adidas and Spotify Team Up to Boost Your Run

*** Press Release ***

adidas and Spotify Team Up to Boost Your Run

Runners can now Enjoy Endless Energy and Personalized Playlists 

Herzogenaurach, Germany (May, 2014) – adidas has partnered with one of the world’s leading digital music sources, Spotify, to #boostyourrun with personalized playlists tailored to match the Endless Energy of BOOST™.

Runners can visit www.Spotify.com/boostyourrun in their mobile browser and input details including location, distance, musical interest and workout intensity to create a playlist that seamlessly opens in their Spotify app. The provided information will generate a selection of tracks tailored to the distance and music that matches the runner’s desired intensity which includes “easy,” “moderate” and “push it.”

“Boost makes everything about running better and now that also includes the music that millions of runners rely on for motivation,” said Adrien Leek, senior vice president of adidas running. “The relationship between adidas and Spotify is a perfect match that will enhance any runner’s experience.”

Boost Your Run marks the first time Spotify will leverage its library of more than 20 million songs to provide a personalised playlist for runners. In a matter of seconds runners can easily enjoy a new Spotify playlist each time they lace up with the adidas Boost Your Run activation.

“Partnering with adidas is the perfect way to strengthen our relationship with the rapidly-growing fleet of runners around the world,” said Chris Maples, VP of Europe for Spotify. “The energy adidas provides with Boost, combined with the energy runners get from our endless supply of music, delivers a unique running experience from headphones to toe.”

While enjoying the highest Energy Return of any foam cushioning and one of the world’s largest digital music libraries, runners are also encouraged to share their experience using #boostyourrun via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Runners who use #boostyourrun also have a chance to be rewarded with prizes such as full year Spotify Premium accounts for their participation.

adidas Boost Your Run is available wherever Spotify is accessible. Spotify coverage continues to grow globally and for a complete list of areas that offer Spotify and Boost Your Run, please visit http://press.spotify.com/us/information/.   

Keep up with the adidas running story by following www.facebook.com/adidasrunning and www.twitter.com/adidasrunning. 

adidas Climachill Apparel

*** Press Release ***

New adidas apparel lowers your temperature and raises your game

March 20, 2014 – Today, adidas launched a revolution in active cooling technology, the adidas Climachill™ range. The range incorporates an innovative fabric using titanium and 3D aluminium cooling spheres. The technology provides an instant ‘chill’ effect to help athletes’s performance in warm conditions lowering their body temperature so they can train harder, run longer, retain their focus and compete better.

adidas understands the importance of temperature management to make athletes better and for the first time used evaporation and conduction methods together.  Revolutionary aluminium cooling spheres are strategically located to correspond with the warmest area of the body, cooling skin down upon contact. In addition to the aluminium dots, the ground-breaking SubZero flat yarn contains titanium and is woven throughout the inside of each Climachill™ jersey, delivering up to 36 % more cooling capacity*.

The range was rigorously tested in the state of the art adidas ‘Clima’ chamber, with temperatures as high as 50°C. By using a 35-degree ‘hot plate’ to simulate critical functions of the human skin, adidas were able to determine a pre-selection of functional fabrics to find the ultimate Climachill™ fabric.

The Climachill™ technology goes on sale worldwide from 1 April within various categories including; Men’s, Women’s and Kid’s Training, as well as Tennis and Outdoor wear. The key pieces in the Climachill™ product range are the Men’s Training t-shirt and the Women’s Tennis top.

David Beckham, Climachill™ ambassador commented on the new range: ‘Playing and training in extreme conditions can be very challenging both mentally and physically. In my time as a player I have played in cold conditions in the North of England and in very hot climate in the US – weather can really make a difference to an athlete’s performance. The technology used in the Climachill™ range will really help athletes concentrate on their game so they can perform at their best, even in the harshest of conditions.’

Heike Leibl, adidas SVP for Training added: ‘At adidas we are constantly striving to create innovations to make the athlete comfortable so they can focus on performance. The Aluminium Cooling Spheres used in the Climachill™ range provide an instant ‘chill’ effect to keep the athlete at their peak optimum temperature to perform at their best in any conditions.”

The new adidas Climachill™ range will be available in the Philippines starting April 15 in leading adidas and sports stores nationwide.

