Run Batanes! 50 Miles/21 kilometer

I would love to complete my first ultra-marathon in Batanes.

It will be a totally fantastic experience to shoot two birds in one stone. First I'd be able to cross "visiting Batanes" in my bucket list and if successful, I'd be crossing "running an ultra-marathon", too.

If you have written those two events in your own bucket list, then you have a chance to accomplish those with the Run Batanes! 50 miles/21 kilometer set on May 4 of next year.

Organized by Jonel Mendoza of Front Runner Magazine, registration is now open for the monumental event.

I am not surprised at all that Mendoza can think of such a run. After all, Mendoza is known for his non-traditional brand when it comes to organizing trail runs.

Only Mendoza can think of such crazy races, which have brought and gathered runners from around the globe to experience Philippine outdoors and hospitality.

Press Release: Tallam, De Los Santos post back-to-back MILO Marathon national finals win

With Eduardo Buenavista at the forefront, about 21,388 runners
marked a milestone in MILO Marathon history, as organizers
report that they surpassed the initial 200,000 collective
target by over 10,000 runners, shattering last year’s 200,000
headcount.

Defending MILO Marathon champions James Tallam and Mary Grace de los Santos claimed their back-to-back wins in the 42K Open category run on Sunday in the event which started and ended at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Tallam posted a remarkable finishing time of 2:26:34 and led fellow Kenyans Josphat Too (2:28:52) and Alex Melly (2:29:06) towards a 1-2-3 finish in the men's category while 25-year-old de los Santos dismissed a strong line of contenders to bag the MILO Marathon race title and lead two-time MILO Marathon Queen Jho-an Banayag (2:55:56) and Kenyan Everline Atancha (3:03:39) towards an easy finish.

Tallam, Delos Santos repeat as MILO Marathon national finals champions

The smiles of Eduardo Buenavista (right) and Cebu's pride Mary 

Joy Tabal showed their fulfillment after topping the 42K local  

division category during Sunday's  36th MILO Marathon  

national finals which started and ended 

at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

(PERRY LEGASPI)

Congratualtions to defending champions Kenyan James Tallam and Mary Grace delos Santos after they posted back-to-back wins in the 42K open category of the 36th MILO Marathon on Sunday.

Not to be outdone, Eduardo Buenavista and Mary Joy Tabal shared the limelight with victories in the local division. 

The Kenyans, however, took the thunder out of Filipino runners in the 21K event as David Kipsang and Jackline Nzibo respectively won the men and women categories of the open division.

In the local division of the 21K race, Immuel Camino and Jocelyn Elijeran topped the men and women races, respectively.

Continue reading for the rest of the top finishers in all categories and divisions.

Bayanihang Pampaaralan launches "Run For 10"

As I have said in my previous posts, I love to run in advocacy races because it provides me opportunities to indulge my adrenalin addiction and at the same time help organizations succeed in their own advocacy.

So, I am asking fellow runners to participate in a nationwide advocacy run on January 13, 2013 which hopes to benefit  thousands of Filipino schoolchildren nationwide by providing them with classrooms where they could effectively listen to their teachers and learn lessons.

“Run for 10” will be staged for the benefit of TEN Moves!, the social mobilization campaign of Bayanihang Pampaaralan that seeks to raise funds for the construction of 10,000 classrooms nationwide by encouraging individuals to donate Php10 everyday for 10 months or a lump sum of Php3,000.

In Metro Manila, Run for 10 will start off at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, with 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km race distances. Simultaneous runs will also be held in at least 10 other key areas nationwide: Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Legazpi, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zamboanga, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

De Los Santos goes for a repeat victory in 36th MILO Marathon natonal finals

Will De Los Santos repeat as this
year's MILO Marathon Queen?

A sea of green will sweep the streets of Manila once again, as over 19,909 runners are expected to join the 36th MILO Marathon National Finals on December 9 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City.

Organizers report that they reached the 200,000 target headcount set at the start of the season, providing a thrilling conclusion to a successful nationwide marathon event.

Rivalries will run deep among the country’s top qualifiers as they race against competitive foreign talent in the men’s and women’s division races. Last year, MILO Marathon Queen Mary Grace de los Santos crashed foreign competition and led a cast of Filipina runners towards a 1-2-3 finish, while MILO Marathon King James Tallam led Kenyan and Ethiopian runners to a massive 1-2-3-4 finish in the men’s division race, sparking a heated rivalry among local veterans.

This year, former MILO Marathon Kings and Queens return to reassert their dominance on their home soil. MILO Marathon Kings Julius Sermona (1:13:02, Angeles), Cresenciano Sabal (1:13:55, Cagayan de Oro) and Eduardo Buenavista (1:13:29, Tarlac) are among strong contenders in the 42K men’s division race.

Agura settles for 2nd spot in QCIM

NEWCOMER Everlyne Atancha exploited  Filipina runner Janet Agura’s early mistake to break away and  cop the women’s title, highlighting another Kenyan domination of the 4th SMDC Quezon City International Marathon last Sunday in front of the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Winner of the Bangkok Marathon just two weeks ago, Atancha, 24, was only a 100 meters ahead of Agura when the latter  took  a wrong turn inside the UP Diliman campus at the four-kilometer point after a marshal failed to guide her to the right course of the race that began at twilight.

The 35-year-old La Salle-Lipa athletic coach lost ground and by the time she got back on track, Atancha was too far ahead and coasted to victory in a slow time of three hour and 29 seconds to win the top pot of P75,000 in the international division.

