Rexona Run on October 26, 2014

This year's Rexona Run promises to be bigger and better! Remember 2013's most talked about music tunnel? Well multiply that by three for 2014! Three themed tunnels await registered participants - the Hiphop Tunnel, the Retro Tunnel and the 21k exclusive EDM Tunnel. 

Three themed tunnels - Hiphop, Disco/Retro and Electronic Dance Music await runners!

WHAT: Rexona Run 2014

WHEN: October 26, 2014 (Sunday)

WHERE: SM Mall of Asia

RACE CATEGORIES: 5km, 10km and 21km

RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio

OFFICIAL HASHTAGS: #RunToYourBeat #RexonaDoMore

Rexona Run 2014 Assembly and Gun Times

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Online Registration (September 7 to October 12)

- LINK: https://regonline.activeglobal.com/rexonarun2014 

In-Store Registration (September 12 to October 19)

- Runnr BGC

- Toby's Robinson's Galleria

- Toby's SM North The Block

- Toby's SM Mall of Asia

Registration Fees and Inclusions:

Rexona Run 2014 Registration Fees and Kit Inclusions

Pre-Race:

Rexona Run 2014 Singlet Design

Rexona Run 2014 Actual Singlet

Post-Race:

Rexona Run 2014 21k Finisher Medal and Winner Medals

Rexona Run 2014 21k Finisher Shirt Design

RACE MAPS:

 

 

*** Press Release ***

Rexona Takes Music Powered Run to The Next Level

On October 26, immerse yourself in a trail of pulsating beats and scintillating visuals that will push you to go further into running euphoria at one of the most sought-after runs in the calendar, the Rexona Run To Your Beat 2014.

Taking Rexona’s Do More philosophy to the next level, Rexona Run To Your Beat 2014 will once again challenge you to stretch your limits at a music powered run that pushes you further while you stay fresh. Mar Corazo, Rexona Brand Manager, says, “We are always finding ways to make the Rexona Run more exciting than the last. This year, we wanted to take the Do More philosophy into higher gear with stimulating visuals to match music from different genres, as interpreted by some of Manila’s top DJs.” 

This year, Rexona has chosen to collaborate with the Republiq group and the top DJs in the Philippines to fuel your run with live music. Pushing runners to the finish line will be DJs Ace Ramos, Mars Miranda, Deuce Manila, Martin Pulgar, Euric, Motherbasss, and MC Pao. 

To make things even more exciting, Rexona introduces three new tunnels with varying themes that will make the music come to life. At key points during the race, runners will be able to experience the Retro, HipHop and EDM themed tunnels that will have different features, from roller bladders to disco balls, street art to laser light. But of course, only those who can do more can enjoy all three tunnels. 5K and 10k runners will go through two tunnels, while 21k runners will be able to experience all three!

Gun start for 5k is 3:45 AM, 10k 3:30 AM and 21k 3:00 AM. Interested runners can register online at www.runrio.com/rexonarun starting September 8, today, until October 12, 2014. In-store registration will also be available in Toby’s MOA, RUNNR Store or Move in Bonifacio High Street, Toby’s SM North EDSA, The Block and Toby’s Robinsons Galleria starting Friday, September 12 until October 19.

To prepare individuals for this much-awaited run, Rexona will be holding running clinics from 

September 16 – October 23. Led by Coach Rio, in collaboration with 360 Club Fitness, the clinics will be twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6-9PM at the Fort. The clinic is open to all interested individuals, but priority will be given to those who have registered for the Rexona Run 2014. Sign up for the Rexona Run running clinics now at the Training Camp tab on the Rexona Facebook page. 

Stay fresh as the live music pushes you further at Rexona Run To Your Beat 2014!

Color Manila Run Expands Boundaries

Color Manila’s natural high lives on --- from their very first run in Bonifacio Global City last 2013 with colored powder at day to glow lights at night, now they take fun run in a new level; this time runners will be playing with glow paint!  On August 30 as runners go through the race route in Filinvest City, they will be doused with neon-colored paint and once they’re under a blacklight, boom! Their experience are heightened as the Runners are transformed and they glow in multi-color effect and as runners cross the finish line, all finishers, that’s right ALL finishers are rewarded with the much coveted Color Manila 2014 medal.

