Of Natori, Cobonpue and the 2012 Cobra 70.3 Ironman Triathlon

Mr. Fred Untengsu, CEO-Alaska Milk

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So, well-known Filipino designers are now getting involved in the most unlikely venue to showcase their widely known talents…RUNNING and TRIATHLON! First, it was the acclaimed international fashion designer,  Josie Natori who was commissioned by HSBC to design their race singlet for its race last year. When news broke out that Ms. Natori was designing the singlet, it generated tremendous excitement in the running community.  And in just a few weeks time, registration reached 3,500 runner registrants.

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Now, maybe taking the cue from the excitement it generated, no less than Cebu-based furniture designer of Hollywood royalties, Kenneth Cobonpue has been tasked to design the medals of the prestigious 2012 Cobra Ironman 70.3 Triathlon which will be held in Cebu.

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Cobonpue’s iconic furniture designs has graced the worlds top hotels, restaurants, resorts and homes of the world’s rich and famous in more than 50 countries.

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The medal design, which is still being kept under wraps will feature the three disciplines of the triathlon sport;  swimming, cycling and running. When Alaska CEO Fred Uytengsu asked Cobonpue to show him the design, the latter retorted that he will have to “kill” him first before he shows anything of what it looks like.

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Kenneth Cobonpue

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“I am very happy to be part of an international event that not only showcases fitness and health, but also promotes Cebu as a tourism destination site and rev-up the local economy” Cobonpue said in his statement.

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Well, i’m sure the medal will be distinct, very Filipino and (just guessing here) it might also symbolize the province of Cebu being the newest sports hub of triathlon. I seriously doubt if the medal is going to be made of rattan (the material Cobonpue is famously known to use) but i venture that it would be of steel brass and big as a saucer, as one would imagine.

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The Z Bar in Cebu with the Cobonpue touch

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This year’s edition Cobra Ironman Triathlon will be held at the Shangrila-Mactan Resort and Spa on August 5, 2012 and no less than 1,300 were able to beat the registration deadline months ago.

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I feel that the organizers have made a good choice in staging the Ironman in Cebu as it has all the amenities in staging a sporting event of this magnitude.

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At its final launching last Wednesday at the Shangrila, Makati, the race organizers, Sunrise Events as well as the Cebu government led by Governor Gwen Garcia laid down to the press all the race’s groundworks including all the preparations that both athletes and spectators would expect.

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The Race Proponents

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THE SWIM:

After racing in a man-made lake the past three years participants will swim in a 1.2 mile open water sea  starting at the beach of the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa in Mactan Island.

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THE BIKE & RUN:

The 56-mile bike ride will traverse four municipalities ( LapuLapu, Mandaue, Cebu City and Talisay) while the culminating 13.1-mile run will be at Punta Engano, LapuLapu City.

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THE PARTICIPANTS:

Race organizer Sunrise Events, Inc. promises to top the wildly successful races of the past three years assuring that that this year’s race will be its biggest, most exciting edition yet. A huge field of 1,319 individuals and 115 relay teams from 31 countries, with 350 on the wait list, will test their strength and endurance once again as Ironman 70.3 Philippines provides another once-in-a-lifetime triathlon experience.

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THE ELITES:

No less than last year’s champions, Pete Jacobs (3:51:43) and Belinda Granger (4:26:230) will defend their championships.

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Jacobs, who has become a regular fixture of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines, will gun for an unprecedented third consecutive victory after winning the past two editions in 2010 and 2011. He will have his hands full against Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines inaugural champion Terenzo Bozzone from New Zealand who won the 2009 race.

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Other male professionals include Fredrik Croneborg from Sweden, Justin Granger from Australia, Mathieu O’Halloran of Alaska TeamTBB Philippines who now lives in the Philippines and Jesse Thomas from the United States.

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Defending champion Belinda Granger, also from Australia who is fresh from her triumph at the Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon in Subic, aims for back-to-back titles against familiar face Bree Wee from the United States who was in third place last year. Ali Fitch of Alaska Team TBB Philippines from Australia will also be in the mix.