For more information, go to news.adidas.com or facebook.com/adidasPH
*Compared to past adidas Climacool garments

Introducing the adidas Energy BOOST!

*** Press Release ***

Endless Energy Begins with BOOST™

adidas Continues to Expand its Energy Running Footprint

Herzogenaurach, Germany (February 2014) – Inspired by insight and driven by demand, adidas BOOST™ cushioning technology delivers the Energy Running solution that today’s runners are chasing.

As they hit the roads, tracks and trails in record numbers, today’s runners are seeking more from their runs and more from their running shoes. To answer the call, adidas and partner BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, developed BOOST foam cushioning that returns more energy than any other foam cushioning in the running industry. By using thousands of eye-catching energy capsules BOOST has changed running forever.

BOOST technology forges the qualities of performance cushioning and responsiveness that runners were previously forced to choose between. Energy BOOST, the first shoe to feature BOOST technology was unleashed last February and continues to provide runners with a unique Energy Running experience.

“BOOST has blazed the trail for Energy Running and reflects adidas’ commitment to strategic performance innovation,” said Eric Liedtke, adidas head of performance. “As the shoe that helped us introduce BOOST, Energy BOOST demonstrates the elaborate research and cutting edge development required to satisfy today’s Energy Running crave.”

BOOST was developed to remain consistently cushioned and incredibly responsive through sub-zero cold to punishing heat. Testing conducted by the adidas Innovation Team (aIT) revealed that, when taken from +40 to -20 degrees Celsius, BOOST foam is three times more temperature-resistant than standard EVA material, providing a more consistent run.

The upper of Energy BOOST features adidas Techfit, highly durable elastic polyurethane that provides optimal comfort and support to the entire foot while in motion. The formfitting, breathable mesh material offers the fit of a sock, while engineered powerbands across the upper provide targeted support and stabilization.

Energy BOOST also includes an extended TORSION® system from heel to toe which helps minimize roll for stability. This feature works with an external heel counter, which maximizes the heel fit and comfort during runs.

On February 26, adidas will unveil the first wave of new Energy BOOST colorways with a second series in March to complement its state-of-the-art Energy Running technology.

The new collection of miCoach compatible Energy BOOST colorways will retail for PHP 7995 and will be available at leading adidas and sports stores nationwide.

adidas Unleashes Explosive Energy with Springblade

*** Press Release ***

ADIDAS UNLEASHES EXPLOSIVE ENERGY WITH SPRINGBLADE

The only running shoe with innovative blade technology 

designed to help propel you forward 

Manila, February 2014 – Today adidas launches Springblade in the Philippines, the first running shoe with individually tuned blades engineered to help propel runners forward with one of the most effective energy returns in the industry.

Unlike standard EVA midsoles that deliver energy return in a vertical direction, Springblade features 16 forward angled blades made out of a high-tech polymer.  The highly elastic blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy to create an efficient push-off that feels like you have springs under your feet.

“Springblade’s progressive look and blade technology are radically different than any running shoe ever created,” said James Carnes, global creative director of performance at adidas.  “At the same time, adidas’ goal is to create a beautiful performance shoe designed to be simple and intuitive.”

Carnes continued, “Every aspect of Springblade is engineered to reflect extensive athlete insights to help make them better.  For design inspiration, we drew upon everyday objects that deliver explosive energy return – everything from springboards to pole vaults and motorcycle suspensions.”

Each blade is precisely tuned in geometry, thickness and position for each phase of a runner’s stride to provide support and a full range of movement. Additionally, Springblade’s flexible construction was designed to hug the top of a runner’s foot, locking it in to harness the energy returned from the springs on the outsole.

“adidas is continuing to develop new innovations based on what athletes not only need but demand,” said Mikal Peveto, director of running at adidas America.  “We know we have something special with BOOST cushioning introduced earlier this year and we’re confident Springblade will set us apart from the competition once again.”

Peveto continued, “Six years in the making, Springblade provides one of the highest energy returns in the industry.”

aIT (adidas Innovation Team) tested hundreds of materials to ensure each spring produced maximum energy efficiency with every step and conducted rigorous ballistics tests to maintain long-lasting durability.  For top performance in all environments, Springblade is seven times more temperature resistant than shoes with adidas’ standard EVA cushioning.