Now the fun starts all over again! After the finishline, Ravevolution a group known for color paint rave events will keep the energy high by having its DJs play all night long and splatter glow paint using their glow paint cannons.

What’s with the change? “We want to bring out the fun in the fun runs, and make it so exciting that you would want to do it all over again! We innovate in each leg, so we always have something new in store for our runners.” says Color Manila’s Business Development Head Justine Cordero. “The heart of innovation is to keep the energy high and hopefully spread more smiles, colours and a unique experience for everyone, without sacrificing safety that is why our team made sure that the glow paints are laboratory-tested and non-toxic, making glow-paint edition another fun, and safe event.

Registration is on-going until Aug 29 or while supply last. Runners can register online through their credit card or Paypal account or purchase a prepaid card that are available in selected Toby’s and Runnr stores and to make it more convenient for our  participants they can go to any SM Cinema and purchase their tickets there.

Each race kit will include glow glasses, glow sticks, Color Manila tank top, race bib, finisher’s medal plus freebies from our sponsors. Race kit claiming will be from August 28-30, at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang, alongside with the Health and Wellness Expo, in which participants can take part of and enjoy the discounts and giveaways from our partners.

This fusion of fitness, music, and colors is made possible by the following: Filinvest City, Filinvest Tent, Crimson Hotel, Nature’s Spring, Raveolution, GMA7, Wave 89.1, Business Mirror, The View magazine, Inflight Traveller Magazine, and Pinoy Fitness. For more information and details, log on to http://www.colormanilaniterun.com.

Color Manila Goes Regional: With the success of Color Manila color-concept races in 2013, it was bound to go expand its boundaries outside Manila and in 2014 it was welcomed with open arms in the queen city- Cebu City. They splatter color like there was no tomorrow, sang the songs, our DJ’s played and posted selfie photos on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, in other words they showed us that Cebuanos knows to have fun like no other.

The Snowball Effect: This was just the beginning, thousands of eye candy photos posted online, it was just matter of time that other cities follow. Then we had Color Manila Nite- Cebu leg and of course Color Manila Bacolod was just around the corner and yes they partied hard and showed they can add their own spice to the colourful event by adding a twist of Maskara Festival.

Now, Color Manila aims to extend this kaleidescope of colors and splashes of fun to La Union (end of 2014), Iloilo, Davao and CDO by 2015. “We want the local communities to embrace this event and bring out their unique culture through Color Manila Run.” Says Justine Cordero of Color Manila.

Let us keep spreading good vibes and color to every part of the Philippines. Truly color concept races is more fun in the Philippines!

Run United Philippine Marathon on October 5, 2014

The third and final leg of the Run United series is fast approaching. Participants, especially from the marathon category, will be treated with surprises as have been from the previous RUPM's. This is also everyone's opportunity to complete the trilogy medals and flaunt their achievement for completing all three legs.

WHAT: Run United Philippine Marathon 2014
WHEN: October 5, 2014 (Sunday)
WHERE: SM Mall of Asia
RACE CATEGORIES: 500m dash for kids, 10km, 21km, 42.195km
RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio
RACE BENEFICIARY: Gawad Kalinga

RUPM 2014 Assembly and Gun Times

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Online Registration (August 15 to September 14)

- LINK: https://regonline.activeglobal.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1595239

In-store Registration (August 22 to September 21)

- RUNNR Store BGC

- Toby’s Robinson's Galleria

- Toby’s SM North, The Block G/F

- Toby’s SM Mall of Asia

RUPM 2014 Registration Fees and Kit Inclusions

Pre-Race:

RUPM 2014 Singlet Design

RUPM 2014 Ventilation Bag and Visor

Post-Race:

RUPM 2014 21k Finisher Shirt Design

RUPM 2014 42k Finisher Shirt Design

RUPM 2014 Finisher Shirt Size Chart

RUPM 2014 Finisher Medal Design for 21k and 42k

Here's a preview of the trilogy medals stacked together - CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS. If this does not excite you, then what will?

