Greenfields Race – Online Registration

In the past its either I go to R.O.X., UP, Nike Store, Planet Sports or New Balance Store or a race site to register for a run.  This process can be frustrating particularly if you are told to come back or to go there.  Not this time with the introduction of Finish Line, an online registration and payment facility by Rio dela Cruz and Vince Mendoza.

I registered in the 21k event of the Greenfield City Run using the Finish Line facility.  I found the registration process easy and hassle-free.

First, login to Finish Line and click Events.  You will see here a list of races where you can register online.  Choose the race that you want to register.

Second, click Registration.  You either download the registration form or accomplish the form online.

Third, pay by either using your ATM, credit card or G-Cash.

Fourth, choose the Nike branch where you will pick up your race pack and your transaction is complete.

You will get an e-mail message confirming the transaction and payment.  For this race, I paid P560 for the 21k event and got this confirmation e-mail below.

Registering for the event was quite easy.  Far better than the usual on-site manual registration process.

Now the waiting and the training begins.  Lets just hope that Finish Line will be able to deliver.  As it is, Finish Line is definitely a step in the right direction for the improvement of Philippine road racing.

Southern Run

I recently got an announcement from the management of Alabang Town Center (ATC) that they are organizing a run on May 3, 2009 for the benefit of SOS Children’s Villages, a non-government organization committed to provide a loving family to orphaned, abandoned and neglected children.   The race has a 5k and 10k segment which will start at the Corte las Palmas parking of ATC through the streets of Ayala Alabang Village.

Registration will be open on March 31, 2009 at the ATC Concierge but you can download the registration forms here.  Registration fee is P150.00.  For more details please contact the ATC Concierge at 772-1860 or the ATC Marketing Department at 775-0021 or 775-0022.

10 K Route

Condura Run 09 – A Race to Remember

This is so unusual.  I normally post something about a race either on the day itself or the following day.  But not this time.  I cannot get my thoughts organized on what to write.  All I could think of are the the good and heartwarming things that happened during the Condura Run.

Except for a few minor hitches, everything went well during the race.  So I would digress a bit and write random thoughts about an exceptionally well-managed race.  All I can say it that we had an EXCELLENT race last Sunday.

I immediately signed up at Nike Park Festival Supermall on February 23, 2009 and I got Bib No. 606.  As soon as I got my race pack I got preoccupied by thoughts on running along the Skyway and finishing my first half-marathon.  The excitement built up until race day.

I must admit that my training leaves much to be desired – only one long run (20.5k), three 10k tune up races and a number of 9.1k easy runs.  While I was able to run the entire 21k stretch, I was unable to sustain my accelerated pace at the 20k mark.  Hence a 2:40 finish time.  Well we live and learn.

There are a lot of wonderful things that happened during the race which are worth remembering.

Group Runs -  One thing noticeable was the Takbo.ph and the I am Ninoy runners who ran as a group.  You will immediately notice that they were all enjoying the run and encouraging one another to persevere.  There were also the usual “kulitan” during the run.  This obviously took away the boredom and fatigue.

Takbo.ph runners or shall I say "Ninjas" courtesy of Takbo.ph

I am Ninoy Runners courtesy of Vima Mendoza

Real Friends -  Another heartwrming facet of the run was experienced runners setting aside their personal goals for a PR just to pace and help a first-time half marathoner finish the race.  You may be surprised to find out of the unusually slow time of  experienced runners.  They did it for the sake of a friend.

Courtesy of Vima Mendoza

The Skyway – One of the landmarks of Metro Manila and the biggest attraction of the 21k event.  This is the first time (hopefully not the last) that a race will be along the Skyway so everyone wanted to be a part of Philippine running history.  Runners will be talking about this experience for a long time.  Not all runners can claim to have ran on the Skyway!

Every participant will remember the tough uphill climb as they entered the Skyway, the steady ascent from Dela Rosa to EDSA (around 1.5kms), the shower courtesy of Maynilad Water  and of course the picture taking for posterity.

Courtesy of Rene Villarta (JazzRunner)

Courtesy of Rene Villarta (JazzRunner)

Safety – One of the most common complaint of runners is the failure of the organizers to ensure their safety by allowing motor vehicles in the race route.  The Condura Run was an exception!  It was evident that the safety of the runners was foremost in the minds of the organizers.  The lanes covering the race route including the Skyway were closed to traffic!

The traffic enforcers/marshals did an exceptional job in making the race route vehicle free.  They even went to the extent of arguing with unruly drivers.  All for the sake of runner-safety.

Finisher’s Medal – Another attraction of the race was the medal for the 21k finishers.  Not all races offer a finisher’s medal.  What made this more memorable was that it was not just simply handed over but was literally awarded to the finisher.  Two ladies gently placed the medal around the finishers’ neck.

