Category: Races

Ayala Malls’ Eco Dash 21K Race

On By kingofpotsIn Half-Marathon, Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running18 Comments

My rule of thumb in selecting a road race to join when there are two or more road races in a particular day is to select the road race with the farthest distance! So, I’ve chosen the Eco Dash: The Ayala Malls Environment 21K Run as my race run early this morning.

I was already at the starting area 15 minutes before 5:00 AM (the scheduled start of the 21 K race) and I was hoping that the 21K race will start on time. However, the 21K runners are not yet in the corral/starting area and I knew already that the race will start later than the time it was scheduled. While waiting before going to the corral, I did a short stretching and slow jogging drills just to warm up my body as it was raining. I was able to see familiar faces who are “die-hard” and “hardcore” runners belonging to the MASTERS group and from the younger ones. I had a brief chat with the HING’S Running Club, the Hardcore Group, the takbo.ph group, the MASTERS runners who joined last week’s 15K race in Camp Aguinaldo, my brother General Samie with Babette & nephew Lemuel; Sir Amado aka Reinier6666, and the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. Simple words/statement of guidance and encouragement to my elite runners before the start of the race had always been a part of my ritual to boost their morale.

At The Starting Line With Elite Team BR's Rene Desuyo
At The Starting Line With Elite Team BR's Rene Desuyo

The race started at 5:30 AM after 3 “demonstrators” conducted a simple stretching exercises infront of the runners with the beat of music at the background. And all of a sudden while I was talking to my Elite Runner Rene Desuyo, I just heard the sound of the starting gun and we were off.

My race strategy was to maintain an even pace of 5:00 mins per kilometer or faster and “attack” the uphill climbs at the Kalayaan Flyover and Bayani Road with “surges” or “fartlek” runs with 1-minute duration which I repeat until I reach the top. I usually count my strides as my left foot strikes the ground up to 90 or 100 and repeat the process by counting back to 1. I usually do these “surges” and “fartleks” when I want to overtake and pass someone who is a faster runner infront or beside me. This is a good technique which anybody could do to improve their time and performance in road racing.  

On the first 2 kilometers of the race, the runners’ distance with one another stretched out and I was happy to maintain my average pace at 5:00 mpk with ample space on the road but a “newbie” runner kept on making “surges” on me and made criss-cross cutting on my lane/direction as he overtook me for so many times before we reached the Kalayaan Flyover. I did not mind him and continued with my pace but as soon as we hit the uphill climb, he slowed down and did not bother me anymore.

The rain kept on pouring and the road was full of flowing water and some areas were with “potholes” but the runners were not deterred from the adverse condition but for me, it was very comforting that I felt refreshed with the cold rain and seemingly fresh air. I really appreciate the presence of so many water stations and Gatorade Stations along the route and I observed that our Race Organizers had improved on this but I still have to wish the presence of longer tables for these water stations in future races.

I enjoyed running along the wide streets of Makati Business District—Paseo De Roxas; Makati Avenue; up to the turn-around beside the Shang-rila Makati Hotel, without any vehicles. The road marshals were very efficient in controlling the vehicles in all the crossing/intersections. I was running alone while I was running along those wide streets.

On my way back at the Kalayaan Flyover, I met the bigger group of the 10K runners and I had to take a limited space at the right side of the road and I was hearing a lot of greetings from the runners I met on this part of the route. Despite the blurred images of runners I saw through my peripheral vision, a simple wave or “high-five” to these runners was enough to acknowledge their greetings. Thanks, guys! Your greetings kept me running at a faster pace!

Turning Right At Rizal Drive After Coming From Kalayaan Flyover
Turning Right At Rizal Drive After Coming From Kalayaan Flyover

As I turned right at Rizal Drive (the street along the old Jollibee and McDonald at The Fort), I saw a lot or 3K & 5K runners & walkers who filled the whole street and I could not see the 21K runners ahead of me! Knowing the route for the 21K race, I kept on passing and weaving through the slower runners until I reached 5th Avenue. Once I turned right on this street, I saw that the 21K runners infront of me had gained so much distance from me and I started to “surge” on the uphill portion until I reached the McKinley Road. As I reached Lawton Avenue, I was able to pass more runners and I was surprised that almost all the HING’S runners were infront of me. These MASTERS runners are really good and fast runners! I think their Ice Cream & Ice Buko and other Ice Candies mixed with Ice Cold Beer is their “secret” in running and road racing!

Running along Lawton Avenue up to the end of Bayani Road-C5 turnaround was a lonely one but I kept on looking on my watch just to be sure that I kept my average pace and I observed that I became slower when I attacked the uphill climbs at the Bayani Road by 10 seconds. However, I made sure to pick-up my pace when I reach the downhill/plain portion of  the road. More “surges” or “fartleks” along the way and more counting mentally until I was back at The Fort area and up to the Finish Line.

Few Meters Before The Finish Line
Few Meters Before The Finish Line

For the last 4 kilometers, my GF 305 registered an average pace of 4:35 minutes per kilometer, a pace faster than my 5K average pace at the Mommy Milkshake last week, and I found out that I have more strength left after completing the race. I finished the 21.06K distance in 1:45: 25 hours, registering an average pace of 5:00 minutes per kilometer based from my GF 305 watch.

