Unilab Active Health Events 2012

While the Run United Philippine Marathon is the most noticeable change from previous Run United events by Unilab Active Health, what caught my triathlete’s eye are the Tri United events. Yes, EVENTS. From just ONE Tri United held every year since 2010, there will now be THREE.

Cross-referencing this with the Triathlon Association of the Philippines list of events, the April 14-15 Tri United in Batangas may conflict with the NAGT to be held at Ayala Alabang Village. The June 30 Tri United is on the TRAP list, and the November 10-11 Tri United is on the same dates as the Multisport Weekend and the Philippine Duathlon Series finals. This is going to be an exciting growth year for triathlon!

UPDATE 02/01/2012: I’ve just seen the reg fees for RU1 on the RunRio website, and they’re approximately P200 more expensive than their prices last year per category. I hope there’s a reasonable explanation for this, but meanwhile I’m reassessing whether I should register for RU1 since I’m not training for anything specific that warrants a race on that date.

Registration started on January 6, 2012 at the following sites:

• R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street
• A Runner’s Circle (ARC) Unit H, Aloha Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Cor. Quirino Ave.
• RUNNR Alabang Town Center

Donations in kind will also be accepted at the registration sites. To donate in cash, visit EatPrayRun.org.

Let’s take a closer look at the beneficiaries:

Typhoon Sendong victims

In case you haven’t sent a financial donation through the PNRC website or sent a donation in kind through Sagip Kapamilya, the Todo Responde Run gives you a way to do so while also indulging your love for running. Eighty percent of the total funds collected from the registration fee as well as further donations will go towards aid efforts for Typhoon Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

Baby Raphael Carlos Bautista

Born premature weighing only 1.9 pounds, Baby Raphael is fighting for his life. With a hospital bill amounting to over P500,000 and still much more to be done to keep Raphael alive, his parents Richard and Cecilia are asking for help. Twenty percent of total funds collected will be given to them to help pay the hospital bill.

(I’m still verifying whether the money for Baby Raphael, if paid in lump sum, will be liquidated and accounted for so we know it was used for the hospital bill.)

Rescue Run 2011, December 31

This is a no-frills race for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Sendong. For a minimum P150 donation, you can run a 5K loop however many times you want at McKinley Hill. Bring your own hydration and support, though. No singlet, no timing chip, no freebies. Just a simple year-end run.

Registration is at R.O.X., A Runner’s Circle, and Secondwind Running Stores. You can find more information on Takbo.ph.

Run For Pinoy Glory, January 7

Did you know that we are sending a really small delegation to the London Olympics and Paralympics this 2012? And that though the country is paying for our delegates’ trip, they barely have enough to cover the training and living expenses leading up to it? The proceeds from Run for Pinoy Glory will provide supplementary funding for qualifying athletes.

There are 3K (P450), 5K (P550), 10K (P700), and 21K (P750) categories, and special categories for wheelchair (5K at P550) and executives (10K at P700). Registration is until December 30 at R.O.X. Registration ends earlier on December 29 at Chris Sports Megamall, and December 28 for Chris Sports Glorietta, Market Market, SM North The Annex, Robinsons Place Ermita, Festival Mall Alabang. Takbo.ph has all the details.

These free kits come with bib, event shirt, and when you finish the race you will also be entitled to the finishers’ kits. They are, however, not eligible for the SMDC Condominium raffle prize draw.

All you have to do is fill out the form below before 12nn on Friday, December 2. First-come, first-served!

If you’re joining, read up about the Quezon City International Marathon. Familiarize yourself with the race routes, and enjoy your free race!

UPDATE #1: All my 100 slots have been filled. If your name is in the list below, you have qualified for the QCIM free race kit. To those who submitted a little too late, my apologies. Check out my blog roll for other bloggers who may also be giving out kits. Thanks!

