MILO Marathon Elimination/July 5, 2009: Part I

After running the Los Angeles Marathon last May 25, my experience with the “volunteers” along the route were memorable and worth emulating. I know that Captain Amado Castro, Jr aka Reinier 6666, who participated in the said marathon, was also impressed by the cooperation of the people/residents along the route to help with the needs of the runners—by offering cups filled with water, sports drinks, and even beer; and some would offer massage and food to anybody running in the said marathon. I know that this was the reason why Mr Castro initiated a team-up with Jinoe Gavan and the takbo.ph people to put up an Aid Station as Volunteers to support the 100K and 50K runners of BOTAK 100K Paa-tibayan Race last weekend. Their Aid Station was open to every runner in that race.

In this morning’s MILO Marathon Elimination Race, I have observed a lot of Aid Stations along the way in addition to the usual Water & Gatorade Stations provided by the MILO Race Organizer. However, these Aid Stations were there solely to support the members of their respective running clubs or teams. There is no problem with that but I think, if we “volunteer” to support some runners, we better start supporting every runner in a marathon. Anyway, what is the worth of a small cup of water or sports drinks offered to a runner who is not a member of your running team?

Okey, I have this bad experience this morning during the race. Infront of the Southern Police District (PNP) Headquarters, there was this booth with ladies who were standing infront of a table with Salonpas Spray canisters. Since I have some of these Salonpas Sprays (bought for me by my son, John), I know them at a distance. And the fact that these Salonpas Sprays were used by “volunteers” during the Los Angeles Marathon to runners who were having some muscle cramps on their legs, I knew that these sprays are very effective. At this point (along Lawton Avenue), I was starting to have some cramps and at a distance, it was a relief for me to see these sprays at the said booth. As soon I got to the table, I got hold one of the canisters and while I was about to use it, one of the ladies grabbed the said spray from my hand. Another runner was also trying to get hold of the other canister but another lady grabbed the said spray away from the other runner. I said, “Why don’t you allow us to use your spray?” “Is the spray for every runner?” And one the ladies said that the sprays were reserved for the use of the “P & G” runners. Well, I saw a tarpualin signage on the back of the ladies with the markings, “P & G”. Is this translated to “Procter & Gamble”? The other runner who joined me to the said booth was very angry and I was trying to control my temper, too! The other runner suggested me to publish a post in my blog about the said incident. Well, that was already in my mind before the other runner uttered his suggestion.

So, if any of the “P & G” runners will be reading this post, I am already announcing in this blog that I will be putting up an Aid Station purposely to share my two canisters of Salonpas Spray to every runner in the next Marathon Race. As for the other “volunteers”, can you start offering your “goods” to other runners, too?