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A Cebu showcase

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With co-bloggers: Daves, Rainier, Eman, Banjo and Let

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The presenting sponsor of the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines is Globe Telecom. The official carrier is the Philippine Airlines.  Media partners are MultiSport magazine, the Philippine Star and Studio 23.

Schedule

WWF Reverse (The Bad) Run: July 22, 2012

“Students of the earth, let’s come together to safeguard our living planet. Protect your future by investing in nature. Lend your hand and share your voice for the conservation of species and our resources. Students of the Earth, Reverse the Bad.”

The World Wildlife Fund Philippines call to “Reverse The Bad” is to reverse habitat destruction, indiscriminate hunting of wild animals, eliminate human carbon footprint and in short, eventually reverse the accelerating degradation of the environment in the Philippines.

This is what the WWF Reverse (The Bad) Run aims to achieved and this run, to be held at the SM Mall Of Asia on July 22, 2012 aims for such action to preserve of what is still left of our environment. To symbolize the event, all runners will run the first 200 meters backwards (back-pedal) then resume running forward.

Registration fees will be at P500.00 for the 3k and 6k categories and P600.00 for the 12k route. More details of the race are in the press release below.

See you there!

Host for the WWF Reverse the Bad Press Launch, Robilson Fernandez

The race proponents and sponsors

Race Director, Ian Alacar

PRESS RELEASE:

Reverse the Bad: Join WWF’s Reverse Run! WWF-Philippines enjoins the youth to make a difference through WWF Reverse the Bad Student Program

“Step back then move forward.”

This statement represents the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines’ (WWF-Philippines) vision to confront the present state of the environment by studying the mistakes of the past then focusing on building a greener future and keeping the Earth a living planet.

Humanity is currently using 50% more resources than the Earth can provide. We are living as if we have two planets at our disposal. What better way to secure a more sustainable future than to invite tomorrow’s stewards – the youth – to join WWF-Philippines’ conservation efforts?

On July 22, WWF-Philippines will hold the Reverse Run at the SM Mall of Asia to launch the Reverse the Bad Student Program, a year-long membership program developed for high school and college students who want to amplify their commitment to protect the environment.

As suggested by its name, WWF’s Reverse Run will entail race participants to run in reverse as a symbolic way of joining the organization’s mission to stop and eventually reverse the degradation of nature. Participants will backpedal through the course for 200 meters and will then run forward.

Everyone is invited to join in the Reverse Run. As an added treat, students who register for the run are automatically enlisted as members of the WWF Reverse the Bad Student Program.

There will be registration fee of PHP 500 for those running the 3-kilometer and 6-kilometer course, and PHP 600 will be asked for those taking the 12-kilometer route.

WWF Reverse the Run Singlet

Interested participants can sign up at Chris Sports (SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, Glorietta 3 branches) and Skechers (Trinoma, Market-Market, Festival Mall Alabang branches).

For more information, participants can email wwfreverserun@gmail.com, visit wwf.org.ph/reversethebad, or view the WWF Reverse the Bad video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AntkXxruxE0. Proceeds of the Reverse Run will go to the Reverse the Bad Student Program and WWF’s other programs on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.

12k Route

6k Route

3k Route

Race Recap: World Vision Run

I was thrilled to be back at the BGC running another 21k, coming off just a week after finishing the Run United2 Half-marathon under overcast-skies and slight drizzle.

Well, there wasn’t any rain last Sunday at the World Vision 21k Run and while weather predictions would be sunny, the late start caused some worries among us runners as the early heat would surely beat down on us.

I arrived with June at around 4:15am and the start was at the exact same spot as that of the RU2 race last week. The start was low-key, none of the mega crowds of runners from RU2 (yess, we can breathe now) but the air was nevertheless filled with excitement. I bumped into Elaine and Alex, my team mates from Team 90% and they were going for an all-out effort and better their times from last week’s.

The start of the 21k race was already delayed and you could just hear the moans of runners annoyed by the rantings of the lady DJ. Emcees should be aware that runners hate late starts! Good thing that Miriam Quiambao, one of the events hosts was discernful of the brewing displeasure of the runners when she stepped up the stage and immediately counted down from 5 to 1 before she fired the starter gun! Good job, Miriam!

