Pre Christmas Run with the Honda Cars Pasig runners

A day before Christmas, Swthrt and I and two of Honda Cars Pasig strong runners Richie Azcueta (a TBR Dream Marathoner) and Sonny Paronda decided to do a long run. Our starting point was at the Honda Cars Pasig near Eastwood City and our goal was to run at least 30K as part of our preparation for the Condura Skyway Marathon. We started our run at around 5:30 am with our route entrusted to Sonny who lives in Cainta. We took the Calle Industria Road going to Manggahan Floodway then to Ortigas Avenue. Our leadman, Sonny led us all the way to Greenland Subdivision in Cainta where he lives. It was quite noticeable that more people are into running as we saw a lot of them converged in a small loop inside the village. We were treated to endless left and right turn before finally exiting the village through its backdoor leading us to Highway2000 going to Club Manila East.

Upon reaching Club Manila East, we then again noticed that there were more runners along the wide road leading to the resort. We then proceeded to Taytay’s main highway where we had a short stop at 7-11 store to refill our hydration bottles.

After the pitstop, we then proceeded to the uphill Tikling Road and reached Havila Village before we went back to the main higway going to Rosario Pasig. We then turned right at Imelda Avenue and turned left at Karangalan Village that led us back to Manggahan Pasig and back to Honda via Calle Industria. We returned to Honda after four hours and thirty minutes. According to Sonny’s tracking device we only covered 28.5K but then it was a tiring but fulfilling long run. Merry Christmas and a Happy new year to all the runners!

Condura Skyway Marathon Bloggers' Night

One of the perks of being a runner blogger is that you get invites to press conferences, test runs, product launch and more. Last December 15, Condura Skyway Marathon Secretariat headed by Mr. Ton Concepcion organized a bloggers' night for the launching of the Condura Run 2011 which would now be known as the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011. The re-branding carries the vision of becoming the premiere marathon event in the Asia-Pacific Region by 2012 and continues its advocacy of protecting the environment especially the marine ecosystem. Having helped foundations and organizations protecting the Tubataha Reef, Whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon, and the Dolphins of Bohol, next year’s beneficiary will again be the dolphins of Bohol. The event aims to raise funds for the protection of dolphins of Baclayon Bohol through scientific research and promotion of eco-tourism and creation of livelihood opportunities. This is in partnership with Ayala Foundation, Inc.

After the briefing on what to expect of the CSM 2011 edition which includes new race routes, new distance category (16K), more freebies, the bloggers got to experience the fast and easy e-registration at the Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

Photos by Kulit on the Run, Vima

For registration details visit www.conduraskywaymarathon.com.

Thank you Condura for the great time!

Reasons to join Condura Skyway Marathon

There can be 101 reasons why run the Condura Run which will now be known as the Condura Skyway Marathon. The CSM has been a significant event in my running experience. The 2009 Run for the Whale Sharks was my first 21K race while the 2010 Run for the Dolphins was my first full 42K marathon race. Next year’s edition will surely be another memorable race because I will be running the full marathon again with Swthrt.

So what are you waiting for! Register now and have an experience of the premiere running event in the Philippines

The Condura Skyway Marathon

Sunday, February 6, 2011

10km, 16km and 21km : Ayala Triangle Start and Finish at Bonifacio Global City

3km, 5km and 42k : Bonifacio Global City Start and Finish

For More details visit www.condurarun.com

Condura’s Top 12 Reasons to Join the Condura Skyway Marathon

1. RUN FOR THE DOLPHINS
A guaranteed donation of P50 pesos per runner plus any surplus from the run shall help protect the Dolphins of Baclayon, Bohol – the Dolphin capital of the Philippines.

2. EVERY RUNNER GETS A MEDAL
Whether you are a fun run newbie or a seasoned marathoner, conquering your chosen distance makes you a winner in our book – you deserve a medal whichever distance you run!

3. SPECIAL EDITION DOLPHIN SHIRT
All participants will receive a dri-fit type technical shirt with event logo designed by Team Manila. Perfect for wicking off the Sunday morning sweat!

4. D-TAG TECHNOLOGY
This is the timing system used by top marathons around the world including the New York City marathon. We will be using the D-TAGS for all race categories for fast and accurate recording of your finishing time.

