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!

Nike We Run, I Love!

Nike We Run Manila is one of the race events I mostly anticipate every year. I love the brand and the feel of its race. First time I joined was in 2011 (my race experience at this LINK); I also registered on the 2012 edition but failed to run the event due to an injury.

Nike's vision is to hold the race at a different venue each year, so when runners heard the news that 2013 will bring the race to Marikina City, this brought about a lot of skepticism among running enthusiasts. Even I doubted how a race of this magnitude (15,000 runners expected to join) will be staged at such a small city and unfamiliar (running) territory.

But the 1st of December, Coach Rio Dela Cruz proved every skeptic wrong. The event, in my opinion, is one of the most organized races this year, and only Runrio can pull this off. Its definitely on my top 5 races of 2013!

Flashback: October 25 - Upon announcement of the opening of registration for Nike We Run Manila 2013, I immediately did an online registration. It's safest to register as early as possible, as it's known that this race sells out even before the registration deadline. (And until now, I still don't understand some runners who keep on ranting that they weren't able to register because registration was closed way ahead of the deadline. You don't have to wait until the last day of registration, guys!)

The early bird registrant - ME!

There were no official announcements on how this year's shirt will look like. There's nothing that running sites and blogs can do except speculate - is it RED? Is it GREY? Is it BLACK? It's all exciting and only built bigger anticipation to the race.

Everyone only found out during the scheduled 4-day race kit claiming, which started November 21st. It's RED - my fave color! I also bought the matching Nike WE RUN cap at Nike Park.

Nike We Run Manila 2013 Race Kit

December 1 - With the Runrio SMS brigade a couple of days before the race, urging runners to go to the race venue early, I can't help but heed the warning. Marikina City is definitely not my turf, and paranoia of the difficulty of getting a decent parking slot made me plan to travel very early on race day. I traveled with Ryan and his sister Herlyn, meeting 11:30pm at Makati (the race gun start by the way is at 4pm).

It was a quick drive via C5 going to Marikina, and when we reached Sumulong Highway, we already saw some directional signs going to the designated parking areas. We skipped those as I was a bit confident we'll still get parking somewhere near Marikina Sports Center. We passed by the starting arc, still being set-up, and got a very lucky break! There were still a couple of parking slots at McDonalds just across the starting line!

The bigger surprise is that being there at about 12:30pm, there were already a number of runners that came earlier than us. It took us quite some time to get a table at McDo, where we had a light pre-race meal. We still had a lot of time to kill so we stayed a bit at our table, and then after, stayed at the car. We waited for the drizzle to stop before going out and took photos of the event venue. I can't help but be awed on the sheer number of people sporting their red Nike top, walking around, taking pictures and getting excited for the race.

Starting line arc still being setup and Sumulong Highway still open for traffic at this time

Spotted Coach Rio during event setup - he looks nervous yet determined to give everyone a great race!

With officemates and running buddies Fez and Migs

Before 3pm, runners were already heading to the assembly area, so we did as well, as the announcement was made that there would be two waves, and no runners will be allowed to run after 4:20pm. It's best to be in front on a big race such as this. The Marikina roads were not that wide so there will definitely be some human traffic congestion initially when runners are sent off. It was quite a long wait but runner friends eventually arrived who made the wait enjoyable.

Group-selfie or Groupie? Haha! The things you do to kill time.

The first wave of runners were released exactly 4pm with confetti and music. There were a lot of spectators and cheerers not just on the starting area but all along the route. The support from the city was great, and made the race as festive as it could possibly be, with residents on the sidewalk clapping and cheering and taking pictures, and kids smiling and high-fiving runners. (This was the same mood and feel when I had a race at CamSur.) There were also a number of music stations along the 10k route, reminiscent of Rexona Run to Your Beat, playing upbeat songs.

The 10km Marikina Race Route

Another smart innovation I noticed on the race is how they handled the hydration stations. As part of the first wave of runners, reaching the first hydration station, runners were directed by marshals to get water at the latter half of long hydration stations (I could not exaggerate further but the stations were really loooong), reserving the first half of the tables for the next wave. This way, there will be no shortage of water for all runners. Hydration personnel were moving as efficiently on the stations, quickly refilling cups of water and sports drinks. The manpower behind the race is really commendable.

Action shot - Nike cap, Nike shirt, Nike jacket, Nike running shorts, Nike Flyknit shoes.
Photo courtesy of Red Knight Runner.

I caught up eventually with my running buddy Ryan mid-way through the race and we just paced together until the finish line, clocking at 58 minutes (I love how the race ended at the track oval by the way). Finishing a decent time, there were still no queues at the loot area, which is again well-organized and well-manned. After claiming my loot, went back to the car to get my camera, of course for more event photos.