After a brief rest to drink two cups of water and some “photo-ops”, I ran another 3.6 kilometers around the BHS loop and extending the distance up to 5th Avenue as my “cool-down” run. It was nice to know and witness the awarding of the members of the Elite Bald Runner as Champions in the Men’s & Women’s Champions in the 21K Race ( Rene Desuyo & Anna Vargas) and Champion in the 10K Race (Jujet De Asis).

I am satisfied with the result of my run in this race. Based from my previous post on how to predict finish time for the Marathon Race, my finish time for this Half-Marathon (after adjustments) could, hopefully, give me a finish time of sub-3:45 hours.

See you in next week’s Half-Marathon Race!

Race Organizer’s Report: 1st MASTERS 15K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running14 Comments

Don’t be surprised again, as I am the only Race Organizer who  is doing or submitting a Race Organizer’s Report to its runner-participants and readers of this running blog. This is my 2nd Race Organizer’s Report as the 1st BDM 102 Race was the first time I made such report about my insights and observations after the conduct of such event.

It is worthy to mention the reasons why I came to organize a run for the MASTERS. The first reason was the presence of at least 15 cases of assorted beer donated by the Hardcore Runners led by Jonel aka Bugobugo85 which was supposed to be intended to be used for the participants in the GLOBE’s Run For Home 21K Race as part of one of the Water Stations but the Race Organizer did not give me a feedback after verbally asking him of the possibility of putting up a Beer Station along the route of the race. It started to play in my mind that the MASTERS runners would be the appropriate runners to drink the said beer after a race exclusively for them, I mean, for us!

The second reason was to expose a better running environment to runners devoid of vehicular traffic and pollution. The third reason was the interest of the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner to assist in the conduct of a race for the MASTERS. And the last reason, the presence of of friends and supporters who believe in our advocacy to promote running to everybody.

After getting the commitment of support from Mr Amado Castro, Jr aka Reinier6666 for the payment of the Digital Clock/Timer from PATAFA amounting to P 5,000 + P 1,000 for the operator, the race was published in my blog and the implementation of the race had started. It took me and my staff/elite Team Bald Runner to prepare all the works and coordination needed for a period of less than a month, to be exact, in 26 days!

After I posted this race in my blog, a friend of mine who remains not to be identified and a regular visitor of this blog, called me and offered an amount of P 5,000 as support for the said race and the money was used to purchase the Winners’ Medals we ordered from BERNAL Engravers, Inc.

After the BOTAK’s 10-Mile Race at UP iliman Campus, Ultrarunner Francisco Lapira, Jr aka Isko introduced to me a couple, Carrey and Eugene, and they told me that they will be donating the Gatorade Drinks for the race. Two days before the race, Carrey was kind enough to give us 75 bottles of 1.5-Liter Gatorade Drinks!

During one of our “speed” training workouts at ULTRA, Tin Ferrera, one of our students, voluntarily offered us 20 containers of 5-Gallon Mineral Water for the said race.

In one of the comments posted by runner Gregorio Ocampo in my blog, his running group, HING’s Running Club, had offered ice-tubes and beer in cans for the said race. But in reality, just before the start of the race, the whole running club brought with them lots of Ice Buko, Ice Mango, Ice Ube, Ice Cream, & Popsicle aside from the ice-tubes and beer in cans!

Friends of BR, like Randy San Miguel gave me a Cash Support of P 1,000 and runner Rayabe handed me also P 300. Guys, even if I did not mention you in my previous post in thanking the other supporters, you had been a great help in this race.

I am not being corny and cute here but I want to be transparent on how we accounted for the support and the registration fees intended for the said race.  And here were the expenses incurred:

Water Cups———————————————P   660.00

Race Bibs Material————————————      500.00

Race Bibs’ Printing————————————   1,240.00

Permanent Ink Pens———————————-       155.00

Ropes—————————————————       800.00

Tarpaulins———————————————   2,100.00

Trash Bags———————————————       400.00

Pack Meal For Race Marshals———————-    1,500.00

Certificates——————————————–       500.00

Brown Envelops————————————–       400.00

Water Pitchers—————————————-       150.00

Safety Pins———————————————       240.00

Bond Papers for Registration Forms/Route/Etc-      700.00

Gasoline————————————————       600.00

Expenses For Rehearsals/”Dry Run”—————       500.00

Taxi Fare For Clock’s Operator———————-      400.00

TOTAL EXPENSES————————————P 10,845.00

From our Cash Collections from Donors/Supporters and Registration Fees, Mr Castro’s contribution went to PATAFA’s Timer & Operator and the P 5,000 donation from a friend was used for the Medals. We had a collection of P 12,100 from Registration Fees and other Cash Donations. By the way, the registration fee for this race was P 100.00 without any singlet.

The bottomline? We earned P 1,195.00 on the said race. Good enough to support the training for the members of the Elite Team Bald Runner. We were able to save for any payment for the permit to use a running venue; we did not pay any fee to the road marshals & security/safety to our vehicles; we did not pay for the rent of a generator & Public Address System; no paid EMCEES and entertainers; no paid ambulance; and no insurance fees! A lot of savings as compared doing a race in other venues!

But what is most important are the “intangibles” that we earned in this race. We earned a lot of friendships; a lot of fun; a lot of stories; a lot of experiences; and a lot of opportunities for our future endeavors. And most of all, we earned the reputation of not postponing our scheduled race even in the middle of an inclement weather. And of course, the beer will always be there with the support of the Hardcores and BDM 102 ultrarunners!