Recipients of free QCIM race kits  

1. Jos Nieva
2. Patrick John Z. Alfonso
3. Angel Kenneth Abalos
4. Farida de la Cruz
5. Frederick Cruz
6. Araciel M. Mendoza
7. Maria Janel C. Ecija
8. Genesis M. Senorin
9. Jeffrey Balane
10. Raul Gorospe
11. Kimpee (NO LAST NAME)
12. Leo Manalaysay
13. Joshua Felix S. Tadena
14. Aloha Olivar
15. Karl Miguel H. Cruz
16. Marco Orlina
17. Edgar Olivar
18. Jack Aquino
19. Enrico Aricheta
20. Aylyn Vista
21. Allan Luna
22. Arthur R. Villafuerte
23. Christopher Pimentel
24. Isabel Anne V. Mendoza
25. Benjamin Cua Jr.
26. Glenn Sy
27. Precious Anne Natata
28. Ericson Echaluce
29. Erwin Domingo
30. Arriane G. Custodio
31. Jessica Leia Carpio
32. Marilyn Guilas
33. Lance Luna
34. Keo Paolo U. Saulog
35. Ryan Santos
36. Jean Baylon Buenviaje
37. Cristina Chuah
38. Rhozallino Ramones
39. Angelyn Calabano
40. Engelbert Guinto
41. Aries Dela Vega
42. Ruben delos Reyes
43. Jeffrey Garcia
44. Paul Famador
45. Resly George Amador
46. Mar Ben Rey Bactol
47. Andrew Pocholo P. Abalajon
48. Wilma Hidalgo
49. Julie Anne Rualo
50. Richard N. Loma
51. Kyvin Nucom
52. Ricardo Esmilla
53. Andrian Villanueva
54. Alyssa Damian
55. Jayson Escobar
56. Alejandrio Placiente
57. Camille Quiambao
58. Mirjam (NO LAST NAME)
59. Ariel Medina
60. Dante Conde
61. Gilbert Sy
62. Mary Jomelle Briones
63. Jay Richmond Galvez
64. Wenzi Jeanne F. Martinez
65. Ryan Valdez
66. Francisca Umayam
67. Ryan Vista
68. Leon Tayson
69. Marianne Riziella Escobar
70. Ronaldo A. Batan
71. Mylene Zorilla
72. Severino Ramos
73. Jose Mari Molejon
74. BabyRuth Vista
75. Ruzette Macahia
76. Christopher Cagol
77. Jeffrey Ablang
78. Christopher Guilas
79. Roberto Santos Abillon
80. Carolyn Labit
81. Nestor O. Mijares, Jr.
82. Marilou Ting
83. Mark Joseph Fernandez
84. Ben Silao
85. Lalaine Salibio
86. Harold Iniego
87. Ma. Cristina Tayson
88. Amador Paclibon
89. Charlie Ting
90. Redel Correa
91. Jinky Mijares
92. Wilma Hidalgo
93. Catherine Ghizelle Mariano
94. Rej Lester Villaluna
95. Jody Saynes
96. Teresa Noche
97. Mark Janrich G. Amarante
98. Ronnie Gamo
99. Erwin Hidalgo
100. Randy Cabanero

UPDATE #2: According to Sir Rene Jazzrunner’s post, winners may claim their race packets this Saturday, 3 December 2011, at the 3rd Floor Bahay ng Alumni Bldg., University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. If your last name starts with the letters A to N, claiming is from 9am to 1pm. If your last name starts with O to Z, you may claim your packets from 1pm to 6pm. (This is to avoid overcrowding.) Please bring your valid ID.

The organizers have guaranteed your preferred distance categories especially the 5k, 10k and the 21k distances. However, slots for the 42k distance have run out. Organizers will try their best to include all 42k runners whose names were submitted before Saturday’s deadline. A race packet for 21k will be given for those who will not be able to get their 42k packets.

Here’s a race that’ll kick off my 2012, with a 21K distance to which I can add another 11 kilometers to make it my longest run before I start tapering.

Go Natural Run on January 15, 2012

It’s RunRio’s first race of 2012! While you may have seen information about this earlier on some other websites, it was incomplete because RunRio hadn’t released the information yet.

Online registration started on November 21, while in-store registration will start on Monday, November 28. Registration ends on January 8 but if race kits run out beforehand, registration may close early. Singlets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: Please present a valid ID when you register. For group registration, the representative must present photocopies of your valid ID’s.

You can register at the following locations:

• Riovana BGC
• Toby’s/RUNNR Shangri-La Mall & SM Mall of Asia
• Planet Sports Trinoma & Glorietta
• The Athlete’s Foot Robinsons Galleria & Alabang Town Center

The first 1,000 registrants (online and in-store) get a baller ID band. For in-store applicants, register in groups of 4 and get 1 race kit for free for any distance category. And if you donate P150 to the advocacy in support of early child diabetes education, you get a free T-shirt.