With Rhon (Photo courtesy of Art Mendoza) before we headed back to my car

With Teacher Cheryl and Rolly Speedy Titan

Group shot with Team Titans

Saw officemate Marte amid the crazily growing number of finishers inside the complex

With siblings Ryan and Herlyn

Post-race dinner at Max's Robinson's Metro East with Israel, Rhon, Ryan and Herlyn - We ate like we ran 42k. LOL!

A couple of days later, the race results were released at the official Nike We Run website.

Race results as consolidated by Speedy Titan Rolly

It only gets better and better! Kudos again to Coach Rio, Runrio and Nike for staging one of the best races of the year! I move. You move. Nike We Run Manila/Marikina rocks!

Nike We Run Manila 2013 Ignites the Filipino Spirit of Unity

YOU MOVE. I MOVE. 

NIKE WE RUN MANILA 2013 IGNITES THE FILIPINO SPIRIT OF UNITY

14,000 runners stand together in a moment of solidarity for Philippines

We Run MNL 2013 flags off 14000 runners in Marikina City

*** Press Release***

Philippines, December 1, 2013 – Nike enabled 14,000 Filipino runners today in the third edition of the Nike We Run Manila held at Marikina City. Bringing to life the Filipino spirit of unity, runners signed up in pairs to run 10km and stood in solidarity at the finish as a mark of respect to the recent events in Visayas region of Philippines.  

In honoring the Filipino spirit of unity, or samahan spirit, the race was a testament to Filipinos who encourage each other regardless in times of adversity or ambition. “The Nike We Run Manila 2013 serves runners by offering them a unique platform to run alongside a global community of runners. This year, we fueled the samahan spirit by encouraging runners to sign up and run the race together with a buddy for their fellow kababayan” says Courtney Cole-Faso, Country Marketing Manager of Nike Philippines.

14000 runners stand in solidarity for PH at We Run MNL 2013

Nike We Run Manila is part of Nike’s global We Run series. Aimed at motivating and inspiring athletes around the world, more than 350,000 runners would have taken over 3 billion strides in We Run races in 26 cities by the end of 2013, motivated by Nike+ and Nike Running design innovations.

Nike’s We Run races range in distance from 5K to a full marathon, and capture the unique enthusiasm of each city. From Sao Paolo to Seoul to Singapore, each city will be moved to action through a series of unique experiences for runners. Tailored to each individual city, the We Run races will build on the aesthetic of each landscape through an interactive run course - http://werun.nikeinc.com/

Nike We Run Manila 2013 Winners

Teaser: Nike We Run 2013 - Manila Leg on December 1

Source: http://nikeinc.com/news/nike-s-2013-we-run-race-series-rallies-connects-and-inspires-runners-around-the-world#/inline/23007

Super excited for the Nike We Run 2013 like I do? Then check out the schedule of the different legs across the globe! Nike We Run Manila 2013 will be on December 1 so save the date!

One of my favorite cities in the world, Prague has just concluded its Nike We Run Prague 2013 race. As expected, a global event such as this one will have a similar feel anywhere in the world, so welcome the gray with red print shirt of this year! I'm loving the event logo!

Nike We Run Prague 2013

Gray Dri-fit shirt with the red print

Prague organizers let runners customize the back of the shirt with any message or quote. WOAH!

Message at the back of the shirt gets printed on a large photo wall. Now if we could also do this in Manila. 

"JUST DO IT" temporary tattoo provided to all runners. 

I'm wondering what gimmicks the Manila leg will offer to participants. Only time will tell.

Photos courtesy of Nike Running Cesko / Slovensko

Nike We Run Manila 2012 on December 2

Should have promoted this earlier (sigh!). I love Nike! And with my recent purchase of the Nike Flyknit Racer, I'm more hyped up for this upcoming event!