Now, let me challenge those other Race Organizers to open their accounts and show to the running community where our registration fees are going and how much they are earning from the races we join.

Results: 1st MASTERS 15K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Race Results, Races, Running4 Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st MASTERS 15K RUN
Camp General Emilio Agunaldo
6-Sep-09
         
1 Rodolfo Tacadino B080 1:02:20 Overall Champion/Male
2 Peter Kennedy D002 1:02:29 1st Runner-up/Male
3 Guillermo Apilado B061 1:06:21 2nd Runner-up/Male
4 Arnold Dimasugid B070 1:06:37 Champion Category B/Male
5 Robert Estrella C124 1:06:48 Champion Category C/Male
6 Cupid Dimafiles B062 1:07:43 1st Runner-up Category B/Male
7 Alfredo Ocampo B068 1:08:03 2nd Runner-up Category B/Male
8 Hermogenes Valdez C110 1:08:34 1st Runner-up Category C/Male
9 Maximo Ulanday B063 1:08:35  
10 Graciano Santos A003 1:09:34 Champion Category A/Male
11 Alipio Narciso C102 1:09:48 2nd Runner-up Category C/Male
12 Bobit Manzano B076 1:10:00  
13 Eldefonso Bantan C120 1:10:22  
14 Ananias Blanco A031 1:10:36 1st Runner-up Category A/Male
15 Eddie Radaza A027 1:10:53 2nd Runner-up Category A/Male
16 Jan Imperio A028 1:11:21  
17 Chad Davis A009 1:11:37  
18 Mila Paje B063 1:11:54 Overall Champion/Female
19 Jonel Mendoza B045 1:12:37  
20 Genevive Dela Peña A003 1:13:11 1st Runner-up/Female
21 Merlyn Lumagbas A004 1:13:28 2nd Runner-up/Male
22 Sabas Felecio B079 1:14:37  
23 Victor Ting E003 1:15:07 Champion Category E/Male
24 Noel Miano C109 1:15:29  
25 Vergelio Leona A018 1:15:41  
26 Roberto Aguila B060 1:15:51  
27 Willie Suarez E005 1:16:00 1st Runner-up Category E/Male
28 Manuel Oyaw C119 1:16:05  
29 Albert Henson A029 1:16:40  
30 Carlos Santiago B065 1:16:51 Champion Category B/Female
31 Virginia Baltatzar B061 1:17:20  
32 Eduardo Martinez A004 1:17:58  
33 Tetsuro Tanaka G001 1:18:49 Champion Category G/Male
34 Willie Guevara D012 1:19:38  Champion Category D/Male
35 Meshelle Villanueva A036 1:20:24 Champion Category A/Female
36 Florentino Lacha C126 1:21:08  
37 Samson Ocampo B069 1:21:35  
38 Rommel Mangabat A035 1:21:56  
39 Norio Tanaka E008 1:21:59 2nd Runner-up Category E/Male
40 Robert Ong D003 1:22:29 1st Runner-up Category D/Male
41 Raymund Abenojar A005 1:23:06  
42 Fernando Tubay A039 1:23:30  
43 Felizardo Sardenia A037 1:23:34  
44 John Lee B059 1:23:40  
45 Edgardo Caubang D013 1:24:05 2nd Runner-up Category D/Male
46 Robinson Andre C108 1:24:59  
47 Grimaldo Anicito B058 1:25:10  
48 Jose  Sabino B053 1:25:13  
49 Jay Cu Unjieng B088 1:25:35  
50 Amelito Manlangit A001 1:25:36  
51 Natasha Davis B054 1:26:58 1st Runner-up Category B/Female
52 Cezar Gallardo D006 1:27:13  
53 Bernadette Bathan A018 1:27:13 2nd Runner-Up Category A/Female
54 Gil Brazil C104 1:27:47  
55 Wilson Alcantara B083 1:27:52  
56 Everson Go Tian A016 1:28:03  
57 Haydee Ann Chamorro B053 1:28:15 2nd Runner-up Category B/Female
58 Louie Balondo A038 1:28:38  
59 Cesar Abarientos B073 1:31:39  
60 Gil Ocampo E006 1:31:40  
61 Elaine Araneta B062 1:32:29 Female
62 Enrique Bendicho C115 1:32:40  
63 Florencio De Mesa C112 1:34:04  
64 Nerio Caupayan B082 1:34:08  
65 Nestor Morasa B052 1:35:19  
66 Lilibeth Nicdao B057 1:35:21 Female
67 Valentin Hope Puti-An A017 1:36:26  
68 Emer Go Tian C114 1:36:37  
69 Felipe Dumpit C105 1:36:56  
70 Melissa Nafarette B052 1:36:57 Female
71 Lito Quintero A020 1:38:06  
72 Alex Araneta B078 1:39:07  
73 Allyn Go Tian C103 1:40:20 Champion Category C/Female
74 Samuel Narcise D010 1:40:34  
75 Cristina Cunanan A007 1:41:42 2nd Runner-up Category A/Female
76 Ronald Manaois B084 1:43:15  
77 Albert Gutierez A033 1:44:41  
78 Anson Go Tian D003 1:45:07 Champion Category D/Female
79 Gerardine Kun B056 1:46:03 Female
80 Elmer Malolos B066 1:46:28  
81 Norberto Mortel A013 1:46:28  
82 Janison Go Tian C104 1:47:20 1st Runner-up Category C/Female
83 Marian San Juan A001 1:47:37 Female
84 Frederico Canillas C122 1:47:37  
85 Peter Ang C127 1:50:00  
86 Marilyn Aguilor C106 1:50:23 2nd Runner-up Category C/Female
87 Emerita Naz D004 1:50:24 1st Runner-up Category D/Female
88 Kim O Connel F060 1:51:23 Champion Category F/Female
89 Robuto Bernabe E007 1:51:25  
90 Cezar Evangelista D004 1:52:11  
91 Billy San Juan F020 1:53:43  
92 Eligio Cruz B051 1:57:15  
93 Amado Castro, Jr D058 1:59:45  
94 Ivy Macainan B060 2:00:42  
95 Babeth Narcise E001 2:01:06 Champion Category E/Female
96 Angelica Cruz C109 2:02:49 Female
97 Yolanda Crouch C108 2:02:51 Female

