Ready for RU3!

6 days to go before the third leg of Run United 2012! I'll be running the Afroman distance (32k).

Last September 9 (Sunday), I did my longest run on a treadmill this year - I covered 25 kilometers in 2 hours, 29 minutes and 37 seconds! With this, runner with bib# 890 is ready!

Crazy treadmill training - burned 1844 calories in the process

To the 2800 32k registered runners, good luck to us all! Hope this Sunday brings good weather and an injury-free run to everyone.

Oh and by the way, after the race, I'll be heading to my sister's wedding. I just couldn't miss running in RU3 that I had to get this in on my hectic weekend schedule.

Unilab Run United 3 Featuring the Afroman Distance on September 16, 2012

The most anticipated leg to the Run United Runrio Trilogy - Run United 3 featuring the Afroman 32k race distance category, is coming our way on September 16! Mark your calendars, everyone! This is gonna be big!

WHAT: Unilab Run United 3 2012
WHEN: September 16, 2012 (Sunday)
WHERE: Bonifacio Global City to Mall of Asia (21k and 32k), Mall of Asia (other distances)
RACE CATEGORIES: 500m dash for kids, 3k, 5k, 10k, 21k, 32k (Afroman distance)

REGISTRATION PERIOD: August 6 to September 2 (Online) / August 13 to September 8 (In-store)

ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK: https://register.bazumedia.com/reg/form?eventID=852

IN-STORE REGISTRATION CENTERS:
- Riovana BGC Branch
- Riovana Katipunan Branch
- Toby's SM Mall of Asia Branch
- Toby's Trinoma Branch

Registration Fees and Race Inclusions (Pre and Post-race)

Assembly and Gun Start Times

 PRE-RACE INCLUSIONS:

Run United 3 Singlet

Run United 3 Active Health Sun Visor

Wrist Tags for Parents and Runner Kids (for 500m Dash only)

Flyer for more information on the race

 POST-RACE GIVEAWAYS

32k Finisher Shirt

32k Finisher Medal

21k Finisher Shirt

21k Finisher Medal

Duffel Bag for all race finishers

RACE MAPS 

 

 

 

 

 

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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Another Running Spree at Run United 3
All set for the third leg of the Runrio Trilogy 2012 on September 16

Run United is back, after a nearly three-month break. And as the cliché goes, ‘the third time is a charm’. Last year, in fact, a record number of runners estimated at over 14,000 participated in Run United 3. 

Run United 3, the third leg of the Run Rio Trilogy, has always been much anticipated because it offers what is dubbed as the ‘Afroman distance’ or 32k category—not usually included in other run races. Of course, on top of the other race categories: the Ceelin 500m dash, 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k.

“The 32k Afroman Distance in RU3 can be a preparatory race for the full 42.195km category in the upcoming 1st ever Run United Philippine Marathon slated on October 28. RUPM will still have the shorter categories: 500m dash, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K.” said Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health (ULAH).

Meanwhile, according to premiere race organizer Coach Rio dela Cruz, the runners’ anticipation over Run United 3 will be all worth it as new features and surprises await them on September 16. For one, there will be new routes as well as different starting and finish lines again for Run United 3 in the 21K and 32K categories, like in the previous two races for 21K.

The 32K runners will have a gun start at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) starting at 3am, an hour ahead of the 21k runners. They will be led from BGC to take their first 10k in University Parkway area, then move up to Kalayaan Flyover. Then, they will go all the way down to Buendia, take left at Roxas Boulevard, turnaround taking the roads of Vicente Sotto, Diosdado Macapagal and on to EDSA before finally turning left at Seaside Boulevard for the finish at the Mall of Asia (MOA). 

The 21k will have an earlier gun start at 4am compared to Run United 2’s 430am. They will have the same route as the 32k runners, but instead of going to EDSA they will turn right after Macapagal Avenue, turning right at Seaside Boulevard and then all the way to the finish line in MOA. 