WHAT: Nike We Run Manila 2012
WHEN: December 2, 2012 (Sunday)
WHERE: SM Mall of Asia
RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio
RACE CATEGORY: 10k (sub-categories below)
- Women’s Under 25 – For women aged 24 years and below on the race day
- Men’s Under 25 – For men aged 24 years and below on the race day
- Women’s Open – Open to women of all ages
- Men’s Open – Open to men of all ages
- School Challenge Category (Universities)
RACE CUT-OFF TIME: 2 hours and 30 minutes from GUNSTART

REGISTRATION PERIOD: until October 31, 2012 extended until November 25, 2012
ONLINE REGISTRATION: https://www.werunmanila10k.com/
IN-STORE REGISTRATION CENTERS:
- Nike Stadium
     Alabang Town Center
     Rockwell
- Nike Park
     Bonifacio Global City
     Ermita
     Galleria
     Glorietta 4
     Mall of Asia
     Trinoma
- Nike Forum Robinsons Magnolia
- Riovana Katipunan

Registration Fee

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS:
- Nike We Run Manila 10K Tee (see size chart below)
- Nike Sports Bottle
- Nike We Run Manila 10k Race Pack (We Run Manila 10k 2012 booklet, race bib and D-Tag)
- Nike Finisher’s Tee wrist tag

Nike Race Tee for His and Hers - photo courtesy of takbo.ph

Nike Race Tee Size Chart

RACE PACK COLLECTION:
All race participants must collect their race pack during the Nike We Run Manila 10K Race Pack Collection.

Date:  November 19-22, Monday to Thursday - November 27-30, Tuesday to Friday
Time: 10am to 10pm, November 19-22
Venue: Nike Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Important: Please bring your ID and confirmation slip to collect your race pack.

For those who are unable to personally collect their Race Entry Pack, please download and fill in the letter of authorization (from https://www.werunmanila10k.com/). Your representative must show this form along with a copy of your Confirmation Slip and a copy of your valid ID. 

RACE MAP:

FINISHERS' ENTITLEMENT:

All finishers will receive an exclusive finishers’ entitlement upon completion of the race.

Runners will be given a Nike Finisher’s wrist tag which they will need to present to claim their Nike We Run Manila FINISHER’S TEE.

Nike We Run Manila Finisher Shirt (photo courtesy of Coach Rio)

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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NIKE’S WE RUN RACE SERIES RETURNS TO MANILA
We Run MNL 10K inspires and connects runners globally with Nike+

PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 2012 – Nike’s We Run race returns to Manila for a second year, to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. On December 2, 2012, Filipino runners will be part of the global We Run race movement, which will see a total of 395,500 runners from 34 cities participating—establishing a new global community of runners through Nike’s most connected race series using the innovative Nike+ technology. The We Run race series kicked off on September 1 in Prague, Czech Republic, and will conclude on December 15 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Nike’s We Run Manila 10K race will energize the streets of Pasay City with the 13,000 high-octane runners expected to make tracks all over the SM Mall of Asia’s grounds. Set against the remarkable view of Manila Bay, the initial stretch of the race will let runners pass through the commercialized area of the Mall of Asia with the SMX Convention Center and the latest icon of the area, the eye-shaped SM Bay City Arena. Runners are set to leave urban commercial scenery and head towards the fields along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Closing in on the halfway point of the race, runners will then pass the upcoming Belle Casino, a gold complex glistening in the morning sun. As they take a turn on Pacific Avenue and race past the same landmarks, runners will come upon the iconic ferris-wheel along Seaside Boulevard that marks the final kilometer to the finish line. The panoramic run would not be complete without an engaging en route entertainment featuring some of Manila’s top musical acts.

Meeting the runners at the finish line is the Race Village that will offer an array of services. Runners can expect to be pampered with massage booths and get recharged at any of the refreshment stalls while being entertained by the energetic musical line-up.

“Nike’s We Run race is the celebration of running across the world, the culmination of every runner’s dedication and commitment to train harder, defy expectations and push their bodies’ limits. Nike aims to revolutionize the running experience, by allowing runners to inspire, motivate and connect with other runners globally through the Nike+ Technology”, shared Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director of Nike South East Asia. “With the second edition of the We Run race in Manila, Nike envisions Filipinos, the youth in particular, to further move the local running scene forward by leading the active lifestyle movement.”

This year, Nike is taking inspiration to a new level as runners will be able to follow two of Philippines most popular lifestyle bloggers, Robbie Becroft of robbieoffduty.com and Lissa Kahayon of lissakahayon.com who will be embarking on their first We Run race. Follow their We Run journey as they take on the challenge of preparing for Nike’s We Run MNL 10K race, blogging at each step of the journey, and witness how Nike elevates their everyday running experience with the various product offerings including the Nike+ ecosystem.

To get race-ready, Nike will organize four training sessions focusing on proper running techniques and tips. Runners will also be able to test out the Nike+ Running app (available on iOS and Android), and try out the season’s latest running products. These clinics will be led by podiatrists and Nike Training Club instructors to further educate individuals on how they can reach their potential as runners.

The registration for Nike’s We Run race will commence on Monday, October 8 2012 online through www.facebook.com/NikeRunningPH and also on-ground at selected retail stores.

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