Beer, Ice Cream, Rhum & Coke; Vodka; Banana; & Gatorade!

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Races, Running16 Comments

It was raining and there were lots of water in the different Aid Stations but it was proven by the MASTERS runners that all the things that I mentioned in the title of this post could easily mix in their stomachs and gave them enough fuel to recover their tired legs and bodies immediately after running a distance of 15 kilometers!

Let me take this opportunity to thank the following MASTERS-SPONSORS and friends who supported this event:

1) Mr Amado Castro, Jr aka Reinier 6666 who paid for the rent of clock/timer from PATAFA

2)  An Avid Visitor of this Blog whose contribution was used in the purchase of the Medals for the Winners.

3) Carrie and Eugene who donated 75 bottles of Gatorade (1.5 Liters). My thanks to Ultrarunner Francisco Lapira, Jr for introducing me to this wonderful couple.

4) The Hardcore Runners led by Jonel Mendoza aka Bugobugo85, Lester, & Jay Lee and to the rest of the members who served as the “Bartenders” (Mark B & Charlie C) who donated 15+ cases of Beer (Pale Pilsen & Light) with Red Horse Beer; Vodka; Rhum & Coke.

5) Jan Imperio who donated 400 pieces of ripe Lacatan Bananas. Bards Bathan aka Banana Running; Arthur Manalo; and Arman Fernando aka Pinoy Mafiosi also donated two (2) cases of beer each.

6) HING’S Running Club (Mr Hing, Samson, Greg Ocampo & other frunners rom Hing’s Ice Company) for donating 7 boxes of Beer in Cans; Lots of Tube Ice in 4 Big Ice Chests; Lots of Ice Buko, Ice Ube, Ice Mango & Popsicle

7) Tin Ferrera of Right Sources/PH7PLUS Water who donated 20 plastic containers of 5-gallon (each) of mineral water.

8) Brig. Gen Felipe Tabas, Jr, Camp Commander of Camp Aguinaldo for allowing us to use the camp and its services. (MP, Ambulance, Public Address System, Grandstand, & Chaplain Services).

9) Maj Rodrigo Turno, Chief of the GHQ Special Services for the coordination among the units inside Camp; to the Marshals, Race Guides & Transportation Services inside Camp.

10) Lorna Balancio, Roger Balicat, & the GHQ Post Commissary Staff for the Water, Gatorade, & Sports Drinks

11) Members of the Elite Team Bald Runner & Coaches who acted as Pacers, Race/Route Marshals, Water Aid Personnel, Finish Area personnel & Wrist Band Distributors.

12) Staff of the Bald Runner’s Events who received lots of calls from runners and processed each runner’s race packet.

13) Members of Team Bald Runner-Professional Group (BroJ & Baby, Jerry Karundeng aka High Altitude) who volunteered as Race Officials & Photographers. 

To all the finishers, we will be sending your respective Certificate of Finish through the Mail.

We will have another MASTERS 10K Run soon!!! Any sponsors?

Medals @ 1st MASTERS 15K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Pictures, Races, Running1 Comment

The 1st MASTERS 15K Run was conceptualized as a simple and modest road race among the 35+ years old female and 40+ years old male runners. I consider this as a competitive race and there will be lots of fun, I mean, cold beer after the race.

We prepared Medals for the Top 3 Male and Female Overall Finishers. And another set of medals for the Top 3 in the different Age Categories for the Male and Female. The medals were made by AB BERNAL Engraver Inc., the same company that made the Finisher’s Medals for the 1st BDM 102K Ultramarathon Race. 

Top 3 Overall Medal (Bigger) & Top 3 In Every Age Category Medal (Smaller)
Top 3 Overall Medal (Bigger) & Top 3 In Every Age Category Medal (Smaller)
On The Back of the Medals
On The Back of the Medals

To all the MASTERS, Good Luck and See You at the Starting Line!

Rey Antoque: The “Old Warrior”

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Marathon Race, Pictures, Races, Running, Running Heroes19 Comments

Rey Antoque is presently one of the Coaches of the Elite Team Bald Runner. His credentials as a runner speak for itself. He had been with the Elite Team for the past ten (10) months. What I like with him is that he started to train hard for the Marathon Race at the age of 33 years old, an old age for an elite runner for the Marathon distance.