CITIUS. ALTIUS. FORTIUS.

As always, registration may end earlier as race kits run out so register now! See you on October 5th!

Alaska IronKids Uphold the Meaning of a True Champion

Cebu, Philippines - August 1 was a memorable day for our Alaska IronKids as they participate in the Alaska IronKids support Gatas for Breakfast, a practice run for a good cause. It was an enriching experience for the IronKids participants as they not only practiced running with the Ironman Pros like Pete Jacobs, Caroline Steffen, Belinda Granger, and Alaska Tri-Aspire Team Coach Mat O’Halloran, Banjo Norte and Jenny Guerrero, they also shared a nutritious breakfast with milk to over 1,500 young students of Mactan Elementary School. This effort to foster a healthy consciousness among individuals and families — through the combination of exercise and proper nutrition — is Alaska’s way in helping fight against the increasing number of overweight and undernourished children in the country. Having a healthy and active lifestyle does not only involve physical activity but also proper nutrition, living up to Alaska’s key meesage, Nutrition.Action.Champion.

For more information, check out the Alaska IronKids website, www.ironkidsphil.com. For live Twitter updates, follow @ALASKAsportshub or search the ff. hashtag: #Alaskaironkids #GatasforBreakfast #MilkSelfie.

yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition Wireless Earphones

*** Press Release ***

Cut the cords and unleash your inner athlete!

If you’re fed up with irritating earphone cords chaining you to your phone or music device, now you can move with complete freedom!

With the yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition Wireless sport earphones, you’ll never have your earphone cords getting in the way of your workout again. Inspire Limited Edition Wireless are the first-ever stereo Bluetooth® wireless earphones guaranteed never hurt and never fall out, enabling you to workout snag- and pain-free every time.

Prepare to be aurally impressed with these ‘buds – equipped with 15mm drivers, yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition Wireless earphones more than double the driver size of many other stereo wireless earphones, providing bigger and better sound. Great news for those who love to get their heart pumping with thumping beats! They also allow for ambient sound, permitting you to remain aware of your surroundings on your walk or run.

Inspire Limited Edition Wireless lock perfectly into place and are comfortable for hours, thanks to yurbuds’ ergonomic TwistLock™ Technology and FlexSoft™ Comfort Fit. Inspire Limited Edition Wireless are also sweat and water resistant and the two buds are connected by a durable Kevlar cord, which can be worn either under the chin or behind the head.

Seamlessly integrating volume and full track and call control, the noise cancelling dual-microphone system lets you easily answer phone calls while you’re on the go. If you've ever tried to have a phone conversation in a windy space you'll love the functionality of the wind-blocking microphone on these yurbuds!

The Inspire Limited Edition Wireless’ battery powers an impressive week’s worth of workouts and provides visual and audible indicators when running low. A micro USB charging port makes recharging the earbuds simple.

The yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition Wireless come with a lifetime warranty and retails for P7500. It will soon be available in the following stores: Power Mac Center, Runnr, Planet Sports, and R.O.X.

This is serious sound with no strings attached - go ahead and break free!

Energizer Night Race on September 6, 2014

WHAT: Energizer Night Race 2014
WHEN: September 6, 2014 (Saturday)
WHERE: Filinvest City, Alabang
RACE CATEGORIES: 3km, 5km, 10km 

Assembly Time: 5pm
Race Gun-Start: 7:30pm

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
In-store registration (August 2 to 31)
- Runnr Alabang Town Center
- Runner BGC
- Brooks SM North Edsa Annex

Registration Fees:
3km - Php600
5km - Php700
10km - Php800

Race Kit Inclusions:
- Energizer Headlamp
- Energizer Cap
- Singlet
- Race Bib with RFID Tag
- Complimentary Schick Razor

Race Kit Inclusions

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
- Runners NOT wearing the Headlight, Cap, Singlet & Race bib during the race will bedisqualified from it.