Springblade is available for Php 8995 on February at adidas Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia and Planet Sports Power Plant (Rockwell). 

adidas running innovates high performance footwear and apparel with easy to understand benefits to help athletes of every level get faster and better for their sport.  For more information visit facebook.com/adidasPH.

adidas Supernova Glide BOOST

*** Press Release ***

ADIDAS TRANSFORMS THE ICONIC SUPERNOVA GLIDE WITH BOOST

Herzogenaurach, Germany (December 2013) – adidas has launched the Supernova Glide BOOST™, a combination of the precision crafted Supernova system and the revolutionary energy return of BOOST™ technology.

Launched earlier this year, BOOST™ provides a higher energy return than any other foam cushioning material in the running industry. The Supernova Glide has endured as one of adidas’ most successful technical running shoes, highlighted by adidas’ Torsion System, a Continental rubber outsole and an engineered mesh upper. With the addition of adidas’ BOOST™ superior cushioning, the latest edition of Supernova Glide is built to provide runners with the ultimate experience.

“It was a natural next step to combine the highly effective running technology of BOOST with the trademark Supernova line,” said Andrew Barr, Senior Product Manager, adidas Running. “The Supernova Glide is regarded as the runners’ shoe. Adding adidas BOOST™ technology will help take this iconic shoe and the runners who wear it to the next level.”

The engineered mesh upper ensures movement feels natural and provides support where needed. A full-length stability Torsion System allows the runners’ heel and forefoot to move naturally while the mid-foot remains flexible and stable. Ultimate grip for better traction in all weather conditions is provided by a high performance Continental™ rubber outsole.

“The Supernova Glide BOOST provides runners with a strategic compilation of our most innovative technology,” said Barr. “adidas has once again expanded the boundaries in the running category with the launch of Supernova Glide BOOST.”

The Supernova Glide BOOST™ 6 is available for purchase at leading adidas Sport Performance and Runnr Stores in the Philippines with a recommended retail price of PHP 5995.

adidas miCoach SMART RUN GPS Watch

ADIDAS REVOLUTIONIZES THE RUNNING WATCH 

miCoach SMART RUN Gives Runners Everything They Need in One Device

*** Press Release ***

Philippines, Friday, 29 November 2013 – adidas introduces the miCoach SMART RUN, the most advanced and intuitive wrist based running device on the market. For the first time, runners will be able to track their runs using GPS mapping, monitor their heart rate off their wrist, listen to their favorite music and get real-time coaching in a single, simple, color touch screen running watch.

As SMART RUN uses optical technology to track your heart rate from your wrist, there are no cables, straps and additional sensors with this unique all-in-one device. A built-in accelerometer counts every step so you can monitor your stride rate. GPS tracks your speed, distance and logs your route and an MP3 player with Bluetooth® wireless audio delivers music and audible coaching guidance, eliminating the need for head phone cables and music players.

“By combining the latest innovations, such as the Mio Wrist Based Continuous Heart Rate Technology, design and ease of use navigation, we consciously defied the rules that define other running watches,” said Simon Drabble, director of miCoach at adidas.

“But it’s not just that which sets us apart from the competition. As part of the miCoach training system, it truly unlocks the runner’s full potential by making smart training easy and accessible. Whether you’re starting a new running program, training for a 10k or competing in another marathon, miCoach SMART RUN will make your training more efficient so you get the results you want,” continued Drabble.

Interval (or zone) training is the best way to improve strength, speed and endurance. The miCoach system is founded on this concept with four colored zones – blue, green, yellow and red. SMART RUN uses these zones to coach you throughout your workout. Guidance comes in various forms including vibration, through the 1.45” color touch screen display and, if you are using a Bluetooth headset, the coach will tell you to speed up or slow down.

Drabble continued, “Many runners fail to get the most out of their current running watches. Building training plans, transferring workouts and personalizing display information is cumbersome with these devices. With SMART RUN we change this. It is fully integrated with our web platform so training plans, completed workouts and settings are synced seamlessly over WLAN.”

Smart training is not just about intervals. You will need to combine cardio with strength and flexibility to get the results you want and SMART RUN excels here too. More than 400 anatomically correct animations combine to make hundreds of workouts and plans. The animations play right on the watch helping to guide you correctly through each repetition and circuit.