“Run United 3 runners will get to run across three cities— Taguig, Makati and Pasay. Based from the feedback we got from them, they really enjoyed the experience and the new routes. The earlier gun start of both race categories will give runners a safer route as well,” said Dela Cruz of RunRio Inc., the race organizer.

Online registration for Run United 3 started on August 6 and will continue until September 2, 2012. In-store registration will start on August 13 and will be up to September 9, 2012. Registration venues include Riovana in BGC and Katipunan, Quezon City; and Toby’s at SM Mall of Asia and Trinoma.

The runners will receive their complete race kits upon registration (Active Health Sun Visor, Singlet, Bib with B-Tag and wrist tag for 500m dash runners). The wrist tag for 500m dash kid’s runner which is usually given on race day will now be included in their race kits upon registration. 

Run United 3, which is for the benefit of Gawad Kalusugan and Children’s Hour, is part of the ULAH running series. Run United started with only 8,000 runners when it was launched in March 2010 and the numbers have steadily grown in succeeding events. An estimated 14,000 runners participated during its last offering— at 2012 Run United 2. 

Run United 1 on March 4 started off this year’s RunRio Trilogy, followed by Run United 2 last June 17. Runners who completed all the longest distances (21k-21k-32k) in all of the three Run United races will be recognized at the RunRio Trilogy Awards Night.  

Fun and exciting activities await runners and their family at the Active Health Village, new and bigger Active Kids Zone, Runners’ Lounge, I-Connect Zone, The Food Pavilion and Health, Sports, & Leisure Zones.

For further information or inquiries on race details, results, photos and discussions, please visit the following websites:  www.unilabactivehealth.com or www.runrio.com.

Unilab Run United 2: 2nd Piece of the Puzzle

Time to get back to blogging! I've been very busy these past few weeks, with my travel to Kuala Lumpur and then a week training at work with a certification exam afterwards. Crazy! I've got loads of backlog blog posts so I'll try to catch up bit by bit.

The 2nd leg of the Unilab Run United trilogy - Run United 2 2012 happened last 17th of June. This was my last long run before heading to KL for my 3rd full marathon. Quite disappointing since I caught a bad case of colds a few days before the run (which only worsened after the race because of the rain during this race).

I drove to Mall of Asia very early morning, if I remember correctly I was already there 2:15am. Haha! The race village was still being setup and I got a very nice parking slot. There were a few early bird runners already waiting for the shuttle buses to pick us up.

And then the rain poured hard, with strong accompanying winds. Runners had to find cover. It was getting cold as well. When we got inside the shuttle bus, we were already a bit wet. The airconditioning was torture! Haha!

With the reported 4000 21k runners, I knew how crowded the starting line will be. The emcee announced 3 waves will be implemented. I had no intention to race, so I didn't really care whatever wave I'll be in. I think I made it on the 2nd wave, which were released 15 minutes after the 1st. It took around 3 minutes for me to pass by the starting arc, and it became very difficult to squeeze my way in to overtake runners during the first few kilometers of the race. I was running solo (supposed runners who said they'd pace with me left me, bummer) but i bumped into a runner friend Arvin, I think around km10 so I had company for a few kilometers before he told me to go ahead.

At the last 5 kilometers, it was time for me to speed it up. I wanted to finish strong and I wanted at least a good negative split. When the runpix results were released, I was ecstatic reading "DURING THE LAST 6 KMS, YOU PASSED 576 RUNNERS, AND 0 PASSED YOU." Exactly my plan. I may not have done my sub-2 goal (I finished in 2:09), but I finished strong nonetheless.

RACE OBSERVATIONS:
- Shuttle buses were very efficient, but a bit late than the announced 2:30am pick-up start. I like that they're showing videos of previous Unilab Run United races. It was sort of building up the excitement more for that day's race.
- Waves were implemented. However, I hope next time, they'd check estimated/target finish times of runners so that waves could be more organized - with faster runners being released first, and bibs color-coded for waves. Not sure if this is too much to ask though on a logistics-perspective, but I've seen this being implemented on overseas race events.
- I love the race route. Point A to Point B races are really a breath of fresh air for runners.
- As usual, overflowing hydration.
- Medal and finisher shirt issue of RU1 no longer happened. The distribution of the finisher items are now more organized.

