At the Finish Line of the 2008 Clark Freeport International Marathon, I started talking with runners whom I thought were within my Age Category Group. I seldom talk to other unknown runners before and after the runs/races but at this time, I tried to approach the older runners and start some conversation with them.

I started looking for the guy who overtook me at the last two kilometers and later had a lead over him on the last kilometer of the race and we had a brief conversation. (He is the guy at my back as shown in my picture). I found out that he is from Navotas, Metro Manila, 52 years old, and had been seriously running for a year. His reason for running is that he stopped playing basketball as his knees are more susceptible to injuries due to running & jumping in basketball. The other reason is that he wants to be away from his friends and “drinking buddies” as he would like to maintain a healthy living without any vices and excesses. He believes that physical fitness is a preventive measure from being inflicted with any kind of sickness and running makes him more relaxed.

This guy introduced me to his “running buddies” and I met a 75-year old runner who has a complete denture and was able to finish the 10K Run within the 50+ minutes range and he was confident that he won in his age category. One of their companions requested for a group picture among us whom I considered as the picture among the “senior runners”.

On the parking lot, I approached another senior runner and asked him about his age and time in the 10K Run. He told me that he is 65 years old and his time in the 10K race was 47+ minutes! I gladly told him that he’ll get the top award for the 60+ age category group but he told me that he was beaten by his friend who is 67 years old!

Beside my car at the parking lot was a group of five runners who are in their mid to late-40’s but they didn’t look like competitive runners. I asked them if they are going to run again in the Subic Marathon. One of the guys told me that he’ll skip on the said race because it’s the Birthday of his father but the others did not say anything. I learned later from their conversations among themselves that they arrived at Clark Freeport the night before the race and enjoyed the night in one of the “night spots” up to 2:00 AM. One of them requested the TV cameramen of ABS-CBN to take a shot at him and his companions running towards the finish line as an “evidence” for their respective wives that they joined the said race. It’s really funny that they are using the race as a reason to get away from their wives and from Metro Manila.

It was nice talking to the older runners after the race. They don’t talk about any pains, any complaints, difficulty in the course, difficulty in breathing, and their individual training. They only talk about one thing—they are sure of winning in their respective Age Category Group!!!

My Congratulations to the Masters and Senior Runners!