A Runner’s Wish for 2009

I went back to my inbox and found this November 3, 2008 post by Lito Evite at the Pinoy Runners e-groups.  I find his wish list very reasonable.  I just hope that his message resonated to the organizers and consider them when they plan their races for 2009.  I am certain that he had the best interests of runners when he e-mailed his post.

Dear running organizers,

I hope you won’t mind if I ask you a wish (magpapasko na kasi).  These wishes are based on the experiences I’ve had in the past races I’ve joined and some comments/blogs I’ve heard/read:

1.  Race schedules
- Schedules must be coordinated with all race groups so we don’t have simultaneous
races with the same race dates

2.  Registration
- there should be multiple registration centers
- race packets should be given upon registration
- race day on-site registration should be allowed but should close 15 minutes before the
scheduled race starts (sometimes the race gets delayed because there are still on-site
registrants queuing)

3.  Singlets/T-shirts (walang kokontra sa nakalista, wish nga eh!)
- T-shirts should be pure cotton (malamig sa katawan)
- singlets should be ‘true’ dri-fit or climacool (masarap sa katawan)
- singlets must not have ‘tahi’ in front as this causes flaking and wounds the
err..uhm…nips…

4.  Age Cheating
- there should be a way to check for age cheating
- for races with age category, there are those who register to an older race category
(ex. the runner’s real age is 48, but registers with the 50-59 age group or
the runner’s real age is 16, but registers with the 10-13 age group)

5.  Race Time
- races must start on-time (runners wake up early to make it on time during race day,
this must be respected by organizers plus the sun would already be hot if the race gets
delayed)
- let us do away with the ‘Filipino Time’ instead let us be the ‘Filipino on Time’
- should there be speeches by guests and/or programs, these must be done before be
scheduled race time
- guest speakers must be given specific time limits for their speeches

6.  Runner Check-in
- runners that check-in should not be allowed to leave the holding area
(there are others that sneak out and position themselves few meters away from the
starting line, so that they would have a headstart when the race begins. Cheaters!!!)

7.  Release of runners on race day
- Runners must be released by race category (3k, 5K, 10K, 21K, …)
- there should be no classification of elite, advanced, beginner runners

8.  Marshalls
- marshalls must be strategically located in all turns from start to finish
- marshalls must control vehicular traffic to protect the runners
- marshalls must direct the runners to the proper side of the road
- marshalls must have a communication equipment and list of emergency contact
numbers
- marshalls must be briefed of their roles and responsibilities
- marshalls must apprehend or report cheating runners
- escort marshalls must not only be escorting the lead runners but should there should
also be escorts for the last runner (leave no one behind)

9.  Ambulance and medical services
- there must be a first aid/medical services available
- at least one ambulance/emergency vehicle must be available and strategically located
in the middle of the race route (ex. for a 21k race, the ambulance must be located at
the 5K post not at the starting line for quick response in the shortest possible time)

10.  Water stations
- there should be ample water stations located at least every 2.5km
- there should also be enough plastic cups and ‘clean’ cold water
- there should be trash bags to throw the used plastics cups/containers
(we runners should not litter our streets)

11.  Route Markers
- the whole stretch of the race route must be properly marked
(this is especially true for marathons, some runners get lost)

12. Finish line
- there should be ample race chutes for each race category to prevent long lines
- race certificates and other giveaways must be given as the runner exits the race chute
(do not let him/her line up again just to get those souvenirs)
I’ve been good this year so I hope that my wish gets to be granted.

Race Schedules - Its about time that the organizers coordinate so there would be no conflict of schedules.  It is sad to have simultaneous races at the same day in Metro Manila.  It is not  always easy to choose.  Having simultaneous races on the same day also effectively reduces the income to be generated by the race.  What is important is for the organizers to give courtesy to each other and not to compete with each other. Engaging in cut throat competition is a recipe for disaster to the organizers.

Race Time – I fully agree that all races should start on time.  No more Filipino time.  If we say we start at 6:00 am, we should start at that time.  Running is a disciplined sport and we runners should develop the discipline of being at the race site on time.  If you are late, humabol ka na lang.  On the other hand organizers should have the discipline to start the race on the stipulated time.  The sun gets hot when the race is delayed, particularly during the summer months when the days are longer.

Water Stations – Organizers should always consider the runners’ need to be hydrated.  By this I mean providing them with POTABLE DRINKING WATER.  Organizers should do away with the “the tabo at timba” system.  On the other hand runners should always prepare and have their own hydration kit, which can be a simple water bottle or a hydration belt.

All for the improvement of running in the Philippines!