But then, a Mitsubishi Asian Utility Van (part of the race crew) was left just in the middle front of the starting line and runners unaware of it had to make a sudden stop then swerve around to avoid bumping to it head-on! Man, how stupid of that driver to leave his vehicle in front of the starting line! Hahah..

At the start. The race started late for the 21k runners. Notice the white AUV just after the starting line

With Team mates, Alex and Elaine Araneta

June with his new found running friends

I’m glad that the route took us first to Kalayaan Bridge towards Buendia Avenue rather than the usual route that we take first, the vicinity of the British School and the new Toyota showroom which we still did, although that was for the last 6 kms. I always love the part of crossing the Kalayaan Bridge and the subsequent downhill rush towards Buendia Avenue as it’s the only part where there’s an uphill and a downhill.

We were shown a new detour from Buendia when we took a right turn to Malugay Street (just after Mapua Institute) and made a u-turn just before Osmena Hi-way then back again to Buendia. At this point, my legs were still stiff as hell as i couldn’t get the proper rhythm and the cramping on my left hamstrings continued (felt it since T2N) although it was much bearable this time. It was useless to push it so i just coasted along, ran at a 7-7:30 pace for my own good.

We eventually got back at the BGC area and it was only at the 14 km mark that bananas and Pocari drinks were made available. That banana was refreshing and it got me feeling good up to the finish. I ended doing a 2:38, even 5 minutes slower than my RU2 the previous week. I’m just glad to be able to do a long run and this is what matters most now.

After crossing the finish line, i saw the omnipresent Ms. Mars in her usual jovial mood, taking pictures, having the time of her life after finishing her own 5k race. No sooner after i got my loot bag at the 21k tent that i saw her again at the media tent chomping on some pizza and offering some to me! She’s a runner, photographer, blogger, media rep, angry birds fanatic rolled into one!

With Ms. Mars

I later joined my team mates, Team 90% and Runnex for a hearty breakfast at Something Fishy, Eastwood complex.

Despite of the faux pas at the starting line, the race was admirably well-organized, the marshals were generally supportive and courteous, the water stations were well-stocked and the Malugay route was a welcome break from all the running along Buendia.

Pep Squad events, one of the organizers of this race have maintained their very good reputation in putting up one good show after the other and their races are worth looking up to.

Our support too goes to World Vision (WV), holding its 1st Run For A cause which will benefit thousands of poor children through World Vision’s Sponsorship Program. Part of their 55th anniversary, WV provides education, healthcare assistance, child protection, values formation and community livelihood programs to poor children and their families in need.

It’s a great start and i hope WV continues to stage awareness events like this run thus continuously helping children in need!

Congratulations!

A look at the awarding stage

The guy on the left made use of the stage to propose to his girlfriend (left most) to the delight of emcees, Marc Nelson, DJ Helicopter and Miriam Quiambao

Barefoot runner friends

Breakfast-meeting with Team-mates

FILA-Athletes In Action: Schools Run For School Rooms

Italian Shoe company giant FILA and Athletes In Action, an international humanitarian organization of athletes with over 8,000 members and volunteers in 94 countries including the Philippines that promotes the welfare of people through sports, is organizing a Fun Run dubbed “Schools Run for School Rooms (SRSR)” on July 7, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.

Proceeds from the fun run will be used to rehabilitate classrooms in calamity-stricken communities of Iligan City in Mindanao recently hit by typhoons Pedring, Quiel and Sendong. This will benefit school children who still are not able to go to school because of the devastation that it had caused.

The advocacy run will gather student-runners from major colleges and universities in Metro Manila to compete in distances of 3K, 5K, and 10K on the urban environment of the Bonifacio Global City early morning of July 7th. Besides college students, groups from government agencies, churches, and private corporations have also expressed their interest in joining the SRSR.

It aims to gather 20,000 runners from different universities and colleges in Metro Manila and other youth organizations to run together for this cause.