Thanks Active Moments for capturing this. Almost at the finish line!

Team Alpha1 group pic! Thanks to Rolly of Team Titans for lending us his camera.

Team Titan friends - Mark, Seph and Rolly

With Arvin - we paced for a few kilometers during the middle part of the race

Post-race breakfast at Gerry's Grill MoA

Runpix results

Next leg (Afroman Distance) on September 16! Mark your calendars! I can't wait to complete the medal puzzle!

And the RU2 Free Race Kit Winners Are...

Congratulations to the following people for winning Run United 2 free race kits:

• Loyce Nunez (10k)
• Ederlina Magdaraog (5k)
• Kenneth Clem Araneta (10k)
• Calvin Cain Ramirez (10k)
• Nathan Aceron (5k)
• Marivic Viray (10k)
• Sherwin Cordero (10k)
• Elvin Mendoza (10k)
• Hyde Aceron (5k)
• Charles Darwin Villanueva (10k)

Expect an email regarding instructions on when and where you could claim your race kits.

Non-registered runners still have a chance to head to their nearest RU2 registration centers until June 10, 2012.

Special thanks to Coach Rio Dela Cruz and Vima Mendoza (Kulitrunner) for this contest opportunity!

See you guys on June 17! I'm excited!

Promo: Free Unilab Run United 2 Race Kits

With a few days left before the much-awaited Unilab Run United 2 event, everyone's getting more excited. The biggest number of 21k runners and the anticipated race expo are just some of the things I'm looking forward to.

And for some lucky readers, I'm doing a quick contest. I have 10 free race kits to give away - for 10k, 5k, 3k or 500m dash categories. NOTE: 21k category is already sold-out!

Just leave a comment on this blog entry with the following details:

• Full name
• Category of your choice (10k, 5k, 3k or 500m dash)
• email address

You have until June 6, 10am to submit your entry. One entry per person only please. Winners will be announced on the same day and further instructions will be provided to the winners on how they could claim their race kits.

See you on June 17! Keep on running!

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UPDATE: June 6, 2012 10:30AM Contest is officially closed.  Thanks for joining!

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Unilab Run United 2: Winners of 21k Race Vouchers

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Blogaversary Unilab Run United 2 21k race voucher contest. Via randomizer.org, the three lucky winners were chosen.

And the winners are:

• MITCH REGALADO
• JERVIN DOMINGO
• JON MADRID

Congratulations!  Winners will be notified via email/text on how to claim their race vouchers.

Randomizer.org Criteria

Thanks to the 101 contest participants!

Registration for Unilab Run United 2 is still open. You may view the registration details by clicking this link.

Blogaversary Promo: Unilab Run United 2 21k Race Vouchers!

It's my blog site's 2nd anniversary on May 9, 2012! Whew time really does fly fast when you're having fun. Lots of new runner friends, cool bloggers and a supportive running team! With one of the biggest race events coming this June, I'd be giving away three 21k race vouchers* for Unilab Run United 2! It's sort of my birthday treat as well to the three lucky blog readers (I celebrated my birthday last week BTW.)
* Race voucher which you'll just present in Riovana for you to be registered in RU2

See the details of RU2 race event on this link: UNILAB RUN UNITED 2 DETAILS.

Three Unilab Run United 2 21k race vouchers up for grabs!

PROMO MECHANICS

1. Like the Unilab Active Health Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/UnilabActiveHealth)
2. Like the Team Alpha1 (my running team) Page (https://www.facebook.com/teamalpha1runners)
3. Place a comment indicating your NAME (your Facebook name if possible), EMAIL ADDRESS and CONTACT NUMBER. (Your comments will not be displayed so your email addresses and contact numbers remain confidential.)