“The completeness and simplicity of Smart Run is astounding.” Terrence Mahon, Lead Endurance Coach, UK Athletics Federation said.  “The visual and audible guidance for interval training is a leap forward from any other watch available. Another aspect that is often overlooked by runners is how important strength and flexibility workouts are in realizing performance gain and reducing injuries. To have this guidance on the watch too is truly groundbreaking.”

Unrivaled in innovation and feature-set, the miCoach SMART RUN is completed with premium design language and fine styling, including athletic lines, stainless steel trim, high performance guerrilla glass and magnesium.

The miCoach SMART RUN is available for purchase exclusively at the adidas eShop (shop.adidas.com.ph) at a retail price of PHP 19,995 from 1st December 2013.

About adidas miCoach
miCoach is an interactive training service for anyone who wants to train for his or her favorite sport, general fitness or just for fun. Bringing the knowledge and experience of adidas’ elite coaching partners to the masses, miCoach provides users with real-time coaching and all the tools they need to track performance and monitor progress to get the results they want. The breadth of the offer includes a free to access web platform and training community with hundreds of free training plans, free mobile apps on iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 as well as a comprehensive range of devices for tracking all aspects of performance, both in game and in training. Visit www.micoach.com.

Mary Grace Delos Santos Defends adidas "King of the Road" Title

*** Press Release ***

Filipina defends her title in the adidas King of the Road Finals

Grand finale of the adidas King of the Road 2013 held in Malaysia last October 20, 2013

Petaling Jaya, 20th October 2013 – Filipina runner Mary Grace Delos Santos was recently crowned Queen of the Road in the final leg of the adidas King of the Road (KOTR) South East Asia, clocking in 1 hour and 3 minutes for the 16.8km distance.

Passion and determination filled the air when 11,000 runners came together in Malaysia to participate in the last leg of this year’s adidas King of the Road. Held along the New Pantai Expressway Highway, the run marks the 15th edition which was officially flagged off by Y. Bhg. Dato' Mohd Shafiq B. Abdullah of the Ministry of Works.

The run, which has a unique elevated route across three key districts - Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, also played host as the final leg of the prestigious running event.

The top two reigning champions from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia came together to compete for this year’s Regional adidas KOTR run, with the crown going to Sgt Boonthung Srisung of Thailand who completed the 16.8K SEA men’s category run in 52 minutes and 35 seconds and Delos Santos of the Philippines for the women’s category.

Delos Santos earned her ticket to the finals by being the defending champion of last year’s adidas KOTR Southeast Asia in Singapore. Fellow Filipinos Eduardo Buenavista and Mary Joy Tabal also joined her in the 16.8K run by being the first place finishers in their respective categories in the Philippine leg of the KOTR this year. Tabal finished strong, only a minute behind Delos Santos.

The theme for this year’s race is ‘Boost your run’, inspired by the latest adidas BOOST™ foam innovation which has revolutionized the running world with its debut in the market earlier this year. The new adidas BOOST™ range features groundbreaking cushioning technology, which provides the highest energy return in the running industry.

adidas has a long standing history in running and athletics dating back to 1928 when its founder, Adi Dassler, supplied Una Radke with a handmade pair of spikes to wear during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam. Many more heroes of athletics have followed including Jesse Owens, Emil Ziltopek, Al Oerter, Bob Beamon, Daley Thompson, Grete Waitz, Heike Henkel and Haile Gebrselassie.

adidas CRAZYCOOL in Crazy Cool Colors!

*** Press Release ***

adidas introduces the new CRAZYCOOL line of shoes featuring climacool® technology

Manila, October 21, 2013 – adidas is excited to introduce the new CRAZYCOOL to the next generation of runners who value maximum flexibility, breathability and comfort. Featuring climacool® technology, the new CRAZYCOOL spots an improved flexible design and construction, an all-around 360-degree ventilation, as well as a high flex midsole to create a dynamic look and fit.

The superior functionality and performance of the CRAZYCOOL line can be attributed to its unique blend of quality material and exquisite design. Constructed to create the ultimate freedom for the movement of your feet, the shoe features anatomical flex grooves, which facilitate smooth transition while running.