So far, 13 universities and colleges have signified their interest to join the Advocacy Run. These include UP Diliman (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Far Eastern University (FEU), University of the East (UE), Jose Rizal University (JRU), National University (NU), San Beda College (SBC), San Sebastian College – Recoletos (SSCR), AMA University, University of Makati (UMAK),

Registration fees are as follows:

3km          P 350.00

5km          P 450.00

10km         P 550.00

REGISTRATION CENTERS INCLUDE:

SM Ticket Outlets

GWORLD INC: Tel: 215-0512 / 719-0184 / 2F GSquare Arcade, Barangka, Mandaluyong City

ALL FILA Outlets at:

– SM Mall of Asia: Tel: 901-1611

– SM Megamall: Tel: 638-8016

– Trinoma Mall: Tel: 919-0709

– Glorietta Mall: Tel: 812-1099

– Robinsons Galleria: Tel: 695-3148

– Robinsons Ermita

– Market Market

Race Singlets

An army of media people and bloggers flooded the launching of this event to drum up support to help this run a success. Let us join this event and be partners in building back these classrooms that unfortunate children of Iligan City so badly need!

Jam-packed: At the launch held at the FILA store in Robinson’s Galleria

At the venue entrance where a dance number was presented

Largest contingent of bloggers i have witnessed so far covering an event

With Ms. Maida Pulido, Events VP, Huper International

With co-bloggers, Noelle (Kikay Runner), Ivy (Running Nurse) and Cheryl (Little Running Teacher). Photo by Justin Gomez

Regent Fun Run: August 12, 2012

Regent Foods Corporation, one the country’s top snack food manufacturers and makers of the popular Regent sponge cakes and cracklers like Tempura, Teriyaki Chicken, Sashimi, Labzter, Ebisen, Pizza Chips, Krizpy, Patatas Crisps, Cheese Ring, Cheese Ball, Snacku,  Sweet Corn, Strawberry Corn, Caramel Corn, Koffie Coffee and snack pies is launching a Fun Run of their own dubbed , The Regent Fun Run 2012 which will take place on August 12, 2012, Sunday at the Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.

Registration starts today at Robinson’s Supermarket (customer service area) Galleria, Pioneer, Timog, Ermita, BF Parañaque and also at Runnr Running Store located at Bonifacio High Street.

Registration fees:
100m – Php 450
3K – Php 450
5K- Php 550
10K – Php 550
16K – Php 700

Registration fee includes the following: race kit, singlet, and a FREE Special Edition Saver’s Treat!

This race is going to be directed by LEADPACK Events led by Jinoe Gavan and Dr. Lyndon Cosico of Takbo.ph, organizers of the HSBC Run, Sanmig Run, Medirun, Takbo.ph Runfest, Urbanathlon, etc. so expect a very well organized race!

Here’s what you get

Regent Foods 24^th Anniversary Run on August 12 (Press Release)

Calling all health buffs, athletes, families, and running enthusiasts—it’s the running season once more! Regent Foods Corporation is inviting everyone, from kids to adults, to join its 24^th anniversary run on August 12 at the Fort Global City, Taguig.

Regent Foods’ 24^th Anniversary Run features running category divisions for all ages: 100m for toddlers and kids until 12 years old, 3K, 5K, 10k and 16K races. Entry fees are P450 (100m and 3K), P550 (5K and 10K) and P700 (16K). The fees are inclusive of special edition Fun Run Saver’s treat canister with 13 Regent products, to be given upon registration. 5K, 10K and 16K runners also get a finisher’s medal and 16k finisher will get a finisher’s shirt.

As a bonus, Regent Foods is also putting Regent Foods Gift packs up for grabs at the end of the run. Participants also get the chance to win raffle prizes including a round trip ticket to Thailand via Thai Airways, overnight accommodation at the Dusit Thani Hotel and many more.

Interested parties can register at selected Robinson’s Supermarket including Robinsons Galleria, Pioneer, Ermita, Timog, and BF Homes, and Runnr at the Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Registration will start this June 22, 2012 until August 05, 2012.

“More Filipinos are now into having an active lifestyle and maintaining an even healthier habit, and we believe that celebrating Regent Foods’ 24^th anniversary with an air of running camaraderie is one of the best ways to support this cause,” said Mr. Ricky See, President and CEO.