Post Race Camaraderie -  One of the endearing characteristics of a major running event is the after-race chats, picture taking, updating one another, breakfast along Paul Calvin’s, Chow King, McDonalds, Pancake House, Jollibee and the nearby eateries.  Of course we have the sharing of pictures and experiences to name a few.

Courtesy of Vima Mendoza

Courtesy of Mark Parco

People will talk about the Condura Run for a long time.  There may have been slight shortcomings but it will not take away the fact that it is a race to remember, savor and reminisce.  Congratulations to Patrick and Ton Concepcion for organizing such a wonderful race.  Can’t wait for the next Condura Run.

Run for their Lives – 10k Race

I joined this race for three reasons.  First, to do a practice run for the Condura Run.  Second, to get my hand on the finisher’s medal.  Third, to support a good cause of Rotary Club.

Rotary Club has always been close to me.  A lot of my friends are members who have been persistently recruiting me to join.  Other than the privilege of being a speaker in their monthly meetings this race was my first “official” activity with the Rotary Club.

I was at the race site at 5:15 am and had plenty of time to warm up and do some stretching exercises.  After the warm ups and stretching, I was simply there to enjoy the race and to run a relaxed pace with occasional bursts of speed, particularly at the last kilometer.  I had a very good impression of the race, which to my mind was well-organized.

Registration (Very Good) -   Announcements about the race were adequate.  Extribe informed the runners via their e-groups and via its website.  Takbo.ph also made announcements.  There were multiple sites to register.  I had no problem registering at the New Balance Store in Festival Supermall.

Entry Fee (Very Good) – The P250 entry fee was to my mind reasonable.

Parking (Excellent) -  Runners had the option of using the pay parking slots or to park at the free parking area.  No untoward incident involving theft or robbery was reported.

Check In (Very Good) -  The 10k and 3k participants all checked in and started at the same time.  This was done in an orderly and efficient manner.

Marshals (Excellent) -  They appeared to know what they were doing.  Some went to the extent of encouraging and cheering the participants.  This is one race that I had to say Thank You to some of the marshals who cheered us on.

Race Start (Excellent) – The race started promptly at 6:00 am, the stipulated time.

Safety (Good) -  While the organizers tried their best to ensure the safety of the runners there were instances when they failed to control the motor vehicles such that the runners had to compete with motor vehicles for road space.  In particular, when we entered Lawton, the marshal allowed motor vehicles to enter and some runners crossing the road were blocked or had to avoid the vehicles.

Water Stations (Very Good) – To my mind there were adequate water stations.  However there was a dearth of thrash bins to throw away those empty bottles and cups.

Portalets (Excellent) – Adequate and strategically located.

Markers (Excellent) -  They had markers in every kilometer.  There were even segments where markers were placed every 500 meters.  Directional signs were adequate and marshals made sure no one got lost.

Race Course (Excellent) – To my mind it had a good combination of flats, uphills and downhills.  The segments near the American cemetery and McKinley Hill were really challenging.

Distance (Very Good) -  A legitimate 10k.

Finish Line Chutes (Good) – Separate chutes for the 10k and 3k participants.  Medals were immediately awarded to the 10k finishers.  We just hope that the organizers will deliver the medals at the residences of the 3k participants as announced.  They should have anticipated the surge of participants given the running boom in the country.

Results are not yet available as of this writing.  But I expect them to release the Official Results within a reasonable time.

As I was simply content to run the race in an easy pace, I started slow and picked up my pace at the last kilometer.  I finished the race with plenty to spare and managed to finish with an unofficial time of 1:10:36.   On hindsight, I should have picked up my pace much earlier.  Well we live and learn.

Congratulations to Rotary Club of Makati West and to Extribe.

TAKBO.PH March 8, 2009 LSD Run

It was a simple idea from the Hari Manok to invite readers of Takbo.Ph who are training for the Condura Run to have a group Long Slow Distance (LSD) run around the Fort Bonifacio area to mimic the conditions of the Condura race.  First was the post at the Takbo.Ph Forum asking if members are interested.  Then a handful of respondents and 2 days from the event we reached 70! And this was totally unexpected.

The run started with the usual briefing at 5:20 am.  Then the usual class picture prior to the start and at 5:30 am we were off.  The start off point was at R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street (BHS).  We divided ourselves into the fast runners (7 min/km pace) and the slower group (7:30-8:00/km pace).  We proceeded to  turn right at 26th Avenue before turning left to Lawton.  We made a U-Turn after the Bayani Road and then turned right to Bayani Road and made another U-Turn at the C5 junction and back to Lawton.  We then made a right turn to McKinley Hill and made a U-turn back to Lawton at the British Embassy area.  Thereafter we were on our way back to BHS.  A good 15 k.  We wanted to complete the 21k so we went for another round to the McKinley Hill area.

We had a great time meeting new friends and renewing old friendships.  I finally met my schoolmate way back in the mid-70s, Rene Villarta (aka Jazzrunner) who is on the comeback trail in long distance running after a long absence.