You have until May 15, 2012 (Tuesday), 5pm to join this promo. One comment only per participant please. Winners will be drawn afterwards via RANDOMIZER.ORG and will be announced on the same day. Winners will be emailed/texted with details on how to claim their vouchers.

BLOGAVERSARY (Image Courtesy of http://vintageconnections.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-3rd-blog-anniversary-to-laurie-at.html)

Thanks to Ma'am Vimz aka Kulitrunner and Dada Teves of Runrio for helping me secure the race vouchers.

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UPDATE: Contest is officially closed (May 15, 5pm).  Thanks to everyone who joined and for all the greetings.

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Unilab Run United 2 on June 17, 2012

This race event does not need any further introductions. Unilab has established itself as the premiere sponsor of the best and biggest running event in the country - Unilab Run United. RUNRIO again spearheads the much anticipated second leg of the trilogy.

WHAT: Unilab Run United 2
WHEN: June 17, 2012 (Sunday)
WHERE: SM Mall of Asia / BGC
CATEGORIES: 500m dash for kids, 3k, 5k, 10k, 21k

ONLINE REGISTRATION: April 16 to May 27, 2012
- visit www.runrio.com
- successful online registrants should receive a confirmation email, which they need to print. They will be presenting this in the Race Expo, to be able to claim their singlet, race bib and other freebies.

IN-STORE REGISTRATION: April 30 to June 3, 2012
- Please take note that race kits may run out earlier than the deadline so register early
- During in-store registration, registrants will only get their singlet along with a receipt which they shall present during the upcoming Race Expo to get their race bibs and other freebies.

REGISTRATION CENTERS:

- Riovana Store BGC (28th Street, corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)
- Riovana Store Katipunan (3rd Floor, Regis Building, Katipunan, Quezon City)
- Toby's SM Mall of Asia branch
- Toby's SM North The Block branch

Registration Fees and Race Inclusions

Race Assembly and Gun Time

21k runners get to have a different singlet - side color is sky blue (other categories will have white sides). Check out the singlet images below. Kids get to have their singlets too, care of Ceelin. Do take note that singlet size availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

21k Runners' Singlet Design

Singlet for 3k, 5k and 10k runners

Singlet for Kids' 500m Dash care of Ceelin

Another exclusive for 21k runners is their personalized Runrio timing card, reusable on future Runrio race events. This will be given during the Race Expo.

RUNRIO Personalized Timing Card for 21k Runners

Also during the race expo, all registered participants will receive belt bags care of Unilab Active Health. Now runners will have something to put their stuff on, may it be their race nutrition, money, car keys, mobile phones or even their cameras.

Unilab Active Health Belt Bags

21k runners will receive the 2nd piece of their puzzle medal, and is a step closer to the completion of the circle.

Run United 2 21k Finisher Medal

 21k finishers also get this cool finisher shirt:

Run United 2 21k Finisher Shirt

All race finishers will get their hands on this Unilab Active Health sling bag.

Unilab Active Health - Finisher Sling Bag

RACE MAPS 

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UNILAB RUN UNITED 2 RACE EXPO

What are the Race Expo objectives?
- Venue for runners to check out the latest and coolest sports apparel
- Fitness and athletic brands can present their latest products and services
- Hang out with fellow runners and sports enthusiasts, friends and family
- Race kit claiming made more interesting and interactive

WHAT: Unilab Run United Expo
WHEN: June 13 to 16, 2012 (Wednesday to Saturday)
WHERE: Bonifacio Global City Open Grounds (Near Riovana BGC)

Team Bike Boutique (TBB), the official merchandize partner of Ironman races worldwide, will organize the race expo.

* More details on the race expo will be posted here as soon as details are finalized.

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Race Beneficiaries:

Race beneficiaries: Gawad Kalinga and Children's Hour