L-R: Dr. Lyndon Cosico (Co-Race Dir), Jinoe Gavan (Race Dir) and Mr. Adolfo Vacal, Manager, Regent Foods

In further pursuit of healthier lives and lifestyles, Regent Foods will also donate to the Philippine Red Cross as part of their 24^th anniversary.

So get your running shoes out and get ready to run towards a healthier lifestyle with Regent Foods’ 24^th Anniversary Run.

With Ian, Noelle and Jonel

The Regent Foods’ 24^th Anniversary Run is sponsored by Dusit Thani, Thai Airways, Prudential Guarantee and El Real Healthy Spaghetti by Universal Robina Corporation, and supported by Fiber Fruit Juice by Oishi, Nestle Yogurt, Loft Details, Flexible Packaging, International Krav Maga Federation Philippines and D’ Amburger with media partners by Business World and Front Runner Magazine.

For more details, check out Regent Foods’ official website at www.regentfoods.com.ph, www.facebook.com/regentfoodscorp, or inquire at 641-5688.

Beneficiary of the Run will be the Philippine Red Cross, represented by Ms. Fang (2nd from right)

Press and Bloggers

Race Review: Run United2 (One More Slice To Have)

One missing slice to fit in

If anyone wanted to have an idea how big 5,000 runners racing the Run United2 21k category alone was going to look like (out of the 14,000 total runners), the assembly at the starting line yesterday would have been your first indication. It was about 3:55am when we arrived at the Bonifacio Global City by bus provided by the organizers after June and i parked his vehicle at the Mall of Asia grounds. And what did we expect to see?

A humongous crowd of runners occupying every shaded part of buildings available around the starting area! It was still drizzling a bit when we were called for the first wave of runners to enter the starting line. Because of the slight rain, some runners were hesitant to be on the first wave in the hope that the rain would subside by the time they join the 2nd or 3rd waves. However we wanted to get this over with, rain or no rain because if this continues during the race itself, we’ll all get wet just the same.

Bus service from MOA to BGC

I had taped my right ankle heavily as it was in pain 3 days prior to the race. I could not flex it side wards as i would really feel a sharp throbbing pain although i would not feel it if i step flat on my heel. Why do these things happen before an important race? I knew i could not give my 100 per cent so the run strategy was just to take it a kilometer at a time and see how it feels. I already told June that i was to abandon the race if the pain acts up during the run.

The customary warm-ups led by the 360 fitness instructors took place but we had no space to move and even jumping up and down was a bit of a stretch. After some low-key remarks from Alex Panlilio, one of Unilab’s big boss, the race commenced. June and i were pacing each other during the first part but it was Jet Paiso, a friend from Team Boring who took over June’s place at the start of the 3rd km and we shared pacing chores for the most part of the race.

As mother luck would  have it, it didn’t rain at all during the run, except for needle-like drops of water for few intermittent seconds. The sky was cloudy-gray indicating that we won’t have the sun that baked us during the first Run United race the last time.

One thing very distinct that i noticed during the run along Kalayaan bridge was that this stretch has now been lit with lamps installed on electric posts. I was sure glad that Coach Rio did something to alleviate the darkness that marked this stretch. Headlamps weren’t needed this time . Well, i didn’t bring one anyway. I was feeling good at this point, no pain on the ankle so far.

One of the water stations along Buendia Avenue Ext.

The pass through Buendia Avenue extension came without a hitch as this was one of the choke points during RU1 when runners had to run side by side with vehicles which were just inches beside you. This time, there were cones lined-up away from where the runners were and traffic moved like precision. I would say that the marshals did a splendid job in controlling traffic as there were considerably less honking and shouting from irate drivers.

Jet and i entered Roxas Boulevard and when we made the first U-turn, it was only then that we realized the long line of runners trailing behind us and when we were atop Buendia Bridge, we could still see the vast sea of runners down, approaching Roxas Blvd and there were still thousands of them. At this point, some of the fast runners from the 3rd wave have started to overtake us but we were still coasting along just fine.

The hydration stations were abundant, lots of ice-cold water, Powerade and eat-all-you-can bananas which really helped sustain and complement the high-energy sports beans that i was popping up. I walked through the stations, bidding my time until i feel giving it a go again.