His performance in Marathon Races in the 1990’s and early 2000’s speaks well of his focused training, dedication, perseverance, and determination.

On his first competition on Marathon Road Racing, Rey placed No. 4 in the 1990 Pilipinas International Marathon with a time of 2:24:06 hours which was considered at that time as the fastest time for a Filipino in a marathon race held in the country. He was 33 years old.

After one year of training for the Marathon distance, he placed #3 Overalll in the 9th PAL Manila International Marathon in 1991 at the age 0f 34 years old.

In 1992, the following year, he won as Champion in the 16th MILO Marathon with a time of 2:28:47 hours at the age of 35 years old. At that time, he won a Cash Prize of P 60,000.

Picture Depicts The Intensity of Rey's Race & Finish
Picture Depicts The Intensity of Rey's Race & Finish

In 1993, he was the 1st Top Filipino and 2nd Overall in the Pilipinas International Marathon where a Belgian runner won as Champion. Rey Antoque improved his time at 2:27:32 hours.

In 1994, he was the Champion in the 12th PAL Manila International Marathon on March 13, 1994 with a time of 2:28:24 hours. He was able to beat and overtook the younger Guiseppe Veletti of Italy who was then 25 years old on the last kilometers of the race. Antoque was then 36 years old.

Guiseppe Veletti of Italy & Rey Antoque
Guiseppe Veletti of Italy & Rey Antoque

In 1995, the following year, he was able to defend his title as the Champion in the 13th PAL Manila International Marathon on March 12, 1995 beating again a younger Lucio Danza of Italy (28 years old) who was with Guiseppe Veletti. He registered a time of 2:28:02 hours at the age of 37 years old. He won P 100,000 as the Champion and additional prize of P 50,000 for being the Top Filipino Finisher.

Women's Champion Praskovia Gregorenko of Russia Gives Rey a Buss
Women's Champion Praskovia Gregorenko of Russia Gives Rey a Buss

On July 30, 1995, he was the Champion in the 1995 SIJORI (Singapore-Johor Bahru-Riad) International Marathon Race held in Johor, Malaysia with a time  of 2:33:16 hours. He won a prize of RM 10,000.

Malaysian Newspaper With Rey Antoque in the SIJORI Marathon
Malaysian Newspaper With Rey Antoque in the SIJORI Marathon

In November 20, 1994, he was the Champion in the 5th 10-Mile YAKULT Run with a time of 1:03:15 hours.

In 1996, he was the Champion in the 9th Annual PUMA Half-Marathon with a time of 1:08:46 hours.

In 2004, he won the Gold Medal in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter runs in the ASIAN MASTERS Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rey Antoque, 54 years old @ BOTAK's 1-Street Mile Run
Rey Antoque, 54 years old @ BOTAK's 1-Street Mile Run

He shared some of his “training secrets” of which I am going to divulge in this post.

He trains and prepares the whole year only for ONE Marathon Race Event.

He spends and stays in Baguio City at least 6 months during his training. Kennon and Naguilian Roads were his training routes.

He applied what he learned from a Kenyan elite runner—running three (3) times with a distance of 5,000 meters in 15 minutes with 3-5 minutes of rest/interval in between repetitions in his speed workouts at the oval track. I did this speed workout once (in 23 minutes) and I had to rest & recover for two days!

He runs twice a day, morning & afternoon, reaching up to 200+ kilometers mileage per week. His long run workouts exceeded the marathon distance!

He is a disciple of Arthur Lydiard.

(Note: News Clippings Courtesy of Rey Antoque’s Files & Memorabilias)

Update #2: 1st MASTERS 15K Run

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Races, Running5 Comments

On Registration

1) For those who registered through the phone, your Race Bibs are ready for pick-up at the Starting Area/GHQ Grandstand at least One Hour before the start of the race (5:30 AM). Just be ready for your ID and your registration fee of P 100.00.

2) For those who intend to register on site before the start of the race, you should be at the Starting Area/GHQ Grandstand at least One Hour before the start of the race. A separate table will be established for those late registrants.

3) There is a limited number of Race Bibs. We prepared a total of 170 Race Bibs for the runners with ages from 40-54 years old male and limited number of race bibs for the older ages and the Women’s MASTERS. Issuance of the remaining Race Bibs will be on “First Come, First Serve” basis.

4) Please “Fall In Line” when you claim your Race Bibs or when you intend to be one of the late registrants in one of the tables. Our staff could only attend one person at a time.  

Entry to Camp Aguinaldo:

1) Everybody is advised to enter through GATE #1 which is the only gate that is open in the camp before 5:00 AM. This gate is along BONI SERRANO AVE. (SANTOLAN ROAD). Be ready with your Driver’s License if you don’t have an AFP Car/Vehicle Pass or Decal. For those without vehicles, take the Pedestrian Gate (adjacent to Gate #1).

2) MPs will guide you where you can Park your vehicle. Don’t assume that your vehicles are safe because you are inside a military camp. Due to thefts in vehicles in past races, it’s unfortunate that our suspects are also “runners” wearing running attire and with the proper race bib. It is advisable to secure/hide your things and don’t display anything inside your car. The race organizer will not be responsible for any loss or damage of any vehicle parked on the race site.

