Throwback Thursday: Blogcons

So much fun to look back at old photos from bloggers' events. It all started December of 2011, when Mommy Vimz (a.k.a. Kulitrunner) invited me to the launch of Go Natural Run at Maxim's Hotel, Resorts World. Oh how my network in the running community expanded by getting to know these awesome bloggers! I'm just thankful and blessed to be part of this group!

December 13, 2011 - Go Natural Run

January 27, 2012 - Skechers Go Run 

February 11, 2012 - Unilab Run United Leg 1

February 22, 2012 - Fox International Channel Run

February 26, 2012 - RUNew

February 27, 2012 - Powerade ION4

March 29, 2012 - Thorlos Socks

April 18, 2012 - Salomon Meet and Greet with Iker Karrera

August 15, 2012 - Men's Health Urbanathlon

September 18, 2012 - Adobo Run After Dark

November 14, 2012 - Condura Skyway Marathon

January 17, 2013 - Unilab Run United Leg 1

March 19, 2013 - Amazing Pinoy Run

March 25, 2013 - NatGeo Earth Day Run

April 6, 2013 - Runrio Awards

April 14, 2013 - Enervon Activ Hydration Belt

April 26, 2013 - Vaseline Men and Xterra Mud Run

May 4, 2013 - Philippine Air Force Run

May 11, 2013 - Alaska World Milk Day Run

CSM 2013: All Revved-Up for Race Day

It is all systems go for the premier marathon event in the country, the Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013. The starting line in Filinvest City Alabang heats up with 14,000 runners on Sunday,  February 3, 2013.

Organized by Condura Skyway Marathon’s Founder and Chief Organizing Officer, Ton Concepcion and its running ambassador Patrick Concepcion, the sixth edition of this much-anticipated yearly race event by runners for runners once again is out to prove that it is worthy of its bid to be the premier running event in the Asia Pacific.

This year the race will have the usual 10k, 21k and full 42k marathon categories plus the new 3.8k, 6k which are especially meant for the fun and adventurous runners who are not yet ready to take on the mid to long distance-races.

The 2013 installment of this prestigious run records the biggest growth of 42k and 21k runners compared to the previous years.  Both the number of full and half marathoners increased by almost 50%!  “We are very pleased with this growth. And what motivates us more is the trust of many who will do their inaugural full or half mary with us.  That is why the team has been working tirelessly planning, reviewing and arguing to make sure that they are safe and well taken care of,”  mused Ton Concepcion.

Apart from the challenge and fun that this race has in-store for runners, participating in this race will also mean taking part in the Condura Skyway Marathon advocacy of helping with the reforestation of the Mangroves in Zamboanga de Sibugay in partnership with Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) . Each runner through their registration, will get to donate three mangrove seedlings which will be planted in his/her name. In 2012, the first year that Condura Skyway Marathon adopted the mangroves reforestation project to its cause, a total of 39,000 seedlings have already been planted in Kabasalan Town through runners’ donation. With 14,000 participants this year,  this translates to another 42,000 trees that will make a huge difference in the livelihood of more communities in Zamboanga.

Condura Skyway Marathon is truly a run with a big heart! Runners will now have the opportunity to raise pledges for the charities it is supporting. For 2013, the premier running event is proud to support Bikes for Philippines, Hero Foundation, I Can Serve and Liter of Light. Runners can raise pledges of P50 pesos per kilometer and a time bonus of P500 pesos if they hit their time goal. “Our aim is to encourage runners to embrace more causes to better the lives of those in need.  This is our own little way of helping these foundations raise funds so they can continue on with their respective programs and activities. We want to help in making the country a better place – one step at a time,”  says Ton Concepcion.

Registration is ongoing at the Olympic Village, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City.  Hurry – few race kits are left!

For more information on the race and its advocacy visit the official website www.conduraskywaymarathon.com or the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/conduraskywaymarathon

The Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 is Co-Title Sponsored by Skyway and presented by sports apparel and shoe sponsor Asics, hydration sponsor 100 Plus and venue sponsor Filinvest City.

Condura Skyway Marathon Registration As Easy As 1-2-3

Last November 16, I hurried to the CSM2013 registration center in Greenbelt 3. There were quite a number of early bird registrants. I finally decided to register for the 21k category (after contemplating if I'd do 21k or 42k). The registration process was fast, and the attendants were friendly and accommodating. (Race details are on this link.)