At around the 14 km mark, Jet decided to slow down and do his Galloway thing so i was left on my own. Incredible how i saw Coach Rio all-over the route, running along side us, monitoring the proceedings with just an APV phone on hand. He was moving plastic drums, picking up scattered cups, banana peelings, sponges and other litter sprawled on the race course. Amazing for a race organizer to do what he did!

At the 20th kilometer, i saw Dyep and Jixee suddenly pacing beside me (they were from the 3rd wave) giving some encouragement as i was nearing exhaustion although the pain that i was expecting from my right ankle never appeared. That last 200 meter stretch on Ocean Drive is like heaven. Every time i see that finish, i try to make a good last drive at it with all my remaining energy which i did again until i reach the orange line! 21k done!

The timer above the finish line posted a 2:21:50 finish and i was at first very surprised and pleased at the same time. However, relying on my Soleus GPS which i had set from the start (and always been accurate, for the record), it read 2:31:50 for the distance 21.11k. It could be that the timer on the finish line was intended for the 3rd wave as there was a 5 minute interval for each wave at the the starting line. We’ll see the official results soon.

Claiming of our finishers kit was a breeze! It was very orderly and you automatically go to the tent where your shirt size is indicated. Just took me less than a minute to get mine.

The big guys got their finishers’ shirts here, including myself

Talking to other runners about the race, all had positive views about the over-all conduct, that it was a great improvement from the previous one (Run United1) specially the distribution of race freebies after the finish. The generous hydration, bananas, great marshals, traffic plus good weather all contributed to the success of the race.

One minor suggestion to the organizers is to place the exhibitors booth in a more visible area of the Health expo as they were mostly located at the back side of the stage. Many runners were not aware that there were booths with products on display because they were not seen easily.

I am thankful for having ran this race injury free. I’ll be pinning for the third and last race of the trilogy series, the 32k race on September 16 and hopefully complete the medal puzzle above.

Race results will soon be posted in the following links:

http://www.unilabactivehealth.com
http://www.runrio.com

Here are some more pictures of the race event:

After i crossed the finish line

Entrance to the Active Health Expo

At the wellness tent where PTs gave runners free massage

Actors Zoren and Carmina with their kids. All of them ran the shorter race.

There’s even a Wi-fi hub here courtesy of Globe Comm.

With the officers of Unilab, Coach Rio and representative of The Children’s Hour, a race beneficiary

Little ROX booth with Mariel Flores of Primer Group

With bloggers at the media tent

After finishing Run United’s 2nd 21k run yesterday, i’ll be pinning for the third and last race of the trilogy series, the 32k race on September 16 and hopefully complete the medal puzzle above.

A Sneak Peek Of The Run United2 Race Expo

Like a lost Bedouin tent in the middle of Bonifacio Global City, this is what the race expo looks like from the outside. Note that the expo area is only half-occupied. More tents will be installed in the coming days.

Early yesterday afternoon, i was able to claim my Run United2 race packet which  just took all of 2 minutes in a very orderly fashion, thanks to the Runrio staff. I was with a few other runners trying to take advantage of the early afternoon lull, avoiding the rush i’m sure will deluge the venue later in the evening and the succeeding days prior to Sunday’s race event.

After that brisk time in the counters, i was led by a lady to check-out the race expo area which was still being continuously spruced-up. The expo area is only about 50% complete and the setting up of tents were still being completed. So i went inside to check out the booths. My first time at a fairly large running expo opened up one thing. You can find many gears not commonly found in our local running stores.

I’m talking about different designs of compression gears, tri-suits, bike helmets, with shoes for half the price and some free pass to a well-known fitness club.

Here’s what the expo looks like:

No big crowd yet

Getting ready for the action! The Runrio staff were well and ready for the deluge of runners expected to claim their race kits later.The race kits were pre-arranged in their corresponding boxes

My Race Packet

Entering the expo area

An over-load of 2XU gear

Many shoes were on sale

One of the exhibitors

Many triathlon gears were on sale

New Balance had its own sale

Part of the NB gear

There were great bargains like this Avia Trail shoe which had been marked-down to P2,500.00! Will somebody be my fairy god-mother?