The unique upper construction of the CRAZYCOOL with the adidas CoolFrame® material ensures lightweight upper support and increased upper breathability while air channels in the sole allow airflow throughout. An enhanced offer from its predecessor climacool® range, the new and improved CRAZYCOOL boasts a thin micro suede tongue that makes the shoes even lighter. An in-built ADIWEAR™ outsole also boosts durability in high wear areas.

Since its introduction in 2011, the adidas climacool® has remained one of adidas’ best-selling product concepts worldwide. This revolutionary technology was later incorporated into multiple adidas running footwear lines such as the CC Revolution, the CC Ride and the CC Chill. Climacool® material was developed by adidas to reduce in-shoe moisture by 20 per cent and foot temperature by 12 per cent, thereby improving runners’ comfort level and performance as high humidity and temperature in shoes is one of the main causes of discomfort.

The adidas CRAZYCOOL is available in a wide range of colorways and retails for Php5495 in adidas Sports Performance and retail stores.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/adidasPH.

adiZero Primeknit 2.0 Now Available!

Feast your eyes on the latest shoes from adidas - the adidas Primeknit!

*** Press Release ***

adiZero Primeknit now available in new exciting colours this season

Manila, October 15th, 2013: The new adiZero Primeknit 2.0, the first one-piece upper Performance running shoe, is being rolled out in new exciting colours this Fall/Winter season for both men and women.

Using the latest design tools with a new seamless engineering technology, adidas has created a first-of-its-kind running shoe. While traditional sports shoes are constructed from several different pieces, this breakthrough method digitally knits the entire upper in just one piece. Knitting fused yarn fine-tunes the exact amount of flexibility and support needed in every part of the shoe. There is no lining or reinforcements – the strength comes from the fused yarn, digitally-knitted in distinct grid patterns to provide ventilation. This all means lightweight comfort that wraps seamlessly around your foot, whilst fewer materials produce less waste.

James Carnes, Head of Design for Sport Performance at adidas, said, “We are constantly innovating to bring superior performance products to the greatest athletes in the world.  In designing the adizero Primeknit, our goal was to completely rethink how footwear is engineered, with a keen eye on sustainable construction. This revolutionary design will forever change the way we engineer shoes, combining both premium innovation and maximum performance benefits.”

The adiZero Primeknit collection will be available at adidas Bonifacio Global City starting October 18, 2013 at PHP8295. A total of six colorways will launch in the Philippines, starting with the White and Pink models, followed by four more in November to January 2014.

Follow www.facebook.com/adidasPH for more information.

adidas Launches CRAZYCOOL for #mygirls

*** Press Release *** 

#mygirls is all in for running

adidas launches CRAZYCOOL in-line with the SEA #mygirls campaign 

Manila, October 7th, 2013: adidas proudly presents phase two of the #mygirls campaign in Southeast Asia. Themed around girls’ passion for running, #mygirls continues the brand direction refreshed to focus on one key insight – girls in Southeast Asia rely on their peers and communities as a source of strength and play an instrumental role in inspiring each other to go all in, whatever their pursuits.

 

 

First launched in September this year, #mygirls is a successful campaign created by women for women serving to provide girls with the inspiration, support and motivation to go all in for their sporting passions.

 

Similarly, phase two of the #mygirls campaign will be launched simultaneously across the region – Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam – on October 7, 2013, supported by Retail, PR, digital and online activations through adidas’ Facebook page. adidas teamed up with local ambassadors from across the region – Fay Hokulani (representing Malaysia and Singapore), Karylle (Philippines), Si Phitsinee Tanwiboon (Thailand), Maria Selena (Indonesia) and Nguyen Thi Kim Dung (Vietnam) – bringing them together on one social platform to connect and share their experiences, sporting passions and personal motivations to spur each other and other girls on in their individual pursuits.

adidas will be debuting the FW13 CrazyCool Women’s footwear collection through the #mygirls campaign. Being insanely flexible and incredibly breathable, CrazyCool comes with all-around 360-degree ventilation, a super-articulated and flexible tooling and high flex midsole to create a dynamic look and fit for the next generation of runners who value maximum flexibility, breathability and comfort. It also features the COOLEVER mesh, a lining with a clover-shaped yam, to manage heat and sweat reducing discomfort to increase performance. CRAZYCOOL will be available in adidas Sports Performance stores on October 1, 2013 at PHP 5495.