5. BREAKTHROUGH e-REG SYSTEM
Registration is now more convenient and accurate with our proprietary e-REG system. Whether you are paying cash or through credit card, you can now register from any computer anytime and anywhere.

6. 16K NEW RACE CATEGORY
Wanting to graduate from your regular 10k but not so sure if you're ready for a 21k half-marathon? The 16k category should be just right for you. We are introducing this race category due to insistent public demand.

7. FIRST 10K ON THE SKYWAY
Last year, only the runners of the 21k and 42k distances were able to run the Skyway. This time, the 10k and 16k runners will get to experience the thrill of running on the Skyway on a point to point route starting at Ayala triangle and ending at the Bonifacio Global City.

8. NEW 21K ROUTE
Our first point-to-point half marathon, starting at Ayala triangle and ending at the Bonifacio Global City will enable you to run more of the Skyway!

9. RUN THE NEW EXTENDED SKYWAY!
The Skyway just got extended and now goes out all the way to Sukat. Every time a portion of the Skyway is completed, the full Marathon extends up to the farthest point – and back!

10. FUN ROUTE FOR THE 3K AND 5K RUNNERS AROUND BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY
The Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is one of the most friendly running routes in the metro; making it a favorite venue for running events. However, we changed last year's route for both the 3k and 5k categories to make it challenging yet enjoyable for all participants.

11. 2 STARTS, 1 FINISH
Last year we had one starting point and two finish lines. This time it is the other way around! This was done so that more runners can run the Skyway as well as to manage congestion from both runners and vehicular traffic. Our goal is to give runners the best running experience possible.

12. LOTS OF FREEBIES AND GIVEAWAYS!
We have a lot of treats from our sponsors to help you celebrate your post race victory.

TRUE JOY

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” Isaiah 12:3

There’s no doubting the joy and happiness that come from hitting that game-winning home run or last-minute buzzer beater. You’re a hero when you succeed – but what about when you miss the shot? It’s easy to be joyful when everything’s going perfect, but what about those times when things aren’t going quite as you expected? Doesn’t theBible teach us to praise God no matter the circumstances?

Learning to have joy in life is a lot like saying wedding vows. We as Christians must remember to express our love and faith “through good times and bad.” Just because life is throwing a few curve balls doesn’t mean God has stepped off the mound. God wants us to learn to find joy even on the not-so-joyous days. Once we can find that type of faith, it becomes easier to give him praise on the hard days.

Remember, God has more than just a few plays—He has the game plan for your life!

- Natalie Creech

Photos Talks - 32K Run United 2

BGC Run: A birthday run for Swthrt

The recently concluded BGC Run was incidentally a birthday run for Swthrt as it fell exactly on her birthday. What a great way to celebrate it than to set a new PR for 21K. Since we started running together in long distance races, we were not quiet conscious on setting or beating records. If ever we do set new PR, great and if not, then so be it. For us running together, the different experiences we have in every race and finished at the same time is more than enough to celebrate. But for this race, I confess that I had a hidden agenda in mind of setting a PR to highlight the occasion of Swthrt’s birthday. Our best time together for 21k was 2:39 (which I checked only after the race) at the Unilab Run for Wellness this year. Before the start of the race I was kind of conditioning Swthrt that we can try for a sub 2:30 on this race and she was willing to give it a try. And so we were up for the challenge.

The race
As we always do in a race, we arrived early to avoid the hassle of finding a spot to park our car and have some time for a warm up run. We were surprised that the crowd was not as big compared to the Run United 2 held a week ago. One reason probably was because there were several races scheduled on the same day. Two races were already held in Fort Bonifacio, BGC Run and the Mc Donald’s Fun Run. We were quiet intimidated with the seemingly small number of 21K runners. We certainly don’t want to be at the tail end and so what else can we do but to run at our best effort. When it was time to go, we started a little faster than our usual starting pace. The cool weather and the warm up really helped and I just hoped we could be able to sustain our pace. Apparently, we did not. It took us 33:56 for the first 5K wherein I was already gasping for air because of the quick start. The next 5K split was at 35:49. At this point we were able to maintain a good pace or should I say our usual 7min pace. The third 5k split time was 39:22 which evidently showed that we were slowing down. The fourth and final 5K sent us to a frequent walk-run mode setting 40:31 time. At this point, we were certain that we cannot beat the 2:30:00 and was settled to do a sub2:40:00. To our recollection, we never finished below 2 hour and 40 minutes in a 21k race. The thought gave us another motivation that we could still set a new PR. We mastered all our energy to make the final push and finished at 2:37:+ setting a PR Birthday Run for Swthrt. We were really exhausted after the race but it was a great run indeed. Congratulation to Runrio for another well organized race.