Yurbuds, Oakleys, Timex, etc…

More about the expo here: http://www.unilabactivehealth.com/rununited/raceinfo_raceexpo.html

My race kit consisted of my bib no., a belt bag, my timing chip and the RU2 singlet which i’ll be wearing  on Sunday. I wonder what the weather will be on race day as there’s a storm that has just entered the country. For sure, it’s going to be all wet and wild this Sunday.

From the Run United1 Race

Per conversation with Coach Rio dela Cruz, Race Director whom i got to talked with last week, their target of 5,000 runners for the 21k category have all been filled up, even exceeding the 4,000 21k runners they had last Run United1.

The Run United 2 Race Expo will only be up to June 16. The expo grounds is situated along Block 51, 9th Ave. corner 26th Street, BGC, Taguig City. Claimants should bring their registration receipt or confirmation email when claiming their race kits.

For more inquiries on Run United and Active Health, check out these websites:www.unilabactivehealth.com and www.runrio.com as well as their respective fan pages on Facebook and Twitter. Race results will be available within three days after the race.

See you at the race!

PAF 65th Anniversary Run: June 24, 2012

I have never attended a race launching so formal and classy such as this one i went to last week at the Villamor Airbase in Taguig. The affair was the launching of the “65th Anniversary Run” of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) held inside a plush officers sports club within the air base premises.

Right at the doorsteps of the sports center, we were greeted by some top brass of the PAF together with the PAF Officers Ladies Club members. We were then led inside a very well-appointed officers lounge and were greeted by a small music ensemble which played bossa nova and other soft cocktail music to go with the aperitifs and other drinks that were served.  One would think that this was a cocktail party and not a race launch!

The officers really went out of their way to make this an elegant affair.

The invitation was extended to us by Coach Joar Calvadores through Ms. Vima Mendoza (the Kulitrunner). Coach Joar is an enlisted Air Force personnel and is one of the Race Directors of this Anniversary Run dubbed “Takbo Para Sa Karunungan, Kinabukasan ng Kabataan” which will be held on June 24, 2012 at the Venice Piazza, McKinley Hills in Taguig City.

The categories include a 3k, 5k and 10k run open to all runners. The proceeds of this event will go their scholarship program intended for the dependents of Phil. Air Force Personnel who were either Killed-In-Action or totally incapacitated while in line of duty.

Here are more details of the race:

WHAT:  The PAF 65th Anniversary Run Takbo Para Sa Karunungan,   Kinabukasan ng Kabataan

WHEN:  June 24, 2012

WHERE: Venice Piazza, McKinley Hills in Taguig City

REGISTRATION FEES:

3k– P350.00 / 6:00am (Gun Start)

5k– P400.00 / 5:55am

10k– P500.00 / 5:30am

Registration Venues: All RIOVANA Stores and ROX (BGC)

The singlets and the race routes are posted below plus some pictures of the event. Hope to see you there!

An officer of the PAF giving the welcoming remarks

Coach Joar Calvadores, Race Director looking debonair in his military uniform

The small ensemble that provided music for the launch

Guests at the launch gathered for a photo op

Race Singlet

10k Race Route

5k Race Route

3k Race Route

Race Review: The OROFOLS Run 2012

Animo La Salle! This was the main chorus that echoed several times during the pre and post-race activities at last Sunday’s One Run. One Family. One La Salle Run (Orofols) at the Mall of Asia grounds. My daughter would have smirked at the constant harping of the emcees who kept gloating about a basketball game the night before wherein La Salle beat my daughter’s beloved Ateneo team.

But the run last Sunday was not entirely a La-Sallian affair although based on the number of students who ran the shorter races, i would think that majority of them were from this school but then, one wouldn’t know as the greater part were all wearing the Orofols singlet.

I didn’t expect this to be a well-attended race but when i arrived at the venue in MOA, a sea of runners in green and white jerseys were already scattered at the starting grounds and it was announced that a total of 8,000 runners had registered for this event.

There was no way i was going to run my 16k event here with all seriousness as my last run (or more of a walk) was the 10k Tanay Discovery Trail Run last May 27 which i did as a recovery run to that previous week’s T2N 50k Ultra marathon. So that’s 2 weeks of almost no running.

