Skechers GORun wins 2014 Boston Marathon

"With the support of the Skechers Performance Division by my side every step of the way, I have won for the city of Boston, and for the entire U.S.," said Meb Keflezighi(“Keff-Lez-Gee”) at his Boston Marathon presser.

Skechers GORun ambassador and America’s #1 marathoner Meb led the pack of elite runners to the finish line in the 2014 Boston Marathon in his high-performanceSkechers GORun shoes.

Meb’s victory became a feel-good story in the running community, following the devastating bombing incident in last year’s Boston Marathon as he is the first American to win in the prestigious Boston Marathon after three decades with a new personal-best time record of 2:08:37.

Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for Skechers Performance Division Rick Higgins said, “We are so proud of Meb and his monumental accomplishment on what was clearly a very emotional day…if [he] can do it in Skechers shoes, so can you.”

The Skechers Performance Division first signed Meb in 2011 to represent the Skechers Performance Division as it launched its new footwear line. The Skechers GORun is designed for speed with its innovative M-Strike Technology to promote a mid-foot strike (two-point step: mid-toe), allowing more fluid and powerful strides than a heel strike (three-point step: heel-mid-toe).

Meb transitioned from a heel strike to a mid-foot strike runner with Skechers GORun, giving him an effortless and faster take off. Since that time, Skechers M-Strike Technology’s influence on the improvement of Meb’s PR (personal record) has been evident.

At 36, he ran in the NYC Marathon in Skechers GORun back in 2011 and posted a personal-best time in finishing sixth in New York that day, and then lowered it again in winning the U.S. Olympic trials just two months later. Meb also won more than five key races, including the U.S. Half Marathon Championship in Houston in January 2014, and the U.S. Olympic Trials in Houston in 2012.

While his winning the 2014 Boston Marathon might have come as a surprise to many given his age during the race was just two weeks before Meb turns 39, he attained greater achievements and established his personal best time record, running like a blur ever since he shifted to Mid-foot Strike Technology with Skechers GORun.

“It’s a pretty massive deal for a non-traditional running shoe company,” said Eric Smallwood, senior vice president of Front Row, a Philadelphia marketing and analytics company focused on sports. “If you’re a runner and you get a PR (personal record) in a new pair of shoes, you’re sticking with those.”

Are Skechers Performance shoes any good? Smallwood’s say: “They win marathons don’t they?”

*Media release from Skechers Philippines c/o Nikka Peralta

Run United Series 2013 Presented

Press Release - January 17, 2012

Run United Rallies Filipinos to “Exceed Yourself” in 2013

Longer distances and focused approaches mark this year’s run races

          Mark your calendar runners, the 2013 Run United series is set to bring in more excitement and a lot of surprises to this year’s running calendar. Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc. promise longer distances that are big on fun and prizes, starting off with 2013 Run United 1on March 17 at the Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

          Ever responsive to the runners’ feedback, Unilab Active Health and RunRio are now focusing on longer distances to be in step with the requirements of progressive runners who want to better their personal records and outdo themselves in every race.

          “We noticed a trend during the previous years’ races that the slots for longer distances get filled up faster. There were instances when we had to open up more slots. So, by focusing on longer distances, we will be able to accommodate more runners,” said Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health.

          Coach Rio dela Cruz added: “This is in line with our plan to be part of the growth and journey of Filipino runners. It just goes to prove that the local running community is more mature, that is why we also launched the Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) last year. Filipino runners have leveled up.”

          Thus, there will be no more 3km category in Run United, but it will retain the 500-meter dash for kids to make them start having an active lifestyle early on. The race categories for 2013 Run United 1 include 5km, 10km and 21km; for Run United 2 (10km, 21km, and 32km); and for Run United Philippine Marathon (10km, 21km and 42km).

         

          If runners loved the singlets of previous Run United races, they would definitely rave about the improved singlets this year, which are made of new fabric designed to help improve the performance and comfort of the runners.

          Better and useful items will still be part of the finishers’ token. And the unique united medal will still be given away to encourage participants to complete the series. Of course, the Unilab Active Health villages will still be jampacked with activities and freebies for the participants and their families.

          The complete Run United 2013 race schedules are as follows: Run United 1 on March 17, Run United 2 on June 2 and Run United Philippine Marathon on October 6. Prior to these, The Bull Runner Dream Marathon will kick off on February 24.

          For triathletes, Tri United 1 2013 on March 10, 2013 and Tri United 2 2013 on July 7, 2013 both will be held in Playa Laiya, Batangas. Tri United 3 2013 on October 26-27, 2013 in Subic and the fourth and final leg of Tri United will be fired off in Ayala, Alabang on November 24, 2013. Moreover, Unilab Active Health Duathlon will be on September 8 at SCTEX, Clark, Pampanga.

          For more details please visit www.unilabactivehealth.com. 