Please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/adidasPH

adidas Casts a Spotlight on the Passion for Dance

*** Press Release ***

DANCE REVOLUTION:

ADIDAS CASTS A SPOTLIGHT ON THE PASSION FOR DANCE

A sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes action of the dance themed #mygirls campaign for Southeast Asia

Manila, September 15th, 2013: adidas has launched its first Southeast Asia campaign for women, all in for #mygirls. The first phase themed around the girls’ love for dance highlighted the shared passion of dance between girls in Southeast Asia who rely on their peers and communities as a source of strength and play an instrumental role in inspiring each other to go all in.

Decked out in bold and playful colours, the behind- the-scenes photo shoot presented the upbeat, unique and energetic nature of the women. The stylish yet comfortable Techfit, CIimalite and Yoga apparel, coupled with the sporty adiPURE and Climacool footwear brought out the sassy and exuberant dancer in the girls.

#mygirls for Southeast Asia was launched simultaneously on 1 September 2013 in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam with regional ambassadors - Karylle (Philippines), Fay Hokulani (representing Malaysia and Singapore), Si Phitsinee Tanwiboon (Thailand), Maria Selena (Indonesia) and Nguyen Thi Kim Dung (Vietnam). This campaign was supported by Retail, PR, digital and online activations through adidas’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/adidas).

Customers will also be able to get their hands on the Women’s Collection at shop.adidas.com.ph, serving as an online storefront for a wide range of adidas products including exclusive specialty items.

Please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/adidasPH

adidas: all in for #mygirls

*** Press Release ***

all in for #my girls

adidas celebrates the bonds shared between girls in Southeast Asia with its first ever regional campaign for women 

Philippines, September 1st, 2013: adidas proudly introduces its first Southeast Asia campaign for women, all in for #mygirls. The initiative is driven by a refreshed cross-category brand direction which centres on the key insight that girls in Southeast Asia rely on their peers and communities as a source of strength and play an instrumental role in inspiring each other to go all in, whatever their pursuits.

Created by women for women, #mygirls is about providing inspiration, support and motivation through the sharing of real stories of real women through multiple touch points, to encourage Southeast Asia girls to go all in for their sporting passions.

adidas teamed up with local ambassadors from across the region – Fay Hokulani (representing Malaysia and Singapore), Karylle (Philippines), Si Phitsinee Tanwiboon (Thailand), Maria Selena Nurcahya (Indonesia) and Nguyen Thi Kim Dung (Vietnam) – bringing them together on one social platform to connect and share their experiences, sporting passions and personal motivations to spur each other and other girls on in their individual pursuits.

#mygirls for Southeast Asia kicks off with the release of the Fall/Winter FW13 women’s training collection. The first phase is themed around the girls’ love for dance, and the campaign will be launched across the region on 1 September 2013 supported by Retail, PR, digital and online activations through adidas’ Facebook page. #mygirls for Southeast Asia is set to launch simultaneously in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

adidas Crowned the Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road 2013

The Philippines is All In for the Biggest Race Across Southeast Asia

adidas Crowned the Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road 2013 

Manila, July 7 – adidas King of the Road 2013 proved to be one of the biggest and most anticipated races in the Philippines. Over 7,000 runners gathered at Bonifacio Global City to strive for the title of King and Queen of the Road.

adidas, an advocate of the running sport all over the world, continued its commitment by providing an opportunity for runners to engage in their passion. King of the Road does not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but camaraderie through healthy competition.

Over 7,000 runners gathered at Bonifacio Global City last July 7 for the Philippine Leg of King of the Road 2013. 

This year’s race garnered more than 8,000 registered runners spread over three categories, 16.8k, 10k, and a new category, the 10k School Championship relay, which allows pairs to run 5k each. Race routes were marked with specific race distances and volunteer cheerleaders to encourage runners to cross the finish line. Celebrities like Sam YG, Karylle, Ramon Bautista, Isabelle Daza, Erwan Heusssaff and Rovilson Fernandez also supported the race.

Volunteer cheerleaders encouraged runners and made the route more colorful.

