RU1: first leg on the road to the big race

by Bro J and Swthrt

The Runrio Team in partnership with Unilab Philippines once again set another first in race organization by setting a record of four thousand runners participating in the 21k category.  With the number of runners in this distance category, everything is possible to happen. Comments like congested roads from runners at certain part of the route, shortage of cups filled with water or powerade (though there were a lot of supplies), irate motorists, and other logistics problems were only part of organizing a big event like this. Even crowd control personnel especially those located at the finishers’ kits distribution area could be a nightmare to event organizers. But despite all of these, Run United 1 was undoubtedly a well thought, well organized race that can only be organized by a man who understands, feel and live as a passionate runner. With all the minor lapses in organization and inconveniences to runners, Coach Rio humbly accepted all responsibility which is truly a mark of a good man.

Our race

With the announcement of shuttle buses available from MOA to BGC, we decided to park our car at BGC so as not to wake up too early for the race. We arrived at the starting area at around 4:00am just in time to squeeze in the huge crowd of 21k runners opting to be in the first wave of runners to be released. The point to point route was great for runners who would easily get bored in going back the same route to the finish. Swthrt and I had a great time with this route. We also decided to bring our ipods to inspire us with music while running (we usually run without it). Our playlist includes fast worship songs up to other running inspired beats. Swthrt and I have no problems all the way to Roxas Boulevard except at last 5K where Swthrt felt the onset of cramps on her calf. The early start was also a good decision on the part of the race organizers because we only experienced the heat from the sun at about the last 3K of the route along Macapagal Boulevard. The reward of receiving the finisher’s medal was more than enough to compensate the effort given in this race. We thanked and praised the Lord for a wonderful race he gave us.

Run United 1 is the first of the 3 leg series of three great races (expected of a Runrio- organized races) that would lead to one major goal…. The Run United Philippine Marathon.

Congratulations to Runrio Team and Unilab!

Before I tell you about the wonderful race we had last Sunday, I would like you to take a peek on what we had before and after. It was a full weekend but every single activity done was so fulfilling and enjoyable. We really had great times with the family in doing all the errands for the day. We also had a spur-of-the-moment merienda with close friends last Saturday. It was brief but truly sweet bonding times with friends. Saturday night was capped with worship meeting in our friends’ house. Our Sunday was so packed as well. It started early with a very good race, the Run United Leg 1 for 2012, another fulfilling race for both of us.  We weren’t able to stay in the race area a little longer because we needed to be home to prepare for the Church Service. Right after running for more than two hours, we headed home for a hearty breakfast and soothing showers.

            As our body had been nourished and rehydrated, we allowed our spirit to be nourished as well. We’ve been served with an awe-inspiring message in Church Service, followed by an encouraging Women’s fellowship. The day was concluded with a very relaxing and much-needed foot massage courtesy of our BFFs. It was indeed a good treat for our very tired feet and leg muscles after pinning down a good 21 kilometers race that morning. Our bodies were so flat-tired but our spirits were so up and about! Everything was so special and so good! God’s love is so sweet!  He indeed blessed each and every activity done, no matter how simple it was or trivial it had been. God showers us with His Love…and we are so amazed and grateful!  

What about the Good Race…

            Yes, about the race. It was the first leg of The RUN United 2012 Series… and of course, one of RunRio races! You can expect that everything will go well. And so it was! This series is one of the much-awaited races which most runners are really up to. For the last Sunday’s event, a record four thousand runners registered and ran the 21K category in the newest route devised by the brilliant minds of RunRio. It was from Global City to MOA route via Kalayaan and Roxas Blvd and then finally through Macapagal Ave. We really enjoyed the new route although the roads we treaded were not that new to us anymore. But the good thing about this is we were spared with the agony of seeing other runners were already heading back to the finish line while we were still trying to reach the turn-around point… well, this is for us and not necessarily common to all runners. But for us who are usually in the mid pack, sometimes in the back pack of the race, and who hate doing things over and over again except running… the route was perfect for us! I am sure most of the runners would agree.  

            The race is superb. It was not only the route that made us happy, but also the extra effort to transport runners back and forth from MOA to BGC. Of course the usual high level of performance in terms of marshals, water stations, starting line and finish line. All is well. It is very caring for Coach Rio to personally greet and see runners through, to allow runners take pictures with him, and ensure that everything is okay. And that is his usual self in every race he organized.  Well done, RunRio! More races for you to organize and for us to run.