Greenbelt 3 Registration Center (in front of Asics store)

CSM2013 Race Voucher

STEP 1: REGISTRATION COUNTER

- Select if you're going to use a voucher or if you're going to pay in cash
- Input your registration details
- Print your registration form

Step 1: Registration Counter

Registration Form Print-out

STEP 2: CASHIER

- Hand your registration form to the attendant

- Sign the waiver form

- Pay the registration fee or give the race voucher to the attendant

- Receive the shirt claim stub from the attendant 

Step 2: Cashier

STEP 3: SHIRT CLAIM

- Hand the shirt claim stub to the attendant
- Choose your shirt size
- Receive your race kit

Step 3: Shirt Claim

It's as easy as 1-2-3! I finished the registration process in less than 10 minutes!

Race Kit Contents - I love the D-Tag!

21k Wave A Runner with Bib# 40111 will see you on February 3, 2013! :-)

Condura Skyway Marathon on February 3, 2013

You only get to run in the Skyway once a year, so don't miss this opportunity! I ran my first half marathon in Condura Skyway Marathon 2010, and it's still one of my most memorable running events.

WHAT: Condura Skyway Marathon 2013
WHEN: February 3, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: Filinvest, Alabang / Skyway
RACE CATEGORIES: 3.8k / 6k / 10k / 21k / 42.195k
RACE BENEFICIARIES: 
- Kabasalan, Zamboanga de Sibugay Planting Site
- Hero Foundation
- Bikes for the Philippines
- icanserve Foundation Inc
- Liter of Light

REGISTRATION PERIOD: November 15 to December 23, 2012
ONSITE REGISTRATION SITE: Asics Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati
ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.conduraskywaymarathon.com

Race Registration Fees and Race Inclusions

Other Race Freebies

Assembly and Gun Times

Race Shirt for all categories (design by Team Manila)

Finisher Medals

ASICS Promo:

Buy a pair of Asics running shoes (worth 5500php) and register in any race distance for FREE! (Terms & Conditions apply. Participating Asics outlets: Greenbelt 3, Solenad Nuvali and zalora.com) 

ASICS Run for Free Promo

Winner Prizes:

FILINVEST GUIDE MAPS:

RACE MAPS:

3.8k / 6k / 10k Race Route

21k Race Route

42.195k Race Route

**********************************

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

 **********************************

CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON KICKS OFF 2013 WITH MORE REASONS TO RUN

The premier marathon event in the country, the Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 goes to the starting line on February 3, 2013 in Filinvest City,  Alabang. It will be the curtain-raiser for the new running year of 2013 - perfect timing for those who are serious in getting back to form after the long series of holidays and merry-making and for those who finally would like to get off that couch and find the fun and fulfilment in running.

Organized by Condura Skyway Marathon’s Founder and Chief Organizing Officer, Ton Concepcion and its running ambassador Patrick Concepcion,  the sixth edition of this much-anticipated yearly race event by runners for runners once again is out to prove that it is worthy of its bid to be the premier running event in Asia Pacific. 

This year, the race will have the usual 10k, 21k and full 42k marathon categories plus the new 3.8k, 6k which are especially meant for the fun and adventurous runners who are not yet ready to take on the mid to long distance-races. 

By the first hour of February 3, 2013, the Condura Skyway Marathon will again make the Skyway as the runners’ playground.  Originating from the Filinvest City in Alabang, runners of all distances will be taken to the Skyway as a major part of their race route – a major attraction that promises runners of an exclusive, traffic-free, clean and well-lit race environment. 

Apart from the challenge and fun that this race has in-store for runners, participating in this race will also mean taking part in the Condura Skyway Marathon advocacy of helping with the reforestation of the Mangroves in Zamboanga de Sibugay in partnership with Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) . Each runner through their registration, will get to donate three mangrove seedlings which will be planted in his/her name. In 2012, the first year that Condura Skyway Marathon adopted the mangroves reforestation project to its cause, a total of 39,000 seedlings have already been planted in Kabasalan Town through runners’ donation.

A very special treat also awaits interested Condura Skyway Marathon 2013 participants!  Get a chance to register for FREE to any race category upon buying a pair of an ASICS running shoes. 

Registration to the race is from November 15 to December 23, 2012 at the Asics Registration Center in Greenbelt 3 Ayala Mall in Makati City. Each participant will receive, as part of the registration, an “I RAN FOR THE MANGROVES” quick-dry shirt designed for the event by Team Manila.