The Philippines’ King and Queen of the Road, placing first in the 16.8K Closed (All-Filipino) category, are defending champion, Eduardo Buenavista with a running time of 54 minutes and 24 seconds, and May Joy Tabal with a running time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 47 seconds, beating last year’s Queen Mary Grace delos Santos by around 2 minutes. Buenavista and Tabal were both awarded Php25,000 and will be representing the Philippines in the King of the Road Southeast Asia, which will be happening on October in Malaysia.

This year’s King and Queen of the Road, representing the Philippines in KOTR Southeast Asia in Malaysia are Eduardo Buenavista and May Joy Tabal

For the 16.8K Open (International) category, the winners were Josphat Kiptanui Too with a running time of 51 minutes and 41 seconds, and Joan Aiyabei with a running time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 12 seconds.

The race also signaled the launch of the new colors of the adidas Energy Boost. Featuring the ground-breaking cushioning technology BOOST™, which provides the highest energy return in the running industry, has set a new benchmark for adidas running footwear. Launched in the Philippines earlier in the year, now, BOOST™ is being rolled out to more adidas running products and colors. The shoes were on display at the race through a selling booth and on celebrities as they ran.

To continue their efforts for all things running, adidas also launched the new colorways of BOOST footwear

To see the complete race results, go to www.proactive.ph. For more information on adidas products and events, follow www.facebook.com/adidas.

Race Statistics:

Winner Results:

Top Finishers 16.8k Open

MEN:

1st: Josphat Kiptanui Too, Country: Kenya, Time: 51m41s

2nd: Willy Rotich, Country: Kenya, Time: 53m08s

3rd: Pierluigi Miconi, Country: Italy, Time: 1h6m13s

WOMEN:

1st: Joan Aiyabei, Country: Kenya, Time: 1h5m12s

2nd: Kristina Beckendorf, Country: Germany, Time:1h18m29s

3rd: Helen Susanto, Country: Indonesia, Time: 1h27m27s

Top Finishers 16.8 Closed

MEN:

1st: Eduardo Buenavista, Time: 54m24s

2nd: Rafael Poliquit Jr., Time: 54m34s

3rd: Alley Quisay, Time: 57m40s

WOMEN:

1st: May Joy Tabal, Time: 1h7m47s

2nd: Mary Grace Delos Santos, Time: 1h9m16s

3rd: Nhea Ann Barcena, Time: 1h12m47s

Top Finishers 10k

MEN:

1st: Jackson Chirchir, Time: 30m52s

2nd: John Chebii, Time: 31m25s

3rd: Ezekiel Roto, Time: 32m06s

WOMEN:

1st: Irene Kipchumba, Time: 38m46s

2nd: Flordeliza Donos, Time: 39m16s

3rd: Susan Chemutai, Time: 39m39s

Top Finishers of 10k Relay

1st: Alex Ballester & Julia Taño, Time: 39m56s

2nd: Reymark Llamado & Michelle Tanwangco, Time: 46m51s

3rd: Adrian Karl Maquilan & Raziel Angela Lizardo, Time: 1h4m58s

adidas KOTR 2013: A Roller-Coaster Ride!

It's been almost a week since the adidas King of the Road 2013 race. My blog title says it all: the race experience has been one hell of a roller-coaster ride. Excitement, disappointment, race event highs, race kit claiming lows. My biggest pitfall is that with the big brand, I had very high expectations, not to mention it's already the event's fifth year (from what I know, KOTR started 2009). In that time span, registration fee increased from 2009's P500 for the 21k category to this year's P1300 for the 16.8k category. With the increased fees, it follows that everyone would expect improving services from the organizer.

Registration Period:

During the registration period, which started way back May 2, registered participants were informed that race kit claiming will be from July 1 to July 6, on selected adidas stores. Singlet sizes were available on registration sites, which is a good thing. The official adidas KOTR site indicated that the singlet color will be on a first-come-first-served basis, so it's quite implied that most participants would get the correct size but not their preferred color, which is supposedly fine. It was also clearly stated on the site that singlets are of European sizes, and with our Filipino built, it's quite obvious demand for smaller sizes will be higher (and that perhaps the race organizer would order more of the smaller sizes). I selected XS when I signed-up. I promised myself I'll be one of the first people to claim come July 1.

