2013 Year End Report: My Top 6 Races

First day of the new year deserves a blog post of my 2013 year-end report. It was such a blessed year for running - injury free the whole year and a few new personal bests.

The Numbers:

One of my goals last 2013 is for my practice run mileage to exceed my race event mileage, and so I'm very pleased that I have done so. I want to lessen my mileage dependency on just weekend races so I find time to run regularly - on the gym treadmill, or just anywhere runner-friendly (BGC, UP, even on Manila Memorial Park).

As usual 21km is still my top race category for 2013, with 14 races overall. Quite disappointed I did not meet my goal of running a full marathon once per quarter, as I failed to run a 42.195km event last Q2 2013.

Still, a lot to be thankful for. Which brings me to my year-end race report. 2-0-1-3: 2 plus 0 plus 1 plus 3 equals 6! So I have my top 6 races for the past year! (Seems quite forced reasoning, right? Hahahaha!)

TOP 6

Rexona Run To Your Beat

Race Category: 21k

Race Organizer: Runrio

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/10/rexona-run-2013-race-experience.html

Run To Your Beat pioneered the best race party ever with music from the startling line, extending all along the race route and ending at SM Mall of Asia with a live concert. Best part for me is when we passed through the neon tunnel!

TOP 5

Alaska World Milk Day Run

Race Category: 10k

Race Organizer: Sunrise Events

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/06/alaska-world-milk-day-run-2013.html

I seldom join 10k races but Alaska World Milk Day Run's one well-organized event! I love the World Milk Day advocacy - with race participants even given the chance to have souvenir photos with milk moustache! The 10k route was challenging as well, making use of Buendia flyover which you normally don't see on 10k races. The race loot bag's a great bonus too!

In the photo: Runningshield Patrick Concepcion and Speedy Titan Rolly Pangilinan

TOP 4

Takbo.ph Runfest

Race Category: 21k

Race Organizer: Leadpack

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/07/takboph-runfest-2013-postrace.html

A race event for runners organized (and manned) by runners - takbo.ph started it all! 2013's Runfest introduced its longest distance yet - the 21k category. Leadpack did a great job organizing this event - even utilizing the C5 flyover as part of its 21k route, which is a welcome (and challenging) change to runners.

In the photo: Jump shot with Thirdy Lopez, Run Adobo King CJ Lampad, Ryan Santos, Miriam and Rodel

TOP 3

Run United Philippine Marathon

Race Category: 42.195k

Race Organizer: Runrio

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/10/run-united-philippine-marathon-2013-race-experience.html 

Ending the Run United Trilogy with a bang, full marathon runners were in for a treat as they finished the race in style - passing under the event stage, walking on red carpet and being greeted with photographers for their post-marathon photo! RUPM 2013 is also memorable to me as this as I was able to pace 4 other runners, of which 3 are first time marathoners - Rom, Marte and Joshua. Such a great feeling seeing them succeed on their first marathon!

In the photo: Rom Guevara, Ryan Santos and Marte Millo

TOP 2

Nike We Run Manila

Race Category: 10k

Race Organizer: Runrio

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/12/nike-we-run-manila-2013-race-experience.html 

The biggest surprise was the announcement that the 2013 edition of Nike We Run Manila will be held at Marikina! A lot of skeptics predicted a race disaster but Coach Rio proved them wrong by staging a big, well-organized race at such a small city. Nothing would be cooler than seeing a sea of runners all donning their red Nike We Run shirts. Another finisher (white) shirt greeted finishers at the Marikina Sports Complex. Nike is LOVE!

In the photo: Friends from Team Titans - Rusell, Paul, Rhon, Flip, Jake, Hazielle, Rolly

TOP 1

Tokyo Marathon

Race Category: 42.195k

Race Organizer: Tokyo Marathon Foundation

http://deemenrunner.blogspot.com/2013/04/tokyo-marathon-2013-epic-awesome.html 

Before reaching this point, you've probably guessed this will be my top race for the year, for obvious reasons. My Tokyo Marathon experience still tops every race I've joined in since I started running. I've done a few international races but nothing compares to the magnitude of grandness of racing the streets of Tokyo. This is a race worthy of being put in every runner's bucket list. It's expensive, but definitely worth it.

2014 will just be bigger and better! Thanks for reading and have a blessed new year!