Please feel free to post your comment/s if you have any clarification or concern about the race. We will try to update you through this blog about the said race. For those who are willing to donate or sponsor any product or “giveaways” for the runners, please feel free to contact us at Telephone Number: 497-6442.

See you at the Starting Line!

“I Don’t Care About Your 2010 Elections Advocacy, I Just Want To Run…Fast!!!”

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Running For Cause17 Comments

Tatakbo Ka Ba? GMA-7 5K/10K Run @ The Fort/ 6:02 AM 30 August 2009

This was my general feeling when I finally registered to participate in the GMA-7 10K Run. Who cares about the incoming elections, anyway? The purpose of my participation of this run was to evaluate my racing performance after doing a lot of running workouts for the past weeks. I wanted to run in this race with an average pace of less than 5 minutes per kilometer.

One of the 3 Stages Prepared For The Race
One of the 3 Stages Prepared For The Race

The race was scheduled at 5:30 AM and I was already at the starting area at about 5:15 AM. I was surprised to see the festive atmosphere of the place with the presence of three (3) elevated stages; one for the race which was located at the far back of the runners & front-left side of the starting line and another big covered stage for the “special program” initiated by GMA-7 for the swearing in of oath by the candidates for the presidential elective position. Most of the runners at the corral area were not interested or listening on what the Emcees were announcing. In the first place, I don’t watch GMA-7 programs and I really don’t know the personalities or even the news broadcasters. Instead, I started to stretch my leg muscles while waiting for the race to start. I saw the family of Annalene aka The Meek Runner and I approached them. I had a brief time talking to them until such time the Emcees transferred at the front of the starting area and continued their program. We were surprised that we just heard the starting gun.

"Mass Start" For the 5K & 10K Runners
"Mass Start" For the 5K & 10K Runners

The number of runners who joined this race was also unprecedented. There were lots of runners and I can estimate that it reached at least 4,000 + participants. I am sure the runners did not participate the race because of the presence of the politicians but I am pretty sure most of the runners just wanted to run and the rest of the participants wanted to see the “stars” and personalities of GMA-7.

The other small stage infront of the Starting Line
The other small stage infront of the Starting Line

The race finally started at 6:02 AM and it was a “mass start” for both the 5K & 10K runs. Since I was few meters from the front runners, I started slowly making sure to warm-up my leg muscles. I weaved through the slower runners as I tried to find my comfortable space and pace during the start of the race. From the start, I slowly passed the slower ones and those who made a dash from the starting area who ultimately run slower after running for about a kilometer. All the streets were fully packed with runners and I could hardly weaved through the runners. It was only at the 2.5-km turn-around where the 10K runners started to have more space. From the 2.5-km point, I started to peak up my pace and was able to pass more of the runners. Running towards the Market! Market! area was a breeze as I saw a lot of familiar faces who were ahead of me and those who were trailing me as I passed at the turn-around area.

The problem about the narrow route at the British School and at the vicinity of DILG’s Public Safety College started to be encountered by the 10K runners as most of the 5K runners and “walkers” occupied the road. At this point, it was the last 3 Kms of the 10K route. I had another problem of weaving through the slower runners & “walkers” that made my pace slower up to the point when I reached the road in between the new St Luke’s Hospital and the Ford Car Store.

After running through the streets west of Rizal Drive, I knew I still have one more kilometer to go before the Finish Line. On the last Five Hundred Meters before the Finish Line, I had to slow down because of so many spectators along the route who completely filled almost one-half of the road. The spectators were waiting for the “stars” and GMA-7 personalities to finish the race.

After Crossing The Finish Line
After Crossing The Finish Line

I finished the 10K run in 46:29 minutes with an average pace of 4:40 minutes per kilometer (based from my GF watch). I was able to run well during the race but it could had been better if not for the numerous runners that clogged the narrow streets along the route.

After the race, I did not bother watching the program being prepared by GMA-7 for the politicians. I just overheard that they were reciting an oath that mentioned that “they will be honest, that they will serve the poor and hungry, that they will not abuse their power, that they will not “pocket” the money of the government which are to be used for education, social services, and infrastructure, that they will “so and so”. Whatever, Guys! It sucks to see the politicians reciting such oath infront of the runners and signing such oath on LIVE TV Telecast. If you can not even support or see to it that we attain Sports Excellence in the country, then stop promising to serve the “poor and the hungry” and the the whole country! To me, everything was “bull….”; empty promises; and a “show” to be forgotten after it will be published on the daily newspapers & seen on TV newscasts and finally, I am sure the Race Organizer was laughing all the way to the bank despite of so many “lapses” (again)!

I am already tired mentioning to this blog the different “lapses” of the Race Organizers. As a runner, I just want the following things to be perfect, at least—appropriate length of table for the water stations; abundance of water & water cups in Water Stations; accuracy on the route distance; presence of digital clock at the Finish Line & publication of Race Results; and lastly, punctuality of scheduled time on the start for the race.

