launched the Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon 2011 here in Manila. It will be held on December 4, 2011 in Macau, China. The event will  feature a Marathon, Half Marathon, and a Mini-Marathon (6.5k).

The full marathan course is basically an out and back course loop that starts at Cotai, races upwards to Taipa , then crosses the bridge going to Macau city proper then back to Taipa then ventures south to Coloane and finally finishes back at the start. The course is scenic and runners can appreciate the rustic and modern Macau has to offer.

The Macau International Marathon has developed every year and attracts thousands of local and and top long-distance runners from around the world to participate.  The presence of these international well-known long-distance runners has added luster to Macau’s international image in running.  Besides establishing a good image in the international sports world, this marathon has also won international prestige. This event has further increased its international competitive power by setting up prize money for the female runners that started in 2004.

For this year, a 1st Prize of US$20,000,00 will be given to the male and female champions and bonuses worth US$15,000 each if they break existing records.

The Registration details are written below…

The start of the Macau International Marathon last year 2010

Registration Venue:

Until 25th Nov. 2011
Entity	Address	Contact	Working Hours
Macau Sport Development Board	Av. Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues, s/n, Fórum de Macau, Bloco 1, 4o andar, Macau.P.O. Box 334	Tel: (853) 2858 0762 Fax: (853) 2834 3708	Monday to Thursday (9:00-13:00 and 14:30 -17:45)
			Friday (9:00 -13:00 & 14:30 -17:30)
			Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays (Closed)
Macau Athletic Association	Olympic Sport Centre Stadium (Taipa), Avenida Olímpica, Taipa.Macau P.O. Box 6127	Tel: (853) 2883 9691 Fax: (853) 2883 9690	Monday to Friday (9:30 -13:00 and 14:30-18:30)
			Saturday (9:30 -13:00)
			Sunday and Public Holidays (Closed)

From 26th Nov. to 3rd Dec. 2011
Venue	Working Hours	Payment Methods
Olympic Sport Centre Stadium , Avenida Olímpica, Taipa	10:00 – 20:00	Only cash will be accepted.

Payment Method：

Cash

Accept currency of MOP, HK & US dollars

*No US dollars will be accepted from 26th Nov. to 3rd Dec.

Pay cash only applicable to the registration in person

Bank Draft

Bank Draft should be made payable to “FUNDO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO DESPORTIVO”

Credit card

Only available for online registration

Only VISA & MASTERCARD will be accepted

Registration Fee:

Marathon (42.195km) and Half Marathon (21.0975km)
Athletes	Early Bird Offer Until 31/10	Normal Registration Fee 1/11 – 25/11	Late Registration Fee* 26/11 – 3/12
Athletes affiliated to the AAM (Athletes must submit photocopies of Macau Resident ID and valid membership card)	MOP$70	MOP$140	MOP$240
Local Athletes (Athletes must submit photocopy of Macau Resident ID)	MOP$100	MOP$200	MOP$300
Non Local Athletes (Athletes must submit the ID of his/her belonging country/region)	HK$300 or US$40	HK$600 or US$80	MOP/HK$700

* Only cash will be accepted, and exchange rate difference will not be considered.

Mini Marathon (ca 6km)
Athletes	Normal Registration Fee Now untill 25/11	Fee after normal registration* 26/11 – 3/12
For all athletes (Athletes must submit the ID of his/her belonging country/region)	MOP/HK$50 or US$7	MOP/HK$100
(Group registration should be done by 18th Nov, 5:30)

Groups:
- To register as a group, each athlete has to fill in one registration form and submit to the OC together with the valid ID copy and chop of the entity the group belongs to.

The 42k course map

We had a grand launch night together with the staff of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) headed by their Deputy Marketing Manager, Ms. Charina M. Puno who gave a sampling of what the Territory of Macau has to offer and all other details of the Macau International Marathon itself.

These pictures were taken during the launching at Conti’s in Makati.

Ms. Charina M. Puno, Deputy Marketing Manager of MGTO briefing the bloggers on the Macau Marathon

The participants of the launch

Group picture taken at the event

With Iya Reyes of the MGTO

For more information on the Macau International Marathon, you can log-on the event website at: http://www.macaumarathon.com or at www.macautourism.gov.mo

3rd Quezon City International Marathon Now Set

3rd QCIM Registration starts October 17, 2011

3rd Quezon City Innternational Marathon

December 04, 2011 @ 4am

• Quezon Memorial Circle (In Front Of Q.C. Hall)
• 5k/10k/21k/42k

Race Organizer: RUNNEX

Race Director: Gerry Manlapaz

Operations and Technical Consultant: Neville Manaois

 

Registration Fees:

Registration Dates: Starts October 17, 2011

Where to Register:

SMDC Showrooms:	MIZUNO Outlets:
FIELD Residences 2/F North Wing, SM Mall of Asia	SM Megamall SM Mall of Asia Bonifacio High Street
BLUE Residences 5/F Building B SM Megamall	SECOND WIND Teachers’ Village, Quezon City
GRASS Residences Interior Zone, SM North EDSA	RUNNEX Office 304 Bahay ng Alumni Magsaysay St., U.P. Diliman