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!

BGC Cycle Philippines Shifts to High Gear

MANILA, PHILIPPINES 16 November 2013 – BGC Cycle Philippines hits the road on 15-17 November inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, with more than 2,000 cyclists ready for three days of thrilling action and activities in the tradition of highly successful Cycle Asia events staged across the region.

The event, put up by title sponsor BGC and organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., is the latest addition to the 2013 Cycle Asia calendar. Cycle Asia is the network of premier cycling events that offers riders the rare opportunity to ride in major Asian cities.

"Cycling continues to enjoy strong growth in the Philippines and we are naturally thrilled to introduce the event at Bonifacio Global City," said Manny Blas II, head of Commercial Operations, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.

To guarantee safety among participants and ensure the smooth staging of the event, organizers will keep the routes partially closed.

The novel event, featuring cyclists of all ages and abilities, will have participants test their skills in The Tricycle Ride, The Kids’ Ride, The Community Ride (20km and 40km) and The Challenge (40km) capped by the “Ride with Australian Robbie McEwen.” All kids’ ride will be on 16 November while the mass participation rides will be held on 17 November.

McEwen, who also serves as the Cycle Asia ambassador, is a three-time Tour de France winner in the sprint category and considered as the fastest sprinter in the world at his peak. A former Australian BMX champion, McEwen switched to road racing in 1990 at age 18 and raced as a pro from 1996 to 2012. He last rode for Orica-GreenEDGE on the UCI World Tour after competing in the 2012 Tour of California.

“SEI’s goal is to stage world class events and promote a healthy lifestyle among families. We have seen the growth of triathlon and running and we see cycling to be moving in the same direction,” said Wilfred Uytengsu, president of SEI, which also organizes the annual Ironman Philippines, Xterra and IronKids events. “On its debut, the event attracted 2,100 cyclists of all ages. It will be one great weekend of cycling fun.”

A Cycling & Lifestyle Expo has also been lined up for this weekend’s cycling festival to keep the entire family entertained over three days.

"While the unique venue will certainly offer local cyclists a fantastic riding experience, we also look forward to hosting visitors from around the region as they enjoy the unique thrill of participating in the very first BGC Cycle Philippines,” said Blas.

Aside from the cycling action during BGC Cycle Philippines, Bonifacio Global City also offers a huge range of activities for tourists to take advantage of during their stay. The district is well known for its open-air lifestyle retail and dining concept and public art program, as well as a world-class science museum and parks.

Owned and organized by Spectrum Worldwide, Cycle Asia has already staged two hugely successful events in 2013 – OCBC Cycle Malaysia and OCBC Cycle Singapore, which attracted over 5,000 and 11,500 participants, respectively. The Gold Coast Festival of Cycling was also held last September.

“We are delighted to be expanding Cycle Asia to the Philippines and we look forward to working alongside Sunrise Events who have built an outstanding reputation for delivering first-class sporting events,” said Chris Robb, Managing Director, Spectrum Worldwide.

Other backers of the event, also held for the benefit of the Firefly Brigade, are F2P, Felt Bicycles, Garmin, Gatorade, Intercare, Lexus, Manila Water, The Philippine Star, Red Garlic, Rudy Project, Seda, Walter Bread and MMDA.

Alaska World Milk Day Run on June 9, 2013

To celebrate World Milk Day, Alaska Milk is partnering up with Sunrise Events, Inc. to organize the Alaska World Milk Day Run, to continue increase people awareness of milk as a global food central to health and well-being across the globe.

WHAT: Alaska World Milk Day Run
WHEN: June 9, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
RACE CATEGORIES: 3KM | 3KM Family* | 5KM | 10KM
RACE ORGANIZER: Sunrise Events, Inc.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://alaskaworldmilkday.com/2013/
* For 3KM Family category — family members should cross the finish line at the same time.

Alaska World Milk Day Run Assembly and Gun Times

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Online Registration - from May 8 to June 2, 2013
- http://alaskaworldmilkday.com/registration/
Onsite Registration - from May 11 to June 7, 2013, 11AM to 8PM daily
- G/F Glorietta 3 (in front of Zara, beside Mercury Drug)

Registration Center at G/F Glorietta 3

Alaska World Milk Day Run Bib Color Assignments and Registration Fees

IMPORTANT: WHO CAN JOIN?
- 3KM - Child and Adult (Child Age on December 31, 2013 must be up to 12 years only)
- 3KM Family - 4 members (2 Adult and 2 Children – Child Age on December 31, 2013 must be up to 12 years only)
- 5KM - 8 years old and above
- 10KM - 15 years old and above

Child participant must present a copy of NSO Birth Certificate and / or Passport with Parents Consent for those running as individual.

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS:
- Singlet
- Race Bib with timing device
- Race Map

Alaska World Milk Day Run Singlet Design

Actual Singlet

RACE MAPS:

For inquiries, email secretariat at secretariat@alaskaworldmilkday.com

GOT MILK?