Race Kit Claiming Disaster: 

Fast forward to June 28 (Friday): I got an SMS from PROACTIVE, saying there will be an early race kit claiming on June 29 and 30 at BGC. Uh-oh! A short notice announcement. I quite panicked. I knew this was a disaster brewing come the supposed first day of claiming. I had weekend plans as well so I had no time to insert claiming on my schedule. I have to wait until Monday.

June 30, Sunday night, I was already getting news of the lack of smaller sizes, particularly the XS size, after the mass kit claiming of big running teams/groups. I was still hoping though that new stocks will be replenished on adidas stores the following day for the regular kit claiming.

July 1, woke up early and went to adidas BGC. A long line greeted me upon my arrival. I wonder what's causing the hold up and saw only a couple of personnel manning the claiming booth. People claiming were also being allowed to fit the race singlet. WHY!?!

Long lines. Poor customer service.

Unfortunately, 30 minutes later upon approaching the claiming staff, I was informed that XS is no longer available, the smallest size that they have is S, and that is only for the infrared color. Smallest size for the yellow and the blue singlets is M. I was so pissed-off, but controlled my temper to argue with the staff. I settled for what was available. Do I have any choice? I ranted instead on my FB account.

Snippet of my FB KOTR race kit claiming rants and its comments.

After reading my FB post, Noelle De Guzman (Kikay Runner), coordinated with a contact from PROACTIVE to shed some light on the lack of stocks of smaller singlet sizes. It seems that the cause of the mishap points back to the weekend claiming: size swapping was allowed! PROACTIVE should have at least provided the sizes runners originally registered for, waited for the majority to finish claiming, and only allowed swapping on the last few days of claiming.

Reading on social media sites and forums, it was one of the worst race kit claiming ever:
- A friend of mine who registered online, got her kit delivered to her home address. You would think with the additional delivery cost, it would be hassle-free but no! She got a singlet for men.
- Read in a forum of runners who did online registration and got the wrong singlet sizes delivered to them.
- Saw a pic in Twitter of a person who waited 7 hours just to get his race kit.
- Saw another pic in Twitter of a long queue in BGC Trinoma. I remember while I was claiming, staff in BGC informed me not to even attempt going to Trinoma as it was already chaotic there.
- Pinoyfitness post on KOTR garnered one of the highest comments ever (of rants and hate and pandemonium)!

July 2, Tuesday morning, another SMS from PROACTIVE arrived. Race kit claiming on the adidas stores were closed and again centralized in BGC. Another short notice announcement, which I'm sure did not reach all runners. The SMS simply mentioned they wanted "to improve their services". There was not even a hint of apology for the hassles they have caused.

I dropped my expectations on race day significantly.

[On a lighter note, I had my singlet altered at Alter Station Glorietta.]

Race Day:

A complete 180 degree turn of events, race day is as perfect as it could be. It had all the elements of a perfect race event (using the winning formula of Runrio races):
- Organized pre-race program
- Well-planned race route and visible race markers
- Lots of security and marshals and medical aid
- Photographers everywhere!
- Great hydration
- Organized loot bag claiming
- A finisher medal like no other (this is c/o adidas and not the local organizer, I would presume)

All these and a bonus of race groups cheering along the way! It was festive and fun. (The weather even cooperated too!)

Spot Isabelle Daza!

A few (hundred) meters before the finish line

I finished with a time of 1:48:41, maintaining a steady, easy pace throughout the course. 

Race day performance - took a whole minute before crossing the starting line!

And now to the post-race photos:

By the way, I also had the privilege of being one of the judges on the cheering competition (thanks to Jham). There were a lot of running groups who participated and provided a much needed boost to runners especially on the final stretch of the race. Team Ponkan was announced as the winner.

With Jham

Post-race breakfast at Banapple

I really hope for improvement on 2014's KOTR, especially on the race kit claiming part. I'd like to quote a friend who posted a comment on my FB account. Here's what he had to say:

"FOR ME, the race experience starts during the registration process and also includes the waiting game and the claiming process, plus the organization of runners after they have crossed the finish line."

I could not have stated it any better myself.

Runner 18780 was all in!

*** Photos courtesy of Rick Petogo, Photo-Ops, JP Navarrete, Bee "Kamote Runner" Soberano, Ryan Santos, Paul Delina, John Henri "Jham" Mariano ***