711 Run 800: A Photo Blog

Everyone's ranting about how the 711 Run 800 race got postponed a number of times, with participants refunding due to race and schedule conflicts or just for the loss of interest and trust that the organizers will still be able to push through with the event. In my humble opinion, the organizers behind this race more than made up for the postponement hassles. It was a great start-of-the-year race for me. New route, overflowing hydration and more importantly, a number of volunteers, race marshals and medic along the course.

This is my first race this 2013, with my last running event way back October 2012's Run United Philippine Marathon. I rested for two months to nurse my injured right ankle. Come to think of it, what a crazy comeback run doing 21k! I made sure though that this will just be an LSD, so I told my running blogger friend CJ (Run Adobo King) that I'll just pace with him all throughout.

And since we're on LSD-mode, I brought my phone with me and be on photographer-mode as well. So I'll share my race experience through the pictures I captured during the event. Here goes:

I arrived and had a bit of trouble finding a parking slot, but alas, the road near DFA became one big parking space. I met CJ and Thirdy and passed by the race kit claiming area/on-site registration booth.

The stage is set! We were surprised that the starting area of the race was still far from the race village. We had a bit of warm-up and realized we were already a few minutes late for the gunstart. 21k runners were already off. Running host greeted us as we crossed the starting line area.

As we started the race, I was excited to be running on new ground. Along Coastal Road, road cones were placed  to give runners an entire lane for safe running. Kilometer markers were aptly placed as well.

With the recent incident in PSE Bull Run, I was not surprise to see a lot of medical personnel along the route. They particularly paid attention to this critical part of the race.

I had to have a photo in the Coastal Road toll gate area. This area is prohibited for runners so this day's a first!

The race progressed and we got to the pivotal part of the race route which is in Cavitex. I got to see a number of familiar faces already going back. At half-way point is another photo opportunity! Haha!

Sorry, blurry shot by tired CJ! Running in Cavitex is fun!!!

Here's the end of Cavitex. We're about to go back to Coastal Road to retrace our way back to the finish line. The sun is rising! Oh no, heat! Haha!

At the flyover, we had to take a picture with Cavitex as the background. That's where we ran!

Another shot at the flyover. Vehicle volume now increasing as we were heading back.

Can't get enough of the toll gate. LOL!

Medics treating a runner who was suffering a bad case of cramps.

Almost at Macapagal! The shadows of walkers - me and CJ!

With a few meters separating the hydration stations, it was really great to see different hydration brands in one race event. I think 711 is the only one that can pull this off. FIRST STOP: POWERADE!

SECOND STOP: GATORADE!

THIRD STOP: POCARI SWEAT! I don't see any possibility of someone dehydrating with the overflowing hydration.

We crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 48 minutes. The last wave of 3k runners were just sent off as we finished the race. There were a lot of runners going around the race village. There were a lot of sponsor booths and freebies!

Among a number of sponsor booths, there's only one that caught my attention: ENERVON HP! This is my favorite recovery drink. I think I had four cups of their delicious chocolate drink here. :)

Happy Runners! Everyone had a blast in 711 Run 800!

Me, CJ and Thirdy having our post-race breakfast at McDonalds.

With the event's success, I'm sure there'll be a repeat of the 711 Run, and I'll be one of the first to register for it. Congratulations to the organizers! 

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.

Skyathon Boracay Beach Run on April 13, 2013

I'm so excited for the 4th edition of Skyathon Boracay Beach Run! I've already booked my flight to Boracay so I'll definitely see you there! Beach run and a free party - what more can you ask for?

WHAT: Skyathon Boracay Beach Run 2013
WHEN: April 13, 2013 (Saturday, 5am assembly time)
WHERE: Epic Beachfront, Station 2, Boracay
RACE CATEGORIES: 5KM / 10KM / Couple's 10KM Relay

REGISTRATION PERIOD:
Manila – January 26 to March 10
Boracay – January 26 to April 12

ONLINE REGISTRATION is available via the following websites:
http://skyathon.com
http://takbo.ph

IN-STORE REGISTRATION CENTERS:
- GOLD'S GYM Glorietta
- CHRIS SPORTS Glorietta 3 / Mall of Asia / Market! Market! / SM Megamall / SM City North Annex / Boracay
- FITNESS AND ATHLETICS Bonifacio Global City

CATEGORIES & REGISTRATION FEES:
5k - 500 pesos
10k - 600 pesos
Couple's 10k Relay (each member will run 5k at a time) - 1000 pesos

Skyathon 2013 Singlet Design

RACE KIT CLAIMING: 

April 12, 2013 (Friday) 2pm-6pm at Epic, Station 2, Boracay

POST-RACE PARTY:

90's Flavor: The Skyathon Victory Party

April 13, 2013 (Saturday) 9pm onwards at Epic, Station 2, Boracay

REGISTRATION FORM: 

Unilab Run United Leg 1 on March 17, 2013

The biggest and most anticipated race trilogy kicks off with its first leg on March! Runrio and Unilab Active Health are partnering up once again to bring us Run United 2013!

