Featured at TBR Mag!

Grab a copy of The Bull Runner Magazine March-April 2013 issue (with Paolo Abrera on the cover) and you'll see yours truly featured on the Condura Skyway Marathon event page!

I got asked: "How did you like the Condura Skyway Marathon race route?" of which I replied: "CSM 2013 is my 2nd time to run Condura, my first was from 2010's Run for the Dolphins. The 21k route's a breath of fresh air, and offers just the right amount of challenge with its deceiving rolling terrain."

Thanks to Mommy Vimz aka Kulitrunner for having me featured!

Conquering Skyway A Second Time Around

Condura Skyway Marathon would always have a special place in my heart as this is the event where I did my first ever 21k (Flashback: Condura Skyway Marathon Run for the Dolphins 2010).

Having missed the previous years' CSM editions, I promised myself I would definitely run this 2013, though not the marathon. I'd run 21k again as part of my Tokyo Marathon preparations. (I followed Runningshield's advice not to run 42k as I might get injured if I push myself to run this category).

I'm excited because the race route is new to me (2010's route was from BGC to Buendia flyover until the Skyway Toll Gate and back). Coming from Alabang, the 21k route would cover a lot of Skyway, actually crossing Sucat and Bicutan exits before going back to Alabang. This is home turf!

Me and my running buddy Ryan stayed at Acacia Hotel (one of CSM's partner hotels). Ryan's doing his first 42k so he'll start the race earlier at 12am. Unfortunately though, while preparing his race gear, he found out he missed packing his pair of running socks! I lent him mine since I'm just doing 21k anyway. He contacted another runner to lend me another pair.

After witnessing the gun start of the 42k runners (and the fireworks), I returned back to Acacia, and took a nap. I woke up before 3am, and started my short walk to the gun start area, where I met my blogger friends Thirdy and Run Adobo King CJ. We went to the race village where they deposited their bags, and there I waited for the runner who'll lend me the pair of socks. In vain I waited, and as the gun start for the 21k runners neared, I accepted the fact that I'll be running the race sock-less. I did not register early to be part of the Wave A runners and miss running in that wave. And so after another set of fireworks display, 21k runners were sent off!

Shine bright like a diamond! Me and Earl doing the superposition (I missed doing this!). Photo courtesy of Early Runs.

Photo courtesy of Active Moments - running in the Skyway's a blast!

Toll Fee is FREE!!! Hahaha!

Those thinking the Skyway's just a straight flat course, better think twice! The terrain is rolling and there are a lot of long, gradual inclines! I was targeting a sub-2 finish and was on track until I felt blisters and a small wound on my right foot which affected my performance. I was also carrying my mobile phone (which I did not plan on bringing during the race) and was transferring it from hand to hand, something I'm not used to doing on races.

Running backwards: My photographer friend Lem asked me to look back for a photo just before the finish line. Wet look!

I managed to finish in a decent time of 2 hours, 1 minute and 9 seconds. I felt great after the race and felt I still have reserved energy to run a few more kilometers, which is a good sign for my upcoming marathon.

Some Race Observations:

- Waves were organized. Unfortunately though, I saw a runner blogger in Wave A but shouldn't be there as he has a lower wave bib. I guess with this big number of runners, the marshals could not really check each and every runner.

- Hydration was good. I'm not really a fan of 100Plus so I just had water on all hydration stops. I heard feedback that hydration was an issue last 2012 and this is something that definitely improved this year.

- I saw a number of marshals along the Skyway sitting down or taking a nap. I understand they're tired as well from waiting long hours, but as marshals they should at least provide some cheers of support to runners.

- A foreigner runner approached me at the race village and asked me where I got my 21k finisher medal. After pointing her to the race village, she had a sudden burst of rants, asking me why medals were not handed out to 21k runners in the finish line area. I told her medals in the finish line area were exclusive to 42k runners and she went off, still pissed-off. I had no issues with this set-up; 42k runners are supposed to be the stars of this event anyway.

Rank 218 out of 3442 21k Runners. Top 6.3%. Happy with my results.

Managed to run a constant good pace throughout the race.

After the race, we enjoyed a superb breakfast buffet at Acacia Hotel, along with a number of CSM participants.

Buffet breakfast at Acacia Hotel

Hopefully, I'll be able to run 42k in CSM2014! It's definitely on my marathon bucket list! Congratulations and thank you to the Concepcion brothers for giving runners this once-in-a-year opportunity to run the Skyway.

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

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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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. 

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