Obviously, the participants enjoyed the practice run as shown by the pictures below, which were courtesy of  either Sheer Will, Manokan Expres, Seabiskwit and Marvin.  Some were even clamoring for more.    Thank you fellas for a great LSD practice run.

Reflectorized Class Picture

Pre-run preparations

Pre-run instructions

Group 1 @ Bayani Road

Bayani Road

Group 2 @ Lawton

Group 2 pitstop after McKinley Hill

First group picture

Lupang Hinirang

In this morning’s run, I observed that when the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang was sung, only a few runners followed the prescribed norm of respect.  What is disgusting is that some unwittingly showed “contempt” by talking, doing their warm ups, etc. while the National Anthem was being sung.

I would like to believe that a lot of Filipinos are unaware of the prescribed norms to follow in singing the National Anthem.   Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as  “An Act prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and ohter heraldic items and devices of the Philippines” prescribes the proper norm.  Section 38 of RA 8491 provides:

When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem.  The singing must be done with fervor.

As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and it there is none they shall face the band or the conductor.  At the first note, all persons shall execute the salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in the military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall gie the salute prescribed by their regulations.  The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.

From the above quoted provision it is clear that we are only required to do 3 simple things, namely:  1) sing the National Anthem with fervor, 2) face the Philippine flag or the band/conductor and 3) execute the salute by placing our right palms over our left chest.

A lot of runners did not observe this prescribed norm to show respect to the National Anthem.  Sad to say the same is true elsewhere.

It is time for us Filipino runners to take our National Anthem seriously.  We may not like our government and the current leadership but the National Anthem represents the Filipino nation, our identity and all that is good in the Filipino.  Let us show due respect to our flag and Lupang Hinirang.

BTW, Section 50 of the same law provides the following penalties

Any person or juridical entity which violates the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than five thousand pesos (P5,000) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That for any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed:  Provided, further, That in case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable.

I know that deep inside our hearts, we all love and want the best for our country.  We can do this by at least showing our respect to our flag and National Anthem.

Botak Paa-Bilisan 10K

I first encountered Botak in the early 90s when I was looking for running attire to use in my weekend runs.  I brought 1 running shorts and 2 shirts, the most memorable being OverPraktis.  I found their products to be better than the named foreign brands and made me proud to note that Filipino products can indeed hold their own with the best.  I carried this notion such that when our company was looking for uniforms in its 1993 tenpin bowling tournament, I immediately inquired with the Botak headquarters in Kamuning Road.  To my mind what they provided us was the best uniform we had.  Botak continued to be popular until the mid-90s when it suddenly lied low.

When I got hooked with running last year I was elated to know that Botak is very much alive with its Paa-Bilisan series.  I joined the October edition of this series and finished it with 1:13:49.  I was hoping to improve on my time given that it had the same course, which is mostly flat lands and a few inclines.  The race to my mind was well-organized.

In my previous posts, I usually use a 1-10 rating with 10 being the highest.  For a change I will start rating on a scale of 0-5 with 0 being the worst and 5 as the highest and the best.

I arrived at the site early so I had a lot of time to warm up and mingle around with some Alabang runners, Reetz Velasco and Patrick Joson.  By 5:45 the runners were asked to check in and by 6:00 am we were ready to race.  My impressions are as follows.

Registration 4 -  Runners had the option to register at the Botak Office and at the Botak booth during the races in January and February.  The singlets and race packs were distributed upon registration.  There was no online registration.

Entry Fee 4 – The P250 registration fee is to my mind reasonable.

Parking 4 – More than adequate without the confusion and traffic.  However we had to pay P30.

Security 5 – More than adequate and there was no reported theft or robbery.

Check In 2 – All runners checked in and started at the same time.

Marshals 5 -  They appeared to know what they were doing and have properly directed the runners.

Race Start 0 – The race started 10 minutes late!

Safety 4 -  The organizers tried to ensure the safety of the runners.  However, there were instances where they were unable to control unruly motor vehicles at the intersections.

Water Stations 4 -  Adequate.  However thrash bins were not provided so runners can dispose of their used cups.

Portalets 5 – Adequate and strategically located.

Markers 5 -  Adequate mile markers and directional signs.

Race Course 4 -  Mostly flats with the uphills provided by Lawton Road.

Distance 5 – A legitimate 10k.

Finish Line Chutes 5 – There were chutes for the 5k and 10k finishers.  No lines at the finish line.

Results are not yet available at this time 1:23pm.  Lets hope that the results will be out within a reasonable time.

As in my previous races, I was content to enjoy the scenery of the race course and finish the race.  I started out slow and was able to pick up my pace only after the first kilometer.   I thought that my pace was slow until reaching the 5th kilometer when I began to pass runners.  This continued until the last water station where I took too much time drinking the Gatorade provided.

I improved my previous Botak Paa-Bilisan 10k time by 4 minutes and my PR by a minute.

Overall it was a good and well-organized race.