WHAT: Run United Leg 1 (RU1)
WHEN: March 17, 2013 (Sunday)
WHERE: SM Mall of Asia
RACE CATEGORIES: 500m dash for kids / 5km / 10km / 21km
RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio

REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Online Registration (January 21 to February 24): www.runrio.com
In-Store Registration (February 4 to March 3):
- Riovana BGC Branch
- Riovana Katipunan Branch
- Toby's Mall of Asia Branch
- Toby's SM North Branch

RU1 2013 Registration Fees and Inclusions

RU1 2013 Singlet Design

RU1 2013 21k Finisher Medal

RU1 2013 21k Finisher Shirt 

RACE MAPS

 

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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Run United Rallies Filipinos to “Exceed Yourself” in 2013

Longer distances and focused approaches mark this year’s run races

Mark your calendar runners, the 2013 Run United series is set to bring in more excitement and a lot of surprises to this year’s running calendar. Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc. promise longer distances that are big on fun and prizes, starting off with 2013 Run United 1on March 17 at the Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

Ever responsive to the runners’ feedback, Unilab Active Health and RunRio are now focusing on longer distances to be in step with the requirements of progressive runners who want to better their personal records and outdo themselves in every race.

“We noticed a trend during the previous years’ races that the slots for longer distances get filled up faster. There were instances when we had to open up more slots. So, by focusing on longer distances, we will be able to accommodate more runners,” said Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health.

Coach Rio dela Cruz added: “This is in line with our plan to be part of the growth and journey of Filipino runners. It just goes to prove that the local running community is more mature, that is why we also launched the Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) last year. Filipino runners have leveled up.”

Thus, there will be no more 3km category in Run United, but it will retain the 500-meter dash for kids to make them start having an active lifestyle early on. The race categories for 2013 Run United 1 include 5km, 10km and 21km; for Run United 2 (10km, 21km, and 32km); and for Run United Philippine Marathon (10km, 21km and 42km).

If runners loved the singlets of previous Run United races, they would definitely rave about the improved singlets this year, which are made of new fabric designed to help improve the performance and comfort of the runners. 

Better and useful items will still be part of the finishers’ token. And the unique united medal will still be given away to encourage participants to complete the series. Of course, the Unilab Active Health villages will still be jampacked with activities and freebies for the participants and their families.

The complete Run United 2013 race schedules are as follows: Run United 1 on March 17, Run United 2 on June 2 and Run United Philippine Marathon on October 6. Prior to these, The Bull Runner Dream Marathon will kick off on February 24.

For triathletes, Tri United 1 2013 on March 10, 2013 and Tri United 2 2013 on July 7, 2013 both will be held in Playa Laiya, Batangas. Tri United 3 2013 on October 26-27, 2013 in Subic and the fourth and final leg of Tri United will be fired off in Ayala, Alabang on November 24, 2013. Moreover, Unilab Active Health Duathlon will be on September 8 at SCTEX, Clark, Pampanga.

For more details please visit www.unilabactivehealth.com.

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Battle of the Sexes on March 3, 2013

Coach Rio has been talking about this idea of his --- a race which would feature a sort of battle between male and female runners, for quite some time now. Finally, this unique concept would be brought into fruition this coming new year. Runrio is now partnering with Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila to bring us Battle of the Sexes: Defend Your Gender!

WHAT: Battle of the Sexes
WHEN: January 26, 2013 (Saturday, Night Race - Gunstart at 9PM) NEW DATE: March 3, 2013 (Sunday, Gunstart at 5:30AM)
WHERE: SM Mall of Asia
RACE CATEGORY: 10KM
AGE GROUP SUB-CATEGORIES: 24 & below / 25-29 / 30-34 / 35-39 / 40-44 / 45-49 / 50-54 / 55-59 / 60-64 / 65-69 / 70 & above
RACE ORGANIZER: Runrio
RACE BENEFICIARY: Virlanie Foundation (http://www.virlanie.org/)

RACE MECHANICS: Male and female will compete with each other in one finish line, one venue, one distance. Female runners will run first, then after 7-10 minutes male runners will start the race.