I was with Anna Bautista (The Meekrunner) at the starting line who was also coming off from a vacation abroad and was running this race as unprepared as i was and she was also doing the 16k! Good luck to us, i thought. We ran together for the first 4k talking about some juicy issues about ultra runs where she intends to do one in the near future. She had to slow down after the 4k mark so it was all myself pacing slowly in an all familiar route that i have run many times.

The race itself was basically orderly, there were enough marshals to guide you along the route which was mostly inside the MOA grounds. From there, it routed to Macapagal Avenue that leads to the old Film Center and Sofitel-Philippine Plaza and exits at the side of the CCP Theater for Roxas Blvd then to Buendia and back to MOA.

What’s nice about this run was the abundance of water stations which they had every 1.2kms and even if the heat was really swelling specially during the latter part of the race, you won’t worry getting dehydrated knowing there will be enough water at the next water stop. This was a well-planned, well-organized race!

I finished the run in a little more than 2 hrs, my slowest 16k so far (what should i expect with practically no runs prior to this) but i was satisfied logging the distance on a fairly easy effort.

Runners watching the awarding ceremonies

The 16k finishers’ shirt is of generous quality. I can’t get to fix my usb right now so i can’t post a picture of the shirt but it’s one the 16k runners will sure like.

The Race Results can be found here: http://strider.ph/

Congrats to the OROFOLS organizing team!

See you at the Run United 2 Race next Sunday

1st World Vision Run

Yesterday, i attended the 55th Anniversary Celebration and the launching of the 1st World Vision Fun Run and witnessed how the lives of out-of-school children and school drop-outs have been transformed by being able to graduate from school and live comfortable lives through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program.

In this 1st World Vision Run, to be held on June 24, 2012 at the Bonifacio Global City, World Vision invites runners to share the same kind of love that can change lives—lives of children in need. With a very small act of kindness these children will be able to look ahead to better lives with better opportunities, all because you willingly opened your heart and share love!

This Run  is a way for you to make a real and lasting difference for ONE precious boy or girl in need. Proceeds from registration fees shall be pooled together with other World Vision resources so children, families and communities may be provided with the following:

• Education
• Skills training
• Improved Nutrition
• Livelihood assistance
• Health care
• Safe water
• Values formation

Let’s support this run and help children build a better future for themselves. Here are the details of the race:

“Towards Fullness of Life” is the theme for World Visions very first Fun Run to be held at the Bonifacio Global City on June 24, 2012. The organization hopes to partner with new groups to help more children and sustain communities to reach their full potential by addressing the causes of poverty and injustice.

World Vision is a Christian development, relief and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities worlwide. Celebrating its 55th Anniversary this year, World Vision stands by its year-long theme “Sharing the Joy of Hope”.

Event Date: June 24, 2012 Sunday Event Venue: BGC – Bonifacio Global City Assembly: 5 AM
Race Types:	Inclusion	Entry Fee
500m	R Kit, Singlet, Giveaway	P 300.00
3K	Same	P 550.00
5K	Same	P 650.00
10K	Same	P 750.00
21K	Same + Finishers Medal	P 850.00

Registration venues are as follows:

World Vision Office, West Ave. Quezon City
Reebok Eastwood, Quezon City
Unisilver, SM North, Quezon City
Reebok Trinoma Mal, Quezon City
Reebok Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Unisilver Time, Robinson’s Place, Manila
Royal Sporting House, Glorietta
ROX, Bonifacio High Street, Taguic City
Reebok, Festival Supermall, Muntinlupa City
Unisilver Time, Festival Supermall, Muntinlupa City Chris Sports, Mall of Asia

For inquiries call our event secretariat throguh (632)5197010.

For the race routes and other details, please log-on to: http://www.pepsquadevents.com/worldvisionrun.html

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Here are some pictures of the launch:

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Karen Davila, who sits on the Board of World Vision Philippines giving a short talk during the launch

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With Marj of Pep Squad Events (c) and Ms. Mars of Pinoy Fitness

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With the beauteous Nikki Gil gracing the event

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With supporters, sponsors and volunteers of  World Vision

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With CNN Hero, Efren Penaflorida

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