SIM 2013 Social Media Night - Photos Talk

Subic International Marathon 2013

Event Profile

Subic International Marathon exists to advocate and initiate holistic development in the Filipino Society, cultivating a culture of physical health, productivity and patriotism, and bringing this model to the global community as its contribution to a peaceful environment for the youth of tomorrow.

It is Subic International Marathon's vision to be the world class Philippine marathon that will gather all full marathoners from all over the world much like the New York marathon.

The Subic International Marathon (SIM) is now working in partnership with the CORPS Movement Foundation. SIM and CORPS Movement Foundation have been providing community development programs in various places in Metro Manila and in different regions in the Philippines since 1992.

Transforming communities and societies require social contexts. Hundreds of volunteers from the faith-based group of the CORPS Movement Foundation are deeply involved in creating God-centred, service-oriented, and family-based communities. The CORPS Movement Foundation offers different programs such as: Anti-Drug Campaigns, Values Enhancement Program, Health and Wellness Advocacies, Workshops on Strengthening Family Relationships, among others. These programs have dramatically impacted and significantly contributed to the inculcation of values and virtues amongst children and youth, and to building safer schools, barangays, and communities.

Runner count in previous events

2005 - First ever marathon in Subic, with 5,000 runners
2006 - National event (Subic National Marathon)
2007 - First international event (Subic International Marathon)
2009 - Second international event with close to 10,000 runners
2011 – Third international event with 4,500 runners

Highlights of the event: 

Internationally endorsed race course
Most gorgeous 42 race course (greens, lush)
Safe, clean, and a lot of fresh air
Rest facilities in the race course on every turn-around point for the 5, 10, 21 and 42k race
RFID Accurate Timing System
Hydrating stations are committed: every 1.5 km
Full support from the communities around the race course
Full medical support in cases of emergency

Press Release:

eXtribe, Inc.

Cosmic Gate Innovations Co.

Marketing & Activation Agency

8^th Subic International Marathon

Reliving the Dream Marathon

The TBR Dream Team Run last November 17, 2012 was a blast for Team JRunning. It was our first race to run with a new team member and in a uniform singlet. For our teammate Mae, it was a wonderful experience finishing her official 21K race. For us, it was a time of remembering our first run at Nuvali as we recall every road we took of the 2010 Batch of the TBR Dream Marathon.   

Our first journey

When I started running sometime in 2008, it was all for health reason. As I begun to love the sport, it brought me to a higher level. I progressed from a 5K fun runner to a marathoner at Condura Run in 2009. It was an ecstatic experience for me but it was nothing compared to running a full marathon side by side with Swthrt. When the Bullrunner, Jaymie, organized the first Dream Marathon for beginners and first time marathoner, Swthrt immediately signed up. It will be a dream-come-true for her to finish a marathon just like I did. Little did we know, it will be our first marathon running together? Jaymie opened the event to second time marathoners and the rest is history (click here for our Dream Marathon story).

Going back at Nuvali

The TBR Dream Team Run allowed us to trace back memories of our first marathon together. Not only that, it also allowed us to share the experience with a friend whom we knew also like running. Team JRunning arrived at Nuvali quite early. As they say “the early bird catches the early worm”, we had the first chance of a photo shoot with the BullRunner. 

With a few runs as preparation prior to this race, we came determined to have fun and finish the race. As we returned to Nuvali, it brought back memories of our first Dream Marathon. The Dream Team Run had a different course than our race back then in 2010 but it was the same as last year’s race route as it was announced before the gun start. Our team was led by Swthrt as she was the strongest among the three of us and with me at the tail end (that is the reality), hehehe. We have a great start with a cool morning breeze but the route was tough especially on those long inclined roads. We tried to encourage one another and were able to run/walk alongside each other in most part of the race. As we came near the finish line, the sun was up and it became hotter and hotter. I had a burning sensation under my feet. I felt I was having blisters. It was painful and I was really feeling uncomfortable. Everyone in the team was already tired and had to master all remaining strength in us to run the last 1K to the finish line where our son, Josiah was patiently waiting to take photos of our final push to end the race. We felt great as we were handed the finisher medals. We immediately proceeded to the event area and savor our victory of conquering another race. The Krispy Kreme donuts and Evervon Activ Recovery drink was a wonderful treat for all the runners. We also got our finisher’s shirts and freebies.  As a reward, Swthrt and I bought for ourselves new pairs of Thorlos socks.

A great reunion race for TBRDM alumni

As expected, it was a well organize race with Jaymie, Jun and Neville on top of it and the rest of the TBR team efficiently manning their post. The fun continued with the full support of Unilab Active Health, Krispy Kreme, Thorlos and other sponsors with their booth at the venue area.

Congratulations Jaymie and thank you for allowing us alumni of TBR Dream Marathon to relive the day when our dream of finishing a marathon became a reality. God bless!