Coming next of our own trilogy will be the 21K QCIM, see you there!

Birthday Run for Swthrt at BGC

Happy Birthday Swthrt! I love you!

What a great birthday run yesterday!

Congratulation for setting a new PR on 21k at BGC Run!

Surviving the 32K Challenge, Run United 2

Running the 32k Run United 2 of the Runrio Trilogy was probably our longest distance raced before the year ends. Swthrt and I have opted to downgrade our run to 21k in the coming QCIM because of inadequate training preparations for a full marathon. I believe “a good soldier must know how to fight his battle, and win.” After finishing two marathons, I have learned pretty much and treat the distance with respect and run the race with pride and integrity. Running this 32K race will give us a clear view of our present fitness level. Though we are quite confident that we can finish the race, we wanted to know what things to be improved. This we hope will guide us in our preparation for the upcoming marathon races, among them the Condura Run 2011 which promises to be exciting and challenging race.

The preparation
Running during weekends at UPD and at our village on weekdays (if our schedules allow us) was the only preparation we had for this race. We only have at least 2 long runs of 20K with a couple of hill training sessions along the UP’s Heartbreak hill was our confidence booster. Other than that we only had 10K or 5K runs.

The race
Swthrt and I made sure that we had a good warm up and stretching before the race. To be able to do this, we arrived early at the venue at around 3:30am and were able to get a good parking space. After the warm up and stretching we proceeded at the starting line and met friends who will also be running the 32K distance category. We were able to have a short chat with wayne, nora, jonas and jonel. Though we planned this race to be sort of a long run, our secret (now revealed) target goal was 4 hours. With the race starting on time, we headed for a slow start. The first five kilometers was always the hardest part for us in every race. Though the good warm up run earlier helped, we struggled at the early stage of the run. Once we got our momentum, we picked up the pace hoping to maintain a 7 min pace. The first 10 K was timed at 1:12:44. In the next 10K we even got slower with a lap time of 1:19:20. At this point we were certain that this will be a hard and long race for us. For the last 10K, we ran it at 1:30:43 which really way below our target pace of 7min/K. For the remaining 2K, it was a run and more walk pace that gave us a finish time of 4:21:05. Though it turned out to be a harder race than we thought, we enjoyed the race (except for the aches and pains brought about by blisters, impending leg cramps and stiff toes).

As always, Runrio or Coach Rio dela Cruz did a great job in providing the needs of runners from their hydrations (long table of water and powerade) to their safety on the road. Marshalls were all over providing accurate directional instructions. We even heard some of them shouting words of encouragements to runners.

Lessons learned
Though we have heard these a lot of times in lectures/seminars in running or read it in many running magazines, we always neglect on doing core strengthening exercises that would develop our core muscles. The lower back pains we are experiencing were a proof of it. Consistency in training should always be upheld. Most of the time our training runs are concentrated on weekends. Weekday runs are an on-and-off -thing. Speed trainings should also be incorporated in the training program if you want to have a better finish time. With all these in mind, we hope to have a better training program in preparation for the coming challenges in the 2011 running year. That includes completing at least two full marathons (Condura 2011 and the 3rd QCIM).

BLUE SKIES

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? Psalm 121:1

There is nothing like going to an athletic event outside under with Blue Skies. In North Carolina we call them Carolina Blue Skies. I guess that is what most UNC fans think. When I think of blue sky, I think of the verse that says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1).

