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)

QCIM3: Getting One Before The Year End!

I’m sitting here tired and exhausted, trying not to over-indulge on yesterday’s marathon effort at the QCIM3. Because running this distance is never easy and doing it under-trained can pose a lot of problems. But somehow, i got through it all with perseverance, determination and with two very sore heels and a king-size blister!

With some friends before the race (thanks to Vans for the photo)

As i listen to some Andrew Hill music with friend June, celebrating my finish between sips of Fundador (ok, it’s Emperador lights, actually) i’m feeling the knots in my muscle and the gratification that i finished another big one, my first marathon for 2011, after months of injury… not sure if i can ever run one again.

I was supposed to be running this marathon as a long, training run, a prelude to what i had been aiming for, the Condura Marathon in early February. I wasn’t following any training schedule really, and treated Sunday races as my long runs with the Run United3 32k being my longest which was done about 4 weeks prior. After that, it was like tapering all the way with no other significant long runs after that. Well, the Nathan Ridge 21k run was a long walk-run affair so that doesn’t count.

The QCIM race went well, felt strong during the first 24k until cramps hit me on the 25th kilometer and had to run-walk until i got my rhythm back at 28k. I finished the race in 5:27:11 (chip time).

Crossing the finish line (Thanks to Les for the photo)

I’m already looking forward to the next one, maybe Cebu or Subic, can’t say if i’m doing the full or maybe just the half-marathon but we’ll see.

To those who ran QCIM3, congratulations to you all! You can view the results here: http://www.strider.ph.

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.

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

Meet Your Pacers for the QCIM2

They’re a mix of seasoned runners, elites, emerging fast runners, many ultra-runners to Galloway specialists, meet these promising batch of pacers who have commited themselves to achieve your target time for this year’s 2nd Quezon City International Marathon.

Handy flags will be used in this year's QCIM

They’ll be holding color-coded flags and guide you up to the finish whether your running a 4-hour or a 6-hour marathon.

42k PACERS:

4:00:00   Alipio Narciso / Jeff Abenina / Wilnar Iglesia/

4:15:00   Eric Socrates / Michelle Estuar F

4:30:00    Lester Chuayap / John Jeffrey Avellanosa / Russel Pata

4:45:00    Siosan Baysa F / Chinky Tan F

5:00:00    Albert Henson / Francisco Lapira/ Prince Baltazar/ Carly Dizon/ Chris Ng/

5:15:00    Jade Lee F / Ronnie Gabriana/ Mar Marilag/Derek “Gab” Gabriel

5:30:00    Nickko Nolasco / George Dolores/

*Carina Manansala/ *Doc Topher Montaos  *(Galloway Method)

6:00:00    Dwane David / Robert Rosario/ JJ Layug/ Allen Gasper

21K PACERS:

2:00:00    Jixee Lagunda/Brando Losaria/Nick Geaga

2:15:00    Tin Ferrera/Ricky Gundran/

2:30:00    Running Diva/Roelle Punsalan/Raymund Canta

2:45:00    Neil Barrios/Marvin Opulencia

3:00:00    Erick Alabastro/RJ Bumanglad

Last year's Kenyans

There’ll be pacers for both the 42k and the 21k categories only. Each pacer 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 small flags were opted for this year instead of baloons which they did at QCIM1 as it is more handy, it’s unobtrusive and in order not to impede them in their pacing efforts. The color-coding for each pace times will be announced soon.

The 42k runners will be fired-off first so all those running the full marathon should be at the starting line before 4:30am to seek out their pace leaders. The 21k runners will be sent off 30 minutes later at 5:00am.

In a related development, the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA), together with the race course committee have officially measured all race course distances yesterday, November 16 and will be sending their official certification to the race organizers next week.

 

Hmm..i've seen you somewhere?

Good luck to all runners and hope you achieve your target goals!

21k Pacers for QCIM2 Still Open

The Organizing Committee of the 2nd Quezon City International Marathon is still looking for volunteers who can pace runners for the 21k category this coming December 05, 2010.

The pacers will lead pace groups for the following 21k times: 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00 hour finish. 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.

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

1. A complimentary race packet will all race freebies included (singlet, racing chips, loot bags, etc.)

2. Complimentary pass to the QCIM Carbo Loading Party, enjoy free food and drinks and hob knob with co-runners, take pictures with well known personalities in sports and entertainment

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

Pacers needed for these runners

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 21K many times before, and must have a wealth of running experience to lead and pace a group effectively. Running a 21k 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.

• Participation in a pace group is free to all participants who will run the full 21k distance. .
• The Pace Groups are: 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  should be announced by the pacers to all his/her runners beforehand. Pacers must maintain their designated pace.
• Pacers should meet with their group during the carbo party/general assembly meeting 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 during the carbo loading party or general assembly of Pacers meeting.
• Pacers shall be equipped with clearly identifiable time markers in a flag of varying colors.
• Pacers shall take up corral starting positions arranged with the faster groups in front with the slower groups taking up the rear positions. Final instructions will be issued during the carbo loading party.
• 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.

Runners at last year's QCIM

All interested parties may contact QCIM2 Volunteer and Support Group at e-mail : runnerjazz@yahoo.com. You will need to indicate your last three (3) 21k races and each’s finishing times including full marathon (42K) finishes, if any. These races should have been done during the last 12 months. A comittee of three (3) veteran runners from Runnex will then decide the final list of 21k Pacers.

Note: Pacers of the 42k race have all been filled-up.

QC I M

BLUE-RIBBON 1st QUEZON CITY INTERNATIONAL MARATHON FAST SHAPING UP

Quezon City , ranked among the top 10 Asian Cities of the Future by the Financial Times Magazine of the UK and AsiaBIZ Strategy Ltd. of Singapore, reinforces this lofty world standing with the city’s inaugural holding of an international marathon on October 18, 2009.

For this project, the office of Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. is mobilizing the support of the citizenry, socio-civic groups and the many big companies and businesses which have made the city their home these past few years.

Envisioned to be the culminating activity of the city’s week-long 70^th founding anniversary celebration this October, the First Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) will be a multi-event footrace with the 42.195-kilometer full marathon as centerpiece event.  The race will start and finish at the newly spruced-up Quezon Memorial Circle People’s Park, and traverse the whole length of Commonwealth Avenue, parts of the newly-built Ayala Techno Park, the UP Campus and the La Mesa Eco-Park.

The other race events will cover distances of 21K, 10K and 5 kilometers within this relatively flat course.  Attractive prizes will be up for grabs for top-notch local and international runners.

Mayor Belmonte has appointed the Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (Runnex) as QCIM race manager with Entraineur/Finish Line as race organizer.  Runnex will be banking on its more than 25 years of race organization in holding the first Quezon City International Marathon. Currently, Runnex is holding a 10-month running clinic at UP Diliman every Sunday in preparation for the October race.

In addition, the QCIM satellite races especially are expected to be star-studded events. Major broadcast media stations based in Quezon City are invited to participate in the project and field in entries, particularly their showbiz talents.  The country’s top radio-TV stations headquartered in Quezon City include ABS-CBN, GMA 7, ABC5, IBC 13, RPN 9 and PTV 4.

Plans are likewise afoot to make the QCIM a family-friendly and runner-friendly finishers’ marathon.  Various runner and spectator attractions at the Quezon City Memorial Circle , a traditional runners’ haven, are being organized by the Quezon City Cultural & Tourism Affairs Office (CTAO) to make the QCIM not only a competitive event but also a festive occasion.

For further inquiries, contact 920-4206, 742-0283 or 742-3091 (telefax) or log on to www.runnex.org or finishline.ph.