My idea of a different Run United Series

The Unilab Run United Series is undoubtedly the most awaited running event in the country today. With Unilab and Runrio at its helm, the series of races never fails to amaze runners with innovations, new routes, among others. Races that give runners the treat they truly deserve from well-secured race routes, overflowing hydration stations, shuttle service and post-race entertainment. With lots of ideas in their minds, they still want to know the needs of every runner and their thoughts on RU races to better serve the running community. Knowing this, here are some of my wish lists/suggestions for the future RU race series.1.       

1. Different race routes in every leg of the series. The idea of a different start/finish area like the BGC to SM MOA (used this year) was great but doing it again in the coming years may not be as attractive to some runners. I was thinking of having Run United 2013 Series in different venues. RU1 will be held at the BGC but 21K runners will start at SM MOA. RU2 will be held at the BGC with route extending to C5 going to Libis. RU3 will be held at QC Circle or UP Diliman using the Commonwealth Route.  RUPM can be from UP Diliman to BGC via Katipunan- C5 Road. Other routes to consider Mckinley Hills to SM MOA or vice versa. QC Circle to BGC via EDSA.
2. Team Competition for RUPM. 4 member team. All members will run the full marathon. The team with the fastest aggregate time wins.
3. A couple run category. Similar to a buddy run.
4. Relay Category for RUPM. 2-person relay for the 42K category.
5.  Personalized Race Singlet/Bib. This will only be for the longest distance category such as the 21K, 32K and 42K.
6. Unilab Active Health Souvenir Products for sale. Examples: Technical shirts, Tri-suits, gym bags, towels, etc. These items should be manufactured by known brands such as Nike, Adidas and others. 
7. Branded finisher’s shirt. There is pride in wearing a Run United Finisher’s shirt.
8. Having it scheduled on a Saturday. This is something personal. We cannot stay longer as much as we want to after the race because we are always in a hurry to return home and prepare for church worship service. Though it is a universal unwritten rule that races, especially significant ones are held during Sundays.

These are the few things that come to my mind. I’m sure the Unilab Team and Runrio Team will have other better ideas! More Power to you guys!

Missing CSM 2012

In my more than four years of running experience, my Condura races were the highlights.

Condura Run 2009 was my first half marathon (2:20+).

showing my first half marathon medal

at BGC nearing the finish line of my first half marathon

running with erlito, my high school classmate

Condura Skyway Marathon 2010 was my first full marathon (5:23+), while Swthrt  did her first half marathon running solo. 

right after crossing the finish line of my first full marathon

with my two running idols Vener and Jonel

And In 2011, Team JRunning  finished together, it was our second marathon.

In this year’s edition, we will be missing CSM. In as much as we love to run this great event, specially traversing the skyway, factors on place and time of the event made us decide not to register. Anyway, we wish all the runners a safe and enjoyable run as we always have in the past!

Go Runners! Realize your dreams… run the marathon! 

2011 Macau International Marathon

It is every runner’s dream to have a different experience in running races thus most of them join races not only in various cities and provinces in the country but also abroad.  Another venue which Filipino runners would certainly have a different running thrill is the 2011 Macau International Marathon. 

The Macau Government Tourism Office in Manila in collaboration with Runrio Inc. hosted a bloggers night last October 20, 2011 to launch the 30^th edition of the Macau International Marathon dubbed as the Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon to be held on o4 December 2011. Big prizes for different categories will be at stake plus  bonus prize for record breakers will be awarded. Macau will not only play host to this grand sporting event but is also a great place to tour and shop around. The place is also a haven for shoppers. Runners will certainly have a great time enjoying the many UNESCO declared heritage sites of the People's Republic of China’s Special Administrative Region, Macau.

So what are you waiting for? If you have the means, register now for the Macau International Marathon this December!

Event Title: 2011 Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon

Date: 4^th December 2011 (Sunday)

Organizers: Macau Sport Development Board、Macau Athletic Association

Aim: To develop local sports, by raising the level of running, to strengthen the friendship between people from different parts of the world, contribute to the promotion of sport tourism in Macau.

Qualification for registration: Citizen holding a legal identification document can register without discrimination of nationality.

Registration Schedules :

In Person or through a representative (Until 3^rd Dec. 2011, 8:00pm)

By Post (Until 18^th Nov. 2011, 5:30pm)

Online Registration (Until 25^th Nov. 2011, 11:30pm)

For more information visit:

http://www.macaumarathon.com/en/event_register.php

http://www.macaumarathon.com/en/event_info.php

Team JRunning CSM 2011 Recap

The Condura Run now known as the Condura Skyway Marathon has once again set the bar of standard for marathon races in the country during the recently concluded CSM 2011. There is no doubt that it will attain its vision of becoming a premiere marathon event in the Asia Pacific Region by 2012. To be part of this event is something to be proud of and will always be cherished. The best way to experience it to the max is to run the full 42.195K distance. This year Swthrt and I ran side by side, our second marathon together.