*** Press Release ***

“POSITIVENERGY” To Highlight Energizer Night Race 2014

Following last year’s “glowing race” supported by thousands of runners in the Greater Manila area, people can experience again the one-of-a-kind fun run as Energizer opens Night Race Manila 2014. 

For those who love running but do not like the heat, Energizer’s night race, is the perfect fit. Just like the past years, this event in September will also create a night of lights as the runners beam up the race route in Filinvest City Alabang produced by the Energizer 3LED Headlights which is part of their running gear.

“GLOWING IN THE DARK.” Now’s your chance to join a sparkling fun run as Energizer opens its fifth Night Race to share “Positivenergy” with your friends and families.

With a different venue and route, the race will focus on the basic goals of this year’s fun run enjoying a good run and powering up for “positive energy,” for the 3,000 target participants.

More than just the fun and excitement, the race will also support GMA Kapuso Foundation with various Energizer Lights and batteries to be used for their outreach programs.

Cara Ramirez-Tecson, Energizer Philippines, Inc. Marketing Manager explained the advocacy saying they are offering the run not just for the beneficiaries but for the runners too. 

“We would like this year’s run to be a venue of fun and excitement for everyone who will join, so we’re focusing on their enjoyment this time more than anything else,” she said. “Beyond the beneficiaries, we will focus on our goal to provide that “fun” for the runners so we can radiate the positivenergy to everyone “said Tecson. 

RUNNING FOR A BRIGHTER WORLD. Gear up and be ready for this year’s Energizer Night Race, happening at Filinvest grounds in Alabang. 

Though the press kits include a headlight that is worth P499, organizers of the event still made the run more affordable for runners with the price registration ranging from P600 for 3k runners, P700 for 5k and P800 for 10k runners.

“With the prices made very affordable, we are inviting everyone to come and join us in this event. This is a good venue to bond with families and friends as we spread positive energy,” said Lady Reyes, Energizer Philippines, Product Manager for Lights & Specialty. 

The registration will start on August 2, 2014 at official registration sites including RUNNR at Bonifacio Global City, Alabang Town Center and Brooks SM North Edsa Annex.  Details of the event registration are also available on Energizer’s website at www.energizerbatteries.com.ph. and www.facebook.com/EnergizerPH.

Sofitel Manila Half Marathon on August 17, 2014

The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon aims to be at par with other international marathons such as the Boston Marathon or Singapore Marathon. The greater aim of the event is to contribute to the upliftment of the lives of the street children of Manila through Virlanie Foundation, the beneficiary of the marathon. In 2013, Sofitel Philippine Plaza has raised over Php 1.5 million through the two runs organized, Sofitel Battle of the Sexes Leg 1 and 2 - a part of the proceeds had been used to purchase a van that was handed over to the foundation for their activities. This year, the target is to attract over 6,000 runners and better success in terms of fund raising. Since 2007, the hotel has launched several projects to help raise funds to support the foundation’s benevolent activities in order to reach out to the children and families living in the poorest areas of Metro Manila.

What: Sofitel Manila Half Marathon
When: August 17, 2014 (Sunday)
Where: SM Mall of Asia
Race categories: 5km, 10km and 21km
Race owner:  Runrio Inc.
Title sponsor: Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Race Beneficiary: Virlanie Foundation
Target registration: 6,000 runners

GUN START (REVISED):
- 21km at 4:30AM
- 10km at 5:00AM
- 5km at 5:10AM

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Sofitel Manila Half Marathon Registration Fees and Inclusions

Online Registration (June 27 to August 1, 2014)
- www.runrio.com

In-Store Registration (July 14 to August 4, 2014)
- Move, 30th Street, BGC
- Toby’s SM Mall of Asia
- Toby’s The Block

Reminders:
- Registration may end earlier than announced deadline. Kindly check online at www.runrio.com
- A Valid ID must be presented upon registration. For group registration, a photocopy of any valid ID must be presented by the representative
- Singlet size availability will be on a first come first serve basis
- A timing device will be used by all participants during the race

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS:
- Bib with timing tag
- Singlet

Sofitel Manila Half Marathon Singlet Design

POST-RACE ENTITLEMENTS:

Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 21km Finisher Medal

Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 21km Finisher Shirt

*** Press Release ***

Sofitel Philippine Plaza to revive the Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 

Manila, June 3, 2014 - Sofitel Philippine Plaza announces the revival of the Sofitel Manila Half Marathon, last staged in 2008. The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2014 will feature 5k, 10k and 21k categories, and will be held at the Mall of Asia grounds.  Cash prizes and luxury prizes from Sofitel are at stake for the top three male and female winners of category.

