Dean’s Cup UP Law Invitational Triathlon and Fun Run

Being disappointed with my first race held at UP which is the Hataw Pilipinas, I was quite apprehensive in joining the 1st Dean’s Cup of the UP College of Law. There were questions that bothers me prior to this event. First, will it be a well- organized race considering that this will be their first time to organize this event. Second, will there be more participants to this race since there will be at least three races that will be held within Metro Manila on the same date. There was the Tatakbo ka ba? Fun Run by the GMA 7 network expected to draw more crowds and the Smash and Dash Fun Run by Greenhills Shopping Center and Sun Cellular. Third, will Swthrt and I make a comeback and be well motivated to finish this race coming from a not so good performance in our last race.

Even though we registered early for this race, we only got our race kits last Saturday after a good 10K practice run at UP. To my surprise, Swthrt ‘s singlet was not yet available that we have to comeback for it later in the afternoon. At this point, I was really hoping that everything will be well come race day. Anyway, I was able to talk with Eric of Run for Change, the coordinator for this event, who assured me of a good race and participation of a good number of runners.


The Race
We arrived at UP at around 5:20 am and park our car near the College of Engineering which was a block away from the starting line for the race. Swthrt and I did some warm-up run and stretching prior to the race. We saw Jay, Prometheus Cometh, who was doing his long run. The race started a few minutes after 6 o’clock. It was a separate start for the different categories. The 10K runners were released first. We have to run one loop of the academic oval and a portion of the University Avenue to complete a 2.5K route and then 2 laps of the outer loop with 3.75 K distance per lap. We saw Vener and Christy while doing our first lap of the outer loop. Swthrt and I decided to run at the pace we did last Saturday targeting a 1:10 time for the 10K. Finishing less than this time will be better. There were a good number of participants especially in the 5K and fun walk events. Enough water at the hydration station. There were volunteers handing over the cups of water to the runners. One volunteer even took time to cross the street (we are running on the opposite side of the street where the station is) just to offer us the cup of water. There was also a food station which offers energy bars, bananas, and more for the 10K runners at the University Avenue. We finished the race in 1:08:+ and got our certificates, bananas and freebies at the finish line.

Bananas for everyone!

Lots of freebies which includes Hershey's drinks and dark chocolates

Swthrt had a souvenir photos with Hershey’s and Kisses mascots. Overall, Swthrt and I were satisfied with the race organization. Congratulations to Eric and the people behind this event.

with Eric of Run for Change

After the fun run, we went to the university pool to witness the start of the Triathlon event. We saw familiar faces such us the teams of Second Wind, Hector, Nevil, Jeremy.

Briefing before the race

There was Mama Ting doing the solo event. We also happened to see a cousin of mine who will be joining the event for the first time. The triathlon event was graced by Senator Pia Cayetano who was also a Triathlete. She fired the starting gun for the athletes. We were not able to finish the event and had to go home early for a church worship service. We went home happy and contented looking forward for another great race at UP.

First wave of swimmers

Mama Ting on her second set of the swim leg

with cousin Chris before the race

For now, we are gearing up for the 21K New Balance Power Run. See you there!