I am amazed at how a blue sky can set the mood for how someone feels. Those cloudy, rainy days may be a little discouraging or make our spirit feel down, but again remember to lift up your eyes. It does not matter if the sun is shining outside or not, the key is the Son shining inside. As we follow athletics, we will sometimes be up and sometimes be down because of wins and losses. But look up—maybe at a Carolina Blue Sky day or a Blue Sky wherever you live—and let that help you remember that your help comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

—Robert Walker

Photo Talks - RMCHS Batch82 Family Fun Run

*Photos by John Santisteban

Green light to Run

One reason why I turned into running as a form of exercise is that, I was previously diagnosed of having ischemic heart problem. This is due to a very high cholesterol level which may cause blockage in my arteries. Another cause could be my sedentary lifestyle. Though I sometimes do field work, I spent most of my work in front of the computer. Since I started running in 2008, there were some changes in my daily routine. Physically, I have reduced in weight and inches in my waistline especially in the early stages of my running experience where I peak on my trainings. I made significant increase in my HDL (good cholesterol level) and lowered the bad ones. But recently, I experienced some heart palpitations and easily get tired again. This sent alarming signals which push me to visit a cardiologist. Laboratory test have been made to set a new baseline data and my doctor recommended me for a complete work-up to assess my heart condition. This includes ECG, 2D echo and stress test.

Stress Test result:

The results indicated a high cholesterol level, high triglycerides and even though my good cholesterol was high, it was not enough to counter the bad ones. It’s a good thing I’m not diabetic. I still need to watch on my diet. I was guilty of indulging into fatty foods having a very bad justification of “I’ll burn them in running anyway”. 2D echo gave a good result but the stress test had otherwise. The stress test result was that I had an inducible ischemia. This worries me as I might not be able to do again strenuous exercises such as running. The good thing was that my doctor did not agree on the findings. According to her, she cannot fully commit that there was abnormality based on her own interpretation of the tracing (graph). For her, it could be an equivocal finding and further test should be done.

To validate this, she recommended me for another stress test with sestamibi (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging) at the nuclear medicine department. Sestamibi was a radioactive substance to be injected in my blood which allowed the doctors to trace oxygen flow in my heart through a scanning machine. This may be likened to an MRI. I was scanned at rest, and right after a treadmill workout, I did the stress condition. The result was I have a normal myocardial perfusion imaging and a good cardio respiratory fitness. No scintigraphic evidence of inducible ischemia.

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Result:

.


God is great, God is good! I praise Him for restoring my health and giving me a good heart (literally). So with all the results in, my doctor and I will only be working now on lowering the bad cholesterols. And with Christmas just around the corner, I remind every runner to better watch out your diet with all the merry-makings and mega-loading meals serve at every party you attend and keep on running! God bless!

32-21-21

32-21-21 is not my vital statistics but the kilometer distance we are set to run in three weekend races. Starting this Sunday, Swthrt and I are set to take on the 32K challenge on Run United 2. This will be our longest run since the Rexona Run 2010 where we joined in the 21K category. On November 28, it will be a birthday run for Swthrt, a 21K during the BGC Run. Who knows, she might be the lucky winner of the Chevy to be raffled off. The last 21K will be our distance category participation in the 2nd QCIM on December 5 2010. Yes, we have opted to do the 21K rather than the full 42K because of lesser training runs logged. One thing I have learned in this sport is that you have to treat every distance with respect. Running the full marathon is no easy task. You have to go prepared. After the Adidas KOTR, I have laid low in my training due to some medical condition I’m experiencing. After visiting my doctor and having accomplished some lab test, I’m off to run again. Update and details on this will be posted soon.

RMCHS Batch 82 First Family Fun Run

For us, running is not only a sports but a family affair too! Last November 14, 2010, Batch 1982 of the Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School held its first family fun run inside the UP Diliman. The event aims to strengthen camaraderie among batch mates through a healthy cause. The affair dubbed “Takbo, Lakad, Chika” exactly described the said gathering. The proceeds of the fun run will be used as initial funds for this year’s Christmas party of the batch. Details on this will be announced soon. The fun run was initiated by the batch’s 2 Bottles Club (2BC) with the support of various section representatives. A good number of batch mates with their families grace the occasion despite the fact that it was Pacquiao versus Margarito boxing match.

The fun day
Swthrt and I arrived at UP at around 5:15 am. We decided to do a couple of rounds of the academic oval before proceeding at the registration area at the side parking lot of the Bahay ng Alumni.

After we have registered and made some chika with batch mates, we continued our run to complete our 10K goal for the day as part of our training. At around 6:30 am, we returned at the venue and prepare for the event. I opened the event with a prayer after which batch mate Robert Cornelio thanked and welcome the participants. I led the stretching before we started the run.