The "Presidentiables" & Politicians At The Biggest Stage
The "Presidentiables" & Politicians At The Biggest Stage

The race was significant because I was able to meet new acquiantances (Raffy Uytiepo & others); awarded my “1,000-Km Club” Finisher’s T-Shirt to Joseph Baltazar; talked to the family of David & Rowena from Great Britain; meet a young runner at the age of 11 years old who beat me by one second; meet the Finishers of the 1st BDM 102K (Ralph Salvador, Eric Socrates, & Dionisio Potonia); talked to the registrants of the 1st MASTERS 15K Run; and happy to see the awarding of the winners of this race who are members of my Elite Team Bald Runner. The following pictures will speak for themselves:

At The Team Bald Runner Booth (Note: BR's Logo)
At The Team Bald Runner Booth (Note: BR's Logo)
Natz aka i2runner with GF & Coach Titus
Natz aka i2runner with GF & Coach Titus
Awarded "1,000-Km Club" Finisher's T-Shirt To Joseph (On my left side)
Awarded "1,000-Km Club" Finisher's T-Shirt To Joseph Baltazar (On my left side)
Raffy Uytiepo, "El Numero Uno" Race Organizer of Cebu City (on my right)
Raffy Uytiepo, "El Numero Uno" Race Organizer of Cebu City (on my right)
Kid Lindangan (11-year old young runner) & Dad After The Finish Line
Kid Lindangan (11-year old young runner) & Dad After The Finish Line

Team BR @ BOTAK & LEVI’s Runs

On By kingofpotsIn Jogging, Pictures, Races, Running, Sports Program1 Comment

The Elite Team Bald Runner joined two road races yesterday, Sunday, 23 August 2009. The following were the results where the members were able to get “podium” finish places:

BOTAK Paa-bilisan 10-Mile/5-Mile/1-Mile Street Runs @ UP Diliman Campus

10-MILE Run:

Rene Desuyo—1st Runner-Up (2nd Place) Overall in the 10-Mile Run with a time of 54:26 minutes.

Frankreader Indapan—2nd Runner-Up (3rd Place) Overall in the 10-Mile Run with a time of 54:30 minutes

Milbert Nabuab—2nd Place in the Age Category (18-25 yrs old) & 6th Place Overall in the 10-Mile Run with a time of 1:00:46 hours

Christian Dalida—3rd Place in the Age Category (18-25 yrs old) in the 10-Mile Run with a time of 1:07:00 hours

Anna Vargas—2nd Place in the Age Category for Women’s (26-39 yrs old) in the 10-Mile Run

Rene Desuyo Before The Finish Line
Rene Desuyo Before The Finish Line
Frankreader Indapan Before The Finish Line
Frankreader Indapan Before The Finish Line

5-MILE Run:

Marecil Maquilan—Champion, Women’s Overall Category in the 5-Mile Run with a time of 32:15 minutes

Raul Lamprea—Champion, Men’s Age Category of 26-39 yrs old in the 5-Mile Run with a time of 25:40 minutes

Gerald Sabal—2nd Runner-Up (3rd Place Overall) in the 5-Mile Run with a time of 27:11 minutes.

Rey Antoque—1st Runner-Up (2nd Overall) in the Age Category of 40 yrs old & above with a time of 31:40 minutes.

Marecil Maquilan Winning The 5-Mile Run, Women's Category
Marecil Maquilan Winning The 5-Mile Run, Women's Category
Gerald Sabal (Middle) at the 5-Mile Run
Gerald Sabal (Middle) at the 5-Mile Run

1-MILE Street Run:

Alquin Bolivar—1st Runner-Up (2nd Overall) in the 1-MILE Street Run with a time of 3:56 minutes.

Rey Antoque—6th Overall Place in the Age Category of 40 yrs old & above with a time of 5:05 minutes

Running Coach Rey Antoque at the 1-MILE Street Run
Running Coach Rey Antoque at the 1-MILE Street Run
The "Flying" Alquin Bolivar @ the 1-MILE Street Run
The "Flying" Alquin Bolivar @ the 1-MILE Street Run

LEVI’s 1.5K/3K/5K RUN @ The Fort

Alquin Bolivar—Champion, 5K Run

On Media Launch, or Media Lunch?

On By kingofpotsIn Insights, Jogging, Marathon Race, Races, Running3 Comments

The first time that I attended a “media launching” of a running event was when I was personally invited by Jinoe of takbo.ph for the Kenny Roger’s Urbanite Run. I really enjoyed that scheduled meeting as it was done in the evening at the KR’s branch at SM Megamall and the fact that  most of the invited guests were the “runner-bloggers” and not one from the media sports reporters in daily broadsheets and tabloids. Although I was not impressed with the punctuality of  the presentation or briefing, I had a good time talking and exchanging ideas with the other “runner-bloggers”. It was in this event that I personally reminded the Race Organizers to “beef-up” the security services during the race as preventive measure for car thefts or “breaking-in” of parked cars of the runners. The reasoning that I presented was the fact that we had incidents of thefts during daytime races and there is a greater possibility of “bad things” to happen during nighttime. I am glad that the Race Organizers heeded to my “reminder” and so far, there were no reports of thefts or “break-ins” in parked cars during and after the race.

Two weeks ago, I received an e-mail inviting me to attend the media launching of the 1st Quezon City International Marathon. I fondly recalled that this was informally known by runners to be conducted on the first few months of this year. To be exact, it was supposed to be conducted for the month of February but for reasons I don’t know, it was rescheduled indefinitely. It was only when Rene Villarta aka JAZZRUNNER made a post in his blog that this race will push through in October of this year.