“The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon aims to be at par with other international marathons such as the Boston Marathon or Singapore Marathon.  Aside from this, the greater aim of the event is to contribute to the upliftment of the lives of the street children of Manila through Virlanie Foundation, the beneficiary of the marathon.  In the last year, we have raised over Php 1. 5 million through the two runs we have organized – a part of the proceeds had been used to purchase a van that was handed over to the foundation for their activities. This year we are targeting to have over 6,000 runners and for better success in terms of fund raising. ” says Sofitel Philippine Plaza General Manager Adam Laker.

The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon is a collaboration between the Sofitel Philippine Plaza and the premier running event organizer in the country, Runrio, led by Coach Rio de la Cruz.  “By organizing the Sofitel Manila Half Marathon, we hope to one day become one of the world's most popular running event attracting both amateur and professional runners from all over the world to compete in Manila.  This marathon is dedicated to the children of Virlanie Foundation with the objective of contributing to a better future for the children of Manila.” says Coach Rio de la Cruz.

The marathon takes the runners through a panoramic view of the Manila Bay while running with the cool breeze of the bay.  Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2014 follows the two highly successful running events brought about by the Sofitel-Runrio partnership in 2013: The Sofitel Runrio Battle of the Sexes Leg 1 and 2.  Just like the two Battle of the Sexes events, the Manila Half Marathon shall be a green race.  Runners are highly encouraged to bring their own water bottles for refilling at hydration stations, instead of using paper and plastic cups.  

Online registration, selling of prepaid cards, and instore registration shall start this June 27 at Toby’s MOA, Toby’s SM North The Block and Move, 30th Street BGC. Complete race information can be found on www.runrio.com

Registration fees are as follows: P750 for the 5k, P850 for the 10k, and P950 for the 21k.  All runners shall receive a race bib, singlet, and finishers lootbag and drinks.  The 21km category shall also receive a finishers medal and finishers shirt.

This event is co-presented by Gatorade and sponsored by the following: Gold’s Gym, DOCOMO, StarXpo, DOLE, Delsan Office Systems,Canon Fashion Tailoring,10 Inch Lights and sounds, Dowi Hosiery, Delizio Fine Foods, Diversey, MJ Global, M Plus, Timex, Premier water and Nizoral. Media partners include ANC, Business World, Fox International Channels, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Radio High. 

For more information, please call 02-703-1736 or 02-463-4814 or email feedback@runrio.com

Alaska Milk's Lastimosa Joins Jr. NBA Camp in Vietnam

*** Press Release ***

Alaska Milk's Lastimosa Joins Jr. NBA Camp in Vietnam

Alaska Milk Power Camp Director and Philippine basketball legend Jojo Lastimosa joins the National Training Camp of the Jr. NBA Presented by Dutch Lady Vietnam to be held July 13 to 15 at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Dutch Lady and Alaska Milk Corporation are both under the FrieslandCampina family.

Lastimosa will be the lead assistant coach of basketball operations specialist for NBA Asia Chris Sumner who will run the camp.

"It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to share my knowledge of the game once again not only with my countrymen but now outside of Manila. I'm not only representing Alaska Milk, I'm also representing the Philippines. I'm aware that we have Filipino players playing for Vietnam but being able to teach there firsthand is awesome," said Lastimosa.

"My role in Vietnam will be the same as in the Jr. NBA in the Philippines. I will help organize the camp and teach the local coaches on the skill stations. The objective is the same in all Jr. NBA camps: to find the best 10-14 year old players. But the most important part really is making the Vietnamese aware of how beautiful this game of basketball is," said Lastimosa.