The reg fees are: P350 for 3K, P550 for 5K, P650 for 10K, P800 for 21K. All kits come with a bib, timing tag, and singlet. Finishers will receive a free shirt each, and 21K finishers will receive a special finisher shirt. Race results will be published after two days on RunRio.com.

Run BGC 3K Route Map

Run BGC 5K Route Map

Run BGC 10K Route Map

Thanks to Vimz Mendoza of Runrio for sending me a copy of the maps!

Run BGC 2011: A Level Higher

That’s why this year Run BGC offers an alternative event aside from the 3K, 5K, and 10K race categories. Introducing: 3K and 5K with flag football! BGC is also home to some flag football events held by the B-League Football Club, whose members will be facilitating the flag football portion during Run BGC.

Do check out the mechanics for the running and flag football fusion event. It sounds really interesting especially for multi-talented athletes good with both their feet and hands. As for me, I’m too chicken to try to catch a leather missile, so I can still opt for the 3K, 5K, or 10K pure running categories. Registration fees are P500 for 3K (w/ or w/o flag football), P600 for 5K (w/ or w/o flag football), and P700 for 10K.

There’s also a raffle for finishers which gives you a chance to win a trip for two to join a race in Australia — or the cash equivalent of P155,000 (!!!).

In-store registration is until November 23, 2011 at the following venues:

• Toby’s/RUNNR: Shangri-La Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Bonifacio High Street (may be moved to Riovana)
• Planet Sports: Trinoma, Glorietta
• The Athlete’s Foot: Robinson’s Galleria, Alabang Town Center

For more details, check out the RunRio website for Run BGC 2011.

We’ve had only a few Piolo sightings at races since then, and none at all this year. That’s about to change with SunLife’s SunPIOLOGY Sunset Run on December 10 at Bonifacio Global City.

With all the rumors and gossip around Piolo following his girlfriend KC Concepcion’s abrupt departure for Europe, this race could be exactly what Piolo needs — a way to reconnect with his athletic passions. The race will also raise funds for the scholars under his Hebreo Foundation.

• Race Name: SunPIOLOgy Sunset Run
• Date: 10 December
• Venue: 11th Street, North Bonifacio Global City
• Categories & Prices: 500m (P200), 3K (P600), 5K (P700), 10K (P800), Vertical Run (P1150)
• Registration Venues: RUNNR BHS & Trinoma; Toby’s Shangri-La, Glorietta, & ATC; Urban Athletics Greenbelt

I’m interested in how fast Piolo can race this time around; can he do a sub-Piolo? And of course I would also really like for Piolo to complete a triathlon and to finish among the top 10 of a race, just so he can finally use the labels “triathlete” and “competitive runner” truthfully. :P Will we continue to see Piolo at the races? Time will tell.

I’ve been looking at some ideas from other races all over the world, particularly the London Marathon and the San Francisco Bay to Breakers. I can’t believe some people can run in these outfits!

At least nobody will drown.

Of course, even just a fanciful headdress or mask worn along with regular running gear is already considered a costume, but I think if I’m going to do that, might as well go all the way! There are some issues to consider when wearing a full costume, such as:

• Comfort and Range of Movement: any costume worn during a race should allow the legs to move freely. Oh, and the arms too, because you do need to allow the natural arm swing to happen. Otherwise it could be a very slow run and you run the risk of chafing.
• Weight and Aerodynamics: That medieval knight costume might be the subject of your fantasy, but done in real metal it could weigh you down. If you want to enjoy both your costume and your run, make it as light you possibly can. And if you’re going to wear large wings on your back, just be aware they will definitely cause drag.
• Heat and Sweat: The Philippines is a tropical country, and although the Adobo Run happens at night, being swathed in layers of costume clothing could turn out to be very warm. Additionally, you sweat when running, so that additional moisture could cause paint to run.
• Durability: A costume needs to be durable enough to last the 3K, 5K, or even 15K at the Adobo Run (London Marathoners do it for the entire 42K). Nobody wants a wardrobe malfunction halfway through.
• Self-Consciousness: Showing skin in a bikini or wearing a spandex superhero costume will definitely draw attention, but if you feel self-conscious having it all hang out, better steer clear of those kinds of costumes.