Whether a participant is a newbie or a seasoned runner, completing their chosen distance makes them an absolute winner  since each runner will receive a cool Finisher’s Medal whichever distance they have completed! For full marathon finishers, an “I CONQUERED THE SKYWAY” finisher’s shirt exclusively designed by Team Manila will also be given to them.

The Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 is presented by co-title sponsor Skyway, sports apparel and shoe sponsor Asics, hydration sponsor 100 Plus and venue sponsor Filinvest City. It is backed by Zalora. For more information on the race and its advocacy visit the official website www.conduraskywaymarathon.com or the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/conduraskywaymarathon

About the Condura Skyway Marathon
The Condura Skyway Marathon is an annual running event open to amateur and professional runners. From its simple beginnings in 2007 as a short-distance Condura Run race event in Metro Manila, the Condura Skyway Marathon has grown to be one of the biggest, premier running event in the country attracting more than ten thousand runners across the country who are interested to have a Skyway running experience. 

 **********************************

Condura Skyway Run for the Dolphins: My First 21k

Fresh from my first 5k run, an impulse-based, crazy idea came to mind: join my experienced running friends who signed up for their first 21k. I found out they joined one of the country's premier running events, the Condura Run 2010. I was a running newbie back then but at the back of my mind I was thinking, Condura plus Skyway would equate to something big.

A week after Takbo Para Kay Gibo, I found myself lining-up at the New Balance ATC registration booth. A few people ahead of me on queue had their registration forms ready. Curious at what they were signing-up for, I took quick glances at their forms: 5k, 10k, 5k, 5k. And then it was my turn and I handed out a registration form with the 21k checkbox marked. What the hell was I signing-up for?

I was now committed. I had to do some serious training and I had to do it fast. I only had less than 3 weeks left before the event. Good thing my running friends Geoff and Ying were not taking 21k lightly either. They planned regular running practices at the Fort, and I needed to go with them on every single practice. We were trying to build up mileage. And by the first week of February, a few days before the actual race, we were able to run 14k. That's 7k away from 21k, right? I had to convince myself I had the confidence to survive my first half-mary.

February 7, 2010 - Race day. I had trouble sleeping the night before, out of excitement and nervous anticipation perhaps. During the ride to the Fort, we already saw some 42k runners being paced by a guy with balloons on his back. I would have laughed looking at the scene on a regular day, but there was nothing particularly funny when you had the nerves to fight.

Arriving at the Fort, it was already assembly time for the 21k runners. Of course we had to capture our pre-race looks first.

The starting line feeling was intense. Adrenalin rush was starting to kick-in. Upon gun-start, coupled with fireworks and bands playing at the side, the race started. There was a lot of energy in me that I had to leave my running companions behind and run fast. I had my own pace and I was beginning to overtake a lot of runners along the way. Arriving at Buendia flyover, it was a test on who can endure the long, gradual incline better. A number of participants were just walking it out, but not me. I love running inclines; it makes me feel stronger conquering every hard step.

The next part I could remember is the part when we were already about to traverse the path to Skyway. At the base of flyover, race bandits were not being allowed to enter (Sorry guys, but you have to pay to experience this; that's just fair). Again it was a gradual and painful incline. The next thing I know, I was already running the Skyway path and it was worth it. The elite runners were already on their way back to the Fort, and I can only feel adoration for the passion these runners put on the sport. I also saw Coach Rio on his way back. He was alone but the runners beside me were shouting "Go Coach!". I had to shout too.

The U-turn was located at the Skyway toll gate. It was a great feeling to receive the race U-turn necklace. I wore it proudly around my neck and I knew it was now time to go back to the Fort. The sun was already up but the temperature's still perfect for running. I was very happy of my race position by this time. I knew I was kinda ahead; a lot of runners were still running the opposite direction when I was heading back and I even saw my race companions passing by.

By Buendia flyover, I was beginning to feel tired. For the first time during the race, I walked going up the flyover. I just knew that if I try to run during this point, I might not have enough energy to make it to the finish line. There were still a few kilometers to go. After the flyover, I kept a slow and steady pace until I saw what I was long anticipating to see: the final kilometer mark. By this point I ran fast again until the finish line arch. There, finishers were being greeted by race marshalls and being given their medals. The last medal I wore was back in high school, so receiving a medal at that moment was a bit nostalgic. The 21k medal was well-earned.


Later that day, the race results were released. I clocked in at 2 hours, 6 minutes and 55 seconds, placing 241st out of 1500 21k runners. This is an achievement that I will always treasure.