The NBA’s international youth development program aims to promote participation in the sport of basketball, improve child fitness and teach the public the importance of proper nutrition especially of drinking milk.

Here in the Philippines, Alaska continues their partnership with Jr. NBA to help young boys, and girls, become better individuals and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle by engaging regularly in sports activities and through proper nutrition. Under-nutrition also remains to be a public health concern affecting nearly three out 10 children.   Alaska recognizes the need of Filipino children for proper nutrition.  According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute and the Department of Health, obesity is increasing with nearly two out 10 children considered as overweight. Through the program, Alaska leads in promoting a healthy lifestyle, especially among children, through regular sports activities and proper nutrition through its leading brands, Alaska Powdered Milk Drink and Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink.

In the camp held in the Philippines Lastimosa drew from his personal experience as a former national basketball player and professional to teach the participants how to become not just the best basketball player but the best person that they could be.

The basketball clinics in Vietnam have already selected the top 40 boys and 24 girls, aged 10 to 14, who will participate in the National Training Camp. The camp will be attended by Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk who will teach the game in the NBA Cares community outreach. The camp covers a three-day intensive training schedule and will culminate in the selection of 14 boys and girls who will be named as the inaugural 2014 Jr. NBA Presented by Dutch Lady Vietnam All-Stars.

RACE REPORT: RU2 Exceeds Expectations

Each year, experienced runners and newbies alike are anticipating the Run United Trilogy. Last June 1, Unilab Active Health held the second leg and surprised everyone with lots of exciting changes to the race. As we runners exceeded ourselves, the organizers exceeded our expectations as well.

Listening to the clamor brought about by the registration issues from leg 1, the organizers simplified leg 2's registration, removing the race kit claiming event, and returning the option for online registration and race kit delivery, much to runners' delight. I was one of the early bird registrants, doing it online, and recommending that option to all my fellow runner friends as well. I got my race kit delivered to my doorstep, hassle-free.

Another surprise announcement (and a welcome one at that) was the release of the race maps for leg 2. First time the race start will be at Kilometer Zero at Luneta! Gone is the point A to point B race from the past years (starting at BGC and ending at SM Mall of Asia). Now, the race starts at KM0 and ends at KM0, with a route traversing Roxas Boulevard to Coastal Road all the way to Cavitex! Now that's one straight route with just one turn at the Cavitex entrance and one U-turn at Cavitex. It was such a fresh and exciting route!

The Run United 2 2014 32k Race Map

In order to relax and prevent the stress of looking for a parking space at Luneta on race day, I booked a hotel room at the nearby H2O Hotel at Ocean Park, walking distance away from KM0. I loved the view from my hotel room!

Great view from my H2O Hotel room

Race day came, and our meet-up area is near the Tamaraw statue at KM0. Gun start is at 3am so we were there an hour before.

From L-R: Cholo, Wyatt, me, JP, Ryan, Rolly

Some of my Team Banana teammates were late, so we failed to have a group photo donning our Nike tops. When the announcement was made that we could go to the assembly area, we went ahead as we didn't want to be placed too far back from the starting line.

The usual pre-race program commenced, which started with the national anthem, an opening prayer, a warm-up led by Chris Everingham, and the visuals for the race route and countdown. We had the entire four lanes of Roxas Boulevard the first few kilometers, which is a great strategy for runners to spread out and lessen runner congestion.

At the start of Coastal Road, I met Becky Runner, Ikasam and Kyle who were pacing each other. I mentioned my strategy of doing a constant 6 minute per kilometer pace, with a sub-3:20 target. They joined me for a few kilometers but then I lost them at one of the hydration stations as I was practicing doing quick stops only - pick a water cup, sip, walk a few seconds, then run again. As I ran and looked back, I couldn't see them following me, so I was back alone on my steady pace.