The media launching was scheduled at 8:00 AM of 18 August at Max’s Restaurant inside the Quezon City Circle Park and I was at the venue at 7:55 AM. I was the first registered “runner-blogger” and the first one to take a seat in a row of tables prepared for a lunch! Finally, the event started at 9:35 AM which was the time I was scheduled to meet another person within the vicinity of the venue. I was glad the person whom I was supposed to meet joined the event and was seated in my table. So, while I was listening to the speakers of the event, I was also talking to a writer and author of a book who wrote a history of the Bataan Death March. I guess, this is what they call “multi-tasking”.

So, what are the things that I have observed during the launching of the 1st QC International Marathon? To mention a few, the following were my observations:

1) Why do you have to set a “media launching” at 8:00 AM when most of the guests will arrive late and the food prepared was for a lunch? When will we ever learn to be punctual to a scheduled event?

2) This time, there were more media sports reporters than the “runner-bloggers” who attended the event. I can only count, at least, five (5) runner-bloggers as compared to almost 20 reporters & photographers. I think most of the “runner-bloggers” were in their offices or respective work.

3) It is my observation that these media sports reporters have “negative” impression on the capability of the Race Organizer to conduct a Marathon Event as big as this, based from the questions they presented during the Open Forum.

4) Most of the media sports reporters/photographers and other attendees were asking for “freebies” or pack of “freebies” to advertise the event from the Race Event Sponsors. It was nice to see those “personnel & staff” during the event who were wearing those “blue & yellow” 1st QC International Marathon T-shirts as they look to be the Route Marshals for the race. I did not intend to ask “freebies” for this event as I immediately left the place for another meeting after it was adjourned.

Media Launching of the 1st Quezon City International Marathon
Media Launching of the 1st Quezon City International Marathon

In the afternoon of this day (Tuesday), I received a txt message and an e-mail from the people of SMART inviting me to attend the “media launching” of the 2nd SMART Subic International Marathon (SIM) on the following day at 10:30 AM at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

I brought the two (2) coaches of the Elite Team Bald Runner with me for the said “media launching”. I was impressed! Arriving at the venue at exactly 10:30 AM, the Boardroom was already filled with lots of media reporters & guests and it seemed I was the one already late for the said event. In a few seconds, the program started and presentations were made about the conduct of the SMART Subic International Marathon.

What were the salient points and my observations during the “media launching” of the SMART Subic International Marathon? Many! And they are the following:

1) Most important, it was my first time to meet Tanya Lara of Philippine Star in person as I was seated next to her!

2) I finally met Chuck Crisanto and his wife, Joyce of Joy Rojas’ Takbong Pangarap’s Run Across America. Although, Chuck Crisanto sent me a very long Comment on this blog about his answer on the allegations from Mat Macabe about his actuations during the early part of Joy’s run, we discussed more about the condition of Joy Rojas during the run. How I wish I could post the Comment of Mr Chuck Crisanto on this blog but I will let him settle everything in the presence of Joy Rojas & Mat Macabe about their respective allegations to one another. I was surprised to see him and his wife here in the country as I know Joy Rojas and Mat Macabe are still running towards New York City. In the end, I had a nice time talking to the couple during our lunch.

3) It was an “eye-opener” for me when Mr Patrick “Pato” Gregorio of SMART SPORTS delivered his message on their Corporate’s “vision & mission” to help in realizing our country’s “first Gold Olympic” Medal and it is through this Marathon Event and other running events that SMART could be a great “catalyzer” and supporter in our Sports Excellence Program. I did not leave the hall not until I was personally introduced to Mr “Pato”. I hope SMART would also involve themselves in a “mass-based” running events just like what MILO is presently doing in order to discover “new talents” in Athletics.

4) The conduct of the SMART SIM is a partnership with the Philippine National Police in their advocacy to reform the police “scalawags” through running. I really appreciate the contributions made by Chief Superintendent Samuel Tucay, who is also a passionate runner, and considered as the driving force in this worthy advocacy of the PNP while he was in the active service, specifically when he was the Chief of the PNP’s Training Command.

5) I was able to meet the people behind the E-ventologists, Inc which is the Race Event Manager/Director of the Marathon Race. I have yet to find out a significant road race event that these people had handled in the past. As I left the Boardroom, one of the personnel of the Race Manager gave me 2 pieces of hand towel as part of the “freebies”.

SMART Subic International Marathon Launching At Dusit Thani Hotel
SMART Subic International Marathon Launching At Dusit Thani Hotel

Since I was not invited during the “media launching” of the Philippine International Marathon for Pasig River, I could not tell what really happened but based from posts I read among bloggers, I’ve gathered some negative feedbacks already like the route of the race (instead of a schematic drawing of the streets, the route was simply a list of streets where the runners will take) and others.

In these media launching or media lunch events as part in the marketing of Marathon or Road Races, the foods were great with lots of “freebies”. But sorry to say, I was not able to eat much and get as many “freebies” I would want. I just hope that such expenses or costs for these PR events will be charged to the different sponsors and not from the runners!

So, starting on the 11th of October up to 8th of November, a span of 4 weeks, our runners have a choice of four (4) Marathon Races, 3 Marathon Races in Metro Manila and 1 Marathon Race in Pampanga to Olongapo/Subic Freeport.

I will post a separate assessment and comparison of these Marathon Races in my future blog entry.

To all the runners, good luck and train well!