When everyone was finished, we did some raffle of prizes donated by some of our generous batch mates. Food (Carrot cupcakes) and drinks (Powerade and Real Leaf Tea) were also provided courtesy of Liza Diño. The day ended with a family picture taking for souvenir. It was obvious that everyone who participated enjoyed the gathering.

So to those who missed the fun day, hope to see you next time!

*Pictures grab from RMCHS82 e-group site

Corregidor International Half-Marathon for Dummies

Corregidor International Half-Marathon for Dummies*
Make Your CIHM Participation One for the Books


Q: Is the Php2500 (early-bird rate)/Php3000 (regular rate) too expensive for a race in the Philippines?
A: Not so. Relative to the ever increasing registration fees of races in Metro Manila, the participation fee in CIHM is actually very reasonable, and almost a steal. Sun Cruise’s regular rate per person for a daytrip to Corregidor that includes round-trip ferry, a group-guided tour of the island, and a lunch buffet is Php1,900.00. The CIHM package, excluding the guided tour, offers all participants round-trip ferry, a full lunch buffet on race day, a genuine dry-fit race shirt, race backpack, race bib equipped with an RFID timing chip, a classic Finishers’ Medallion, access to the Carbo-loading Bonfire Party, and a ticket to a mercury-rising after-race bash that is the CIHM Victory Party.

Q: Does the registration fee cover accommodations in the island?
A: No. Accommodations, however, range only from P1600 to P2400 per night per room. A standard room could accommodate three persons comfortably. It may be arranged through Sun Cruises at these numbers: 8346857/8346858 / 5275555 loc 4511 or 4512.

Q: Is there any other option for accommodation if I were to go overnight?
A: Yes. CIHM participants may opt to camp out with their own tent. They only have to make a one-time payment of Php200 per tent to Sun Cruises. The camp site is at the parade grounds adjacent to the South Dock and facing the beach. Those who will camp out need not worry about their lavatory needs. Though spartan in nature, there are more than ample clean washroom and restroom cubicles that are very proximate to the tent grounds.

Q: Still concerning those going overnight, where could they avail of their meals ?
A: Sun Cruises operates Corregidor Inn where CIHM participants may dine out in a welcoming restaurant. Alternatively, there are several kiosks in the island such as that in McCarthur’s Inn where participants may check out other meal options.

Q: Will CIHM participants camping out be allowed to bring camping stoves?
A: Mini camping stove or similar devices that will produce a relatively minimal combustion may be allowed to be brought in by participants who will camp out.

Q: Are bikes allowed to be brought along?
A: Owing to space limitations in and weight restrictions of the ferries, CIHM participants are disallowed to bring along their bicycles.

Q: Will Corregidor be open to regular tourists on the day of the race?
A: No. The island will be exclusive to CIHM participants on Dec 18 and 19. This means that CIHM racers could totally enjoy a traffic-less and urban-nuisance-free race amidst a dramatic backdrop, and that is only in Corregidor.

Q: Where can foreign nationals, residing outside the Philippines, intending to join CIHM get information on Philippine visa requirements?
A: They may check out the tab “Philippine Visa Information for Foreign Participants” in the CIHM website www.corregidor2010.runningmate.ph or other veritable websites on the net.

Q: Can registered participants have their own pacers?
A: Yes but only if the pacer is also a registered CIHM participant. The race will strictly adhere to the “No Bib, No Race” policy.

Q: Will there be a sweep time for CIHM participants?
A: None. CIHM participants need not worry about being swept off the race course after a particular time. However, for a participant to finish the race, he/she needs to reach the half-way checkpoint on or before 1hr45min from gunstart. Participants who will be unable to do so, however, will be awarded with a 10K Achiever medal and will be brought to the Finish area onboard the Sun Cruises tranvias. All participants who will successfully finish the 21k distance will be awarded with the CIHM Finishers’ Medallion

Q: How many hydration stations will there be on the race course?
A: There will be 8 hydration stations, including one at the finish area, at 2km interval from each other.

Q: Will there be first aid stations along the race course?
A: Yes. First aid, actually, will be integrated with the hydration stations. Aside from this, a mobile paramedic team will also be in place.