I was able to sustain my target pace, and on my way back, I had to walk it out on the two flyovers to reserve my energy. My strategy on being patient all throughout the course worked, as I had enough energy left to run even on the final kilometers (but I had a cramps attack at KM31 haha!). I finished with a chip time of 3 hours, 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Target achieved! (By the way, my time from 2013 RU2 32k is a miserable 4:16 so almost an hour improvement was a welcome one.)

Thanks to Lem of Pinoyfitness for this shot! Almost at the finish line!

Some race notes:
- Run United races never fail at hydration. As usual overflowing ice-cold water and Gatorade at evenly-spaced hydration stations.
- Lots of marshals and medics and visible ambulances along the route.
- I love the 32k race route and hope something similar will be in store for us this coming RUPM
- Medal quality consistency is way better than 2013's trilogy medals
- The finisher shirt rocks!
- I couldn't help but laugh when some runners blame the organizers for smoke belching vehicles or the foul stench at Coastal Road. I hope people understand that there are things beyond the organizer's control.

Of course, no RU2 race will be complete without the photo ops at the finish line area, as we waited for friends who are about to finish the race.

From L-R: Cholo, JP, Wyatt, me, JC

From L-R: Goldi, Becky, Bernie, Lurvin, me, Wyatt, Reyman, Archie, sleeping Sy and JP. Ikasam sitting down. 

From L-R: Paul, Jireh, Hazielle, me, Sy and Rolly

With officemate and triathlete Jhino and his girlfriend Giselle

From L-R: Syril, me, Ryan, Loyce, Rolly

Another plus? As soon as the race results were officially released two days after the race, it was in two batches - one according to gun time, and another according to chip time! Yay! It's one of the items I was looking for in RU1 and they have it now in RU2. Great job!

Top 7.7% - 217th out of 2794 32k finishers. Nice.

One more leg to cap-off this year's trilogy. I'm excited for RUPM! Thanks Unilab, Runrio and Unilab Active Health!

#NatGeoRun2014 - Marathon #8

I've always supported NatGeo races and believed in their advocacy. This year's edition is a special one as it is the first time the event introduced the marathon category. It was a very welcome change for runners looking for a 42k event, having been disappointed by the cancellation of this year's Condura Skyway run.

It was marathon #8 for me, and I was targeting at least a sub-5 on this race. I did my usual pre-race preps (massage, stretching and chiro) days before the race but for some reason, I think I overdid it. My body, instead of getting relaxed, became more tired coming into the race. I also regret having worn a race belt during the race, with the sole intention of it carrying my mobile phone for event photos. I was not used to running with this worn on my waist, and I could only sigh as it became heavier and heavier as the kilometers progressed.

At an early KM25, I walled. My left calf was screaming with pain as cramps attacked. It didn't help either that the 42k route is just a loop of the 21k route. And to top it off, the merge with the sea of 21k runners during the 2nd loop became a big headache. The roads of BGC just couldn't handle the sheer number of participants. (Of course it is a different story for faster runners who did not experience merging with the lower categories.)

My finish time? 5 hours, 4 minutes and 1 second. Another blah marathon performance. But I finished it injury-free so I still have something to be thankful for.

So some notes from the event:

• I love the 12mn gun start for the marathon category. It was a hot and humid summer day but at least we avoided the sun.
• Hydration was overflowing.
• The finisher medal is simple and the design is ok. (My runner friend Wyatt's medal was detached from the lanyard by the way.)
• I'm not a fan of route loops but the organizers made the most of what BGC can offer as part of the race map anyway so I'm not complaining.
• The only improvement item for me - the finisher shirt. This is the first time I received a finisher shirt that had 21k|42k both printed on it. It was soooo generic, it doesn't even make the marathon finishers feel special.

And now to some photos to remember the race by:

The "Mamaws" (photo courtesy of JP)

Me and Boki Wyatt

With Cholo, Wy and Rolly

With Ryan and Hazielle (who paced and finished together until finish line) and Rolly

Breakfast at Yellow Cab. Nice meeting you Nik! And thanks, Hazielle for the pizza treat!

Hope NatGeo offers the 42km category on their 2015 race! Great job to NatGeo and Event King!