The early gun start of 3:30am must have added some pressure as we have to wake up very early. We arrived at the starting venue excited, tensed and with the hope of... just to finish the race (JFR). The place was already filled with 42k runners doing their stretching and warm-up run. Running groups were very obvious in their uniform singlet or tri-suit. We met up with friends who will also join the race and bid each other good luck. As the time hit 3:30am the runners were off to a good start. Swthrt and I tried to stick to our agreed pace and time goals per 10K. Running along Buendia corner Ayala was great with cheers from friends Bards,Vicky, Rene, and Vener plus the marshals along Buendia Avenue.

photos courtesy of Vener, Run Unlimited

We were doing well all the way to skyway ramp. The Skyway was a treat for runners as they can run free, without any motorist honking their horns held in road intersections. Even though I have run this route last year, it still excites me as I was running this time with Swthrt. The Skyway itself posed a great challenge to runners with its elevation going up and down at certain areas, like the EDSA portion and near the Sucat area. The thrill rose up as we shared the road with the 21K runners in some parts of the route. As expected, there were ample supplies of hydration. Only though, I don’t like the carbonated sports drink. As we continue our run along Skyway, there were cheers and encouragements from other runners we run side by side or met on the opposite direction. All is well until we reached KM30 on our way back to BHS wherein I started to feel cramps on my both calf. This started my agony, as we continued to run, the pain gets stronger. It’s Wall time! Walk breaks became longer than runs. Swthrt and I would jokingly say that we have to run and run to avoid being swept because there was a cut-off time given for runners along Skyway. Upon reaching down Buendia, loud cheers from Takbo.ph volunteers echoed and give the needed boost for the runners. Jinoe and other members also took photos of runners. It was a big help that I was able to apply liniment on my calf at their aid station. But the relief did not last long. I continued to drag Swthrt whom at this point can still run some more even with pain. The last challenge that we have to conquer was the Kalayaan flyover where the KM40 marker was located on top of it. It was at this point that I was contemplating of giving up. Lester and Cathy who caught up with us encouraged us to run. But even with the push I could not even run more than 2 meters. Walk was the only option. If not for Swthrt whom I knew was quite disappointed with our run (hope not so much with me) I would have opted to DNF. The phrase “don’t run alone” in the Team Hoyt film (i saw a few weeks before the race) really make some sense. We saw other runners in groups or partners encouraging one another to finish the race. As we make the right turn and having the finish line in view gave us a sigh of relief that it will only be a few minutes before it’s over. Again the cheers from more running groups as we approach the fine line gave the final boost for us. I tried to run but to no avail. The pain was unbearable. We cross the line in 6:03:+.

It was hard but rewarding to know that we have survived it. Though we may not got a PR, it was a humbling experience. We hope to gain wisdom from that experience and be a better runner next time.

Registration for the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 is still open

The annual Condura race is on! Join the country´s premiere marathon to be held on February 6, 2011 and feel the thrill of running on the Skyway! Register for 3k, 5k, 10k, 16k, 21k or 42k.

So what´s in store for you when you join the Condura Skyway Marathon?

Experience a world-class marathon with the use of D-Tag Timing System which accurately counts your time as you cross the finish line.

Sport that stylish and trendy runner look! Wear the dri-fit technical shirt with the event logo designed by Team Manila.

Everybody´s a winner! If you are a finisher, you will automatically receive a medal and be reminded of your achievement and your memorable participation in the event.

Last but not the least; aside from having lots of fun and excitement, you´ll also be making a contribution in the protection of dolphins of Bohol. P50.00 of the registration fee that you will pay will go to this advocacy.

For more details, visit www.conduraskywaymarathon.com

What are you waiting for? Don´t miss this chance to participate in a world-class and noble running event of the year! Hurry and go to Greenbelt 3 now before the slots run out!

Registration is open until January 31, 2011.

The CamSur Marathon

Since I have ran a couple of marathons, any news of race regarding the full distance makes me excited. The invitation I received from the organizers of the CamSur Marathon for a press conference made me even more excited. With the successful CamSur Ironman 70.3 last year held at the same venue and the full support of Gov. Lray Villafuerte there is no doubt in my mind that this year’s Camsur Marathon will be a great event for runners. I was set to attend the presscon and confirmed my attendance but to some unavoidable circumstances at work I missed it. Anyway, I’m sure runners/bloggers (Jazzrunner; Running Diva) who have attended the event have already posted what have transpired and what to expect for another spectacular marathon event in the country. For more information on the CamSur Marathon visit http://www.camsurmarathon.com/.

Photos Talk by Photovendo - TBR Dream Marathon