As with regular running gear, comfort is still the most important consideration. What will I be wearing? Come to the Adobo Run and find out!

• Race Name: Adobo Run After Dark 2011
• Date: 29 October
• Venue: Asena Business Park, Macapagal Avenue, Pasay (near Mall of Asia)
• Categories & Prices: 3K/5K/15K (P750)
• Registration Venues: RUNNR Trinoma, Toby’s EDSA Shangri-La Mall, R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, Runningmate
• Registration Dates: Sept. 1 – Oct. 23
• Expected # of Runners: 5,000
• Wow Factor: 3K runners required to wear costume, fireworks, fire breathers and fire dancers, samba percussionists, carnival queens, post-race party with live music and free beer

With all the races held these days, runners are spoiled for choice. Usually there are two or three per weekend; maybe one big race and one smaller race.

But come November 13, two of my favorite races from last year will commence on the same morning: Men’s Health Urbanathlon and Unilab Run United 3. This really tears me apart because I’m defending 10K (with obstacles) champion at the Urbanathlon, but I also want to complete the Unilab/RunRio trilogy. It’s like asking a parent which is their favorite child.

You might also have this same dilemma. Both are great races, each with their own challenges. So, to help you make your decision, I’m breaking down both races in one post. It’s Choose Your Own Adventure time!

Men’s Health Urbanathlon

Men’s Health editions all over the world hold their own Urbanathlons; the Philippine edition always holds their Urbanathlon in November to coincide with the US Men’s Health Urbanathlon, which is why they booked the Nov. 13 weekend way in advance.

In its fifth year, the Urbanathlon adds a bit more challenge for hardcore runners looking for more than just a regular race. Aside from the usual 5K and 10K distances, this year there’s a 15K distance.

Of course, this being the Urbanathlon, there’s a part of the race devoted to overcoming obstacles — literally. This year, there will be hurdles, monkey bars, a low crawl, a scaffolding maze, an 8-foot wall, and maybe a surprise obstacle depending on whether it’s safe and large enough to bear the targeted number of runners.

• Race Categories & Prices: 5K (P750), 10K/15K (P800)
• Registration Venues: Crossfit MNL Eastwood, 360 Fitness Club Ortigas & Makati, Bike King, Fitness First Mall of Asia
• Registration Dates: Sept. 16 – Oct. 16
• Expected # of Runners: 1,600
• Wow Factor: Finisher medals with the 2011 Urbanathlon ID lanyard, fun yet challenging obstacles

Unilab Run United 3 (RunRio 3)

Being the culmination of the RunRio Trilogy, Run United 3 promises to be a big affair. With seven race categories and a massive target number of runners, the Mall of Asia complex is its new home.

We’ve come to expect certain things from RunRio and Unilab races: timing chips, running photos, finisher medals, exciting post-race activities, loot bags… By this third race, Coach Rio is looking to smooth out the kinks of mounting a big race.

A majority of runners sign up for the 3K and 5K and it’s usually my complaint that I end up having to weave through their tail end when I run longer distances. After listening to this feedback, Rio separated Run United 3′s starting lines and routes for the short distances and long distances. Additionally, the 3K and 5K will be let out in waves, so that runners in those distances have enouh space to run freely on the roads.

There will also be a cut-off for starting in any particular distance category: latecomers (30 minutes after gun start) will not be allowed to run anymore. This will ensure the race finishes early and won’t cause too much traffic for the non-running public.

Like THE Donald Trump says, it’s gonna be huuuuuuuge.

• Race Categories & Prices: 500-m (P250), 3K (P500), 5K/10K (P600), 15K (P700), 21K (P750), 32K (P900)
• Registration Venues: Online, RUNNR BHS & Shangri-La, Planet Sports Glorietta & Trinoma, The Athlete’s Foot Galleria & Alabang Town Center
• Registration Dates: Oct. 7 – 30, 2011
• Expected # of Runners: 12,000
• Wow Factor: Finisher medals and shirts for 21K and 32K, cushy post-race Unilab Active Health Wellness Village

Which will you choose?