REGISTRATION:
ONLINE: www.runrio.com (December 21, 2012 - February 17, 2013)
IN-STORE: December 21, 2012 - February 24, 2013
- Riovana BGC Branch
- Riovana Katipunan Branch
- Toby's SM Mall of Asia Branch
- Toby's SM The Block Branch

Registration Fee and Race Kit inclusions

Battle of the Sexes Singlet design

Race Bib

RACE ROUTE:

RACE BONUS - RAFFLE:
- Generous Sofitel will be raffling off a 3-night stay in the Imperial Residence including spa treatments, your personal butler, dining at Spiral buffet, well you get the picture. It's everyone's dream luxury accommodation worth over a million pesos! Hope I'd be the lucky winner! Haha!

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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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Over one million in luxury prizes from Sofitel to be won at RunRio – Battle of the Sexes!

Manila, December 20, 2012 - Sofitel Philippine Plaza announces the launch of RunRio – Battle of the Sexes, a 10k evening Fun Run to be held on the 26th of January 2013 at the SM MOA Grounds, SM Mall of Asia.  Over one million in luxury prizes from Sofitel is at stake during the fun run including a three night stay at the exclusive Imperial Residence, dining at Spiral, beauty treatments from Le Spa and Vietura, the new Aesthetic Lifestyle Institute.

RunRio is a series of 10k fun run is by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza and organized together with RunRio Inc., headed by the foremost running coach in the country, Coach Rio de la Cruz. The race will be on the 26th of January and it will have a unique Battle of the Sexes concept- Male vs Female where females get a 10 minute lead.  

Sofitel Philippine Plaza general manager, Goran Aleks says, “We have partnered with track and field coach, Rio de la Cruz who is an icon of the youth for espousing fitness in order to promote the importance of health and fitness to the Filipinos.  In addition, all the proceeds of the RunRio will go to Virlanie Foundation to help alleviate the plight of the street children in Manila.” 

Battle of the Sexes is presented to you by Chevrolet Philippines in cooperation with Century Pacific, Canon Fashion Tailoring, Gatorade and Timex. 

Registration commences at 1pm at Sofitel’s Harbour Garden Tent, where runners may claim their singlet and race number. The run officially starts at 6pm at the Mall of Asia grounds. Gun start at 9:00pm. The top three winners of each category wins watches from Soleus, special treats from Sofitel Philippine Plaza and many more gifts and surprises. 

Tickets are on sale at Php 800 each, inclusive of the run registration and running kit. Other registration sites are at Riovana BGC and Katipunan and Toby’s Mall of Asia. 

For more information on the Run Rio Fun Run, please contact or email at 0929 7178164 and runrio.racereg@gmail.com.

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF POSTPONEMENT
Released: January 19, 2013

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Dear Runners,

It is with deep regret that we have to announce that the Battle of the Sexes race event which was originally scheduled to happen on Saturday, January 26, 2013 as a night-time race, is postponed. 

Despite being able to acquire approval/permits from the SM Mall of Asia and Pasay City authorities, we will be unable to organize a night-time scheduled race because we were not granted approval by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) who has jurisdiction on vital portions of the Battle of the Sexes race route.

Citing safety and security concerns, the PRA have declined to provide approval on the use of the road under their authority/jurisdiction on a Saturday night race.

With this being the case, RunRio in partnership with Hotel Sofitel will need to reschedule and redesign the said race as a Sunday-morning event, thus the need for postponement.

The new schedule of the Battle of the Sexes race will be on Sunday, March 3 at 5:30AM.

In line with the postponement, registration period will be extended until February 17 for Online Registration and until February 24 for In-Store Registration.

Runners who have already registered for this event need not worry since their registration will still be valid for use on the same event. For further concerns, you may send us an email via feedback@runrio.com with the subject “Battle of the Sexes” or call us in any of the following RunRio hotlines:

Globe – 0927 347 7700

Smart - 0929 717 8164

Landline - (632) 703-1736

Our apologies for this inconvenience and we look forward to seeing you at the rescheduled Battle of the Sexes event!