Q: What is the unique selling point of Corregidor International Half-Marathon?
A: It is the idea that all CIHM participants will have the rare opportunity to run on sacred grounds and all their determined efforts will be cheered on by the glorious memory of heroism of our noble predecessors. Then there’s the bonus of an after-race Victory Party where participants could let their hair down to celebrate their achievement.

*from the race organizer

Flash Announcement for CIHM Registration

All Treat, No Trick:
Early-Bird Rate for Corregidor International Half-Marathon is Back!


Halloween may be over but the party is just starting for all fans of Corregidor International Half-Marathon. Here’s the treat. All runners who intend to join the CIHM may still avail of the Php2500 early-bird rate through the following conditions:

(1)Register on-line via www.runnersrunner.com/corregidor2010

(2)Alums of Conquer Corregidor

(3)Wear your Finishers’ Medal from any of the race you have participated in during the year upon personal registration at Second Wind/Runnr on these dates: Nov 6, 7, 13, and 14

So what are you waiting for? No need to grab those long broom sticks to do the trick.

Hit that keyboard or the road to your nearest registration center before the race slots quickly vanish in a snap.

KOTR2010

Being one of the most awaited road races in the country, the Adidas King of the Road 2010 was a goal- setting event. I myself have set a goal for this event. I was hoping to set a new PR with Swthrt in the 10K category. Though we haven’t run much during weekdays, we consistently have our weekend runs at UPD covering a distance of 10K to 21K. So I was quite confident that we can clock a better time on this race. But not until a couple of days prior the race day that I have been experiencing heart palpitations from time to time. I also easily get tired even with minimal physical exertion. I told Swthrt about it the night before the race sending her to an alarming state because she knew I had a history of hyperthyroidism and angina (chest pains) before I started running two years ago. Having this in mind, Swthrt was really worried about me running the race. I assured her that if I felt any discomfort while running I will stop at once.

The Race
We woke up early, took a nice oatmeal breakfast and off we go to the site. JM our eldest son will be running his 2nd KOTR in the 5K category. Upon settling down after having parked our car, Swthrt and I went to the group of 10K runners waiting for their release as the 21K runners were sent off to start. JM went on to run around while waiting for their turn. Swthrt and I went to a very slow starting as I continue to monitor my heart rate (I used the heart monitor given to me by my cousin Noel). Swthrt was always asking me if I’m feeling OK. I knew she was more conditioned to run and set a PR on this one but she opted to stay with me. As we traverse the narrow road near DOE, I was gaining confidence that I can finish the race. We were slowly picking up our pace. I was even excited seeing JM among the first group of 5K runners when we came across near the Home Depot area. He was having fun as he was running fast. Swthrt and I continued on as I would either jog slowly or briskly walk if I felt my heart beating fast or if I was grasping for air. As we reached the Kalayaan flyover, I was really getting exhausted but managed to run/walk until we get to the top. Swthrt would run ahead of me but would either wait or run back at me to make sure I’m running OK. We were able to make the last U turn of 10K runners. I prodded Swthrt to go on ahead of me but she wanted to make sure I’m doing well. Eventually, I was able to convince her that I will be fine for the rest of the race route and that I wanted her to go ahead and run her pace and still be able to set a good time. Good thing she made it to the finish line four minutes ahead of me. Swthrt can do better than that if not only she was keeping pace with me almost the entire race. We were both glad to have finished the race without any problem. And yes, no PR for this race, not this time. We enjoyed the rest of our time roaming around and eating the free breakfast pack meal and looking for JM who set a new PR of 24:00 for the 5K.

Post race
I guess all the bad luck must have been absorbed by our car as we have front wheel flat tire when we returned to the parking lot. JM and I had to change tire before leaving the place. As for my health condition, I will see the doctor ASAP for a thorough check up. Come Monday, Swthrt and I had a good 45 minute recovery run in our village and spent a lot of time watching DVD movies for a deserved rest. Thank God for a great long weekend for us.

Race evaluation
This year’s edition of KOTR had a new route. The narrow and pot hole filled road near DOE created some traffic jam for runners. The marshals were also not able to control the 10K runners in giving way to the coming 21K runners. I’m sure these 21K runners were having a hard time and have been annoyed by the incident. There were few marshals manning the race route. The water stations were strategically positioned (at least for the 10K route) but with less staff to man this stations. I also noticed that there were no timing mats for recording split time at crucial turn around points making it prone to cheating. I just hope they will do better next time.