Sincerely yours,

The RunRio Team

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Subic International Marathon on January 26 & 27, 2013

WHAT: Subic International Marathon 2013
WHEN: January 26 and 27, 2013 (Saturday and Sunday)
WHERE: Remy Field, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
RACE CATEGORIES: 3km / 5km / 10km / 21km / 42.195km
RACE ORGANIZER: eXtribe

RACE BENEFICIARIES:
- CORPS (Christian Officers Reform the Police Service) Movement Foundation, Inc.
- Dilaab Movement Foundation, Inc.
- Bukas Loob sa DIYOS Covenant Community of SBFZ

RACE REGISTRATION FEES, ASSEMBLY TIME and GUN START:

REGISTRATION PERIOD: 
- Regular: December 5, 2012 to January 15, 2013
- Special Extended Registration for 3 KM and 5 KM: January 26 (Saturday): 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

REGISTRATION SITES:
ONLINE:
https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=1689
Note: Race Packet claiming for all online registrants will be on January 26, 2013 between 1PM to 5PM. Claiming area will be around the Remy Field area, most probably at the covered SBMA Gym

IN-STORE:
1. Manila
New Balance – Glorietta
New Balance – Trinoma
New Balance – Shangri-la Mall
2. Angeles City, Pampanga
New Balance – Marquee Mall
3. Subic Bay
The Outlet Square (Bldg. 156 Quezon St corner Bonifacio St, Subic Bay Freeport)

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS:

FINISHER ITEMS:

RACE and EVENT MAPS:

 

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EVENT PROFILE

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Subic International Marathon exists to advocate and initiate holistic development in the Filipino Society, cultivating a culture of physical health, productivity and patriotism, and bringing this model to the global community as its contribution to a peaceful environment for the youth of tomorrow.

It is Subic International Marathon's vision to be the world class Philippine marathon that will gather all full marathoners from all over the world much like the New York marathon.

The Subic International Marathon (SIM) is now working in partnership with the CORPS Movement Foundation. SIM and CORPS Movement Foundation have been providing community development programs in various places in Metro Manila and in different regions in the Philippines since 1992.

Transforming communities and societies require social contexts. Hundreds of volunteers from the faith-based group of the CORPS Movement Foundation are deeply involved in creating God-centred, service-oriented, and family-based communities. The CORPS Movement Foundation offers different programs such as: Anti-Drug Campaigns, Values Enhancement Program, Health and Wellness Advocacies, Workshops on Strengthening Family Relationships, among others. These programs have dramatically impacted and significantly contributed to the inculcation of values and virtues amongst children and youth, and to building safer schools, barangays, and communities.

Runner count in previous events
• 2005 - First ever marathon in Subic, with 5,000 runners
• 2006 - National event (Subic National Marathon)
• 2007 - First international event (Subic International Marathon)
• 2009 - Second international event with close to 10,000 runners
• 2011 – Third international event with 4,500 runners

Highlights of the event:
• Internationally endorsed race course
• Most gorgeous 42 race course (greens, lush)
• Safe, clean, and a lot of fresh air
• Rest facilities in the race course on every turn-around point for the 5, 10, 21 and 42k race
• RFID Accurate Timing System
• Hydrating stations are committed: every 1.5 km
• Full support from the communities around the race course
• Full medical support in cases of emergency

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1k@Amway on January 12, 2013

WHAT: 1k@Amway
WHEN: January 12, 2013 (Saturday)
WHERE: CCP Complex
RACE CATEGORIES: 1km / 5km
RACE BENEFICIARY: Amway One by One Campaign for Children

REGISTRATION PERIOD: December 17, 2012 to January 5, 2013

REGISTRATION CENTERS:
AMWAY Head Office
108 Ground Floor Feliza Bldg.
V.A. Rufino cor. Dela Rosa
Sts. Legaspi Village Makati City
Tel No. (02) 8148181
Fax No. (02) 8124184
AMWAY Distribution Center Shaw Boulevard
Ground Floor Sun Plaza Bldg.
Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
Tel No. (02) 571-7161 to 62
Fax No. (02) 571-7533

REGISTRATION FEE:
For Existing Distributors (IBO): Buy 1 NUTRILITE Daily Foil Pack, get 1 1k@Amway Race Kit for FREE
For Non-Distributors (Non-IBO): Php 595 (5km or 1km)

RACE KIT INCLUSIONS:
- Singlet
- Race bib
- Nutrilite Daily Foil Pack

Singlet, Race bib and Nutrilite Daily Foil Pack

5KM FINISHER’S ENTITLEMENT:
- 5km Finishers (Non-IBO) get to Sign-up as an AMWAY Distributor for FREE
- 5km Finishers (IBO) geta a Product Coupon Discount

RACE MAPS:

1k Race Route

5k Race Route