“It was humid and I was still recovering from my race in the Bangkok Marathon,” said the 24-year-old Nairobi native after victory.

Early start for QCIM

FOR the convenience of participants and motorists alike, the  SMDC-Quezon City International Marathon will start much earlier on Sunday morning in front of the QC Memorial Circle, organizers announced on Thursday.

Executive Runners Club of the  Phils chairman and president Francisco Cayetano Jr. announced that the 42-kilometer starting time has been moved back from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m., although  the 21K (4:30 a.m.), 10K (5:50 a.m.) and 5K (6 a.m.) races will have the same times.

“We would like to have our runners racing in safe and secure surroundings, which is why we moved back the full marathon by an hour. We also want to clear the streets earlier for motorists and commuters to avoid traffic congestion in the area,” Cayetano said.

Sotto, Tolentino top CDO elims of 36th MILO Marathon tilt

Jeffrey Sotto ends Arnold Unabia's winning
streak and bag the CDO crown of the
36th National MILO Marathon qualifying
Races.

Cagayan de Oro City (November 25, 2012) – The City of Golden Friendship saw intense competition as veteran runner Jeff Sotto renewed a staunch rivalry with four-time regional champion Arnold Unabia at the 36th MILO Marathon Cagayan de Oro race Sunday morning.

Three-time MILO Marathon King Cresenciano Sabal also graced the 21-k tracks to wrap the top 3 cast of the men’s division race. The rivals treated spectators to a thrilling showdown of agility as they fought to win the last qualifying leg of the season.

Last year’s CDO second placer Sotto reached the clock at a commendable 1:13:10, barely beating Unabia (1:13:41) and Sabal (1:13:55).

Sotto expressed that today’s victory is a forecast of what awaits him in the future, as he hopes to spark his own winning streak in both regional and national races.

"Today's victory was definitely refreshing, but beating Unabia is just the beginning. Running alongside the country’s best Filipino and foreign athletes in the finals will be a daunting feat, but I am eager to prove myself in that track," said the Iligan City Roadrunner.

Organizers expect 13,000 participants in Condura Skyway Marathon: Run for the Mangroves

Condura Skyway Marathon chief organizing offider Ton Concepcion
(center), and Patrick Concepcion (second from left), Condura
Skyway running ambassador, pose with (from left) Au
Rubenecia of Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation,
Baby Lorenzo, Asics marketing manager, and race director
Neville Jay Manaois as they display the finishers’ shirts
during the launch of the Condura Skyway Marathon:
Run for the Mangroves, set Feb. 3, 2013, at the PSA
Forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday.

Organizers of the Condura Skyway Marathon: Run for the Mangroves expect a bigger staging for its next edition in February next year with 2,500 runners projected in the long-busting 42k distance.

"So far, after only three days of registration, 1,000 runners have already registered for the 42k. We expect 2,500 full marathoners overall, so this will be one of the largest full marathon events in the country," said Ton Concepcion, chief organizing officer of Skyway Marathon during yesterday's PSA Forum at Shakey's Malate.

Concepcion said the entire field in the event, set Feb. 3, 2013, will be limited to 13,000 runners overall, who will try to "conquer the Skyway and build a mangrove forest" in the 42K, 21K, and 10K races as well as the new 6K and 3.8K distances, which replace the previous 5K and 3K runs, respectively.

Miranda, Languido reach 26th MILO National finals

BUTUAN CITY, November 18, 2012 – Elite runners Judelyn Miranda and Richeel Languido dominated the 21-k Butuan qualifying leg of the 36th National MILO Marathon participated by 7,859 runners, organizers said on Sunday through a press statement.

Reasserting her dominance in the sport, seasoned trackster Miranda finished far ahead of her distaff division contenders with a time of  one hour, 28 minutes and 28 seconds to claim her fourth MILO Marathon Butuan title and a spot in the National Finals for another chance of bringing home the coveted national title.

Veterans rule Columbia Trail Masters Davao

DAVAO CITY – The duo of biker Dexter Nonato and triathlete April John Maniyog of Davao Outdoor Tours & Adventure (DOTA) ruled the duathlon event while marathoners Lloyd Malinao and Joy Mawalic shared top honors in the trail run of the Columbia Trail Masters Davao held Saturday at the Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort in Samal, Lito delos Reyes of SCOOP Davao reported in the association's Facebook page.

Nonato, 29, team captain of the Inday Sara Duterte Cycling team, and 20-year old Maniyog used their advantage in biking as they broke away from the lead pack at the start of the downhill ride of the 30-kilometer road bike.

“After the first 9.8 kilometer loop, we already had gained the lead,” said Nonato, who recently saw action in the Ronda Pilipinas qualifying race held in Tarlac.

Jopson is best Pinoy triathlete in XTERRA Global tilt

Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippine team members - (from left) Drew
Arellano, Redg Plopinio, Matteo Guidicelli, Hector Yuson and Noy
Jopson celebrate after finishing their events.

Veteran triathlete Noy Jopson posted the best clocking among Filipino participants in the XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon Global Championship held recently in Maui, Hawaii.

Jopson, one of the five members of the Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippine Team, posted a time of three hours, 34 minutes and 50 seconds in what is considered as one of the most difficult course in the world. 

The course features 1.5-kilometer rough water swim, a 30.4-kilometer mountain bike track, and a 9.5-kilometer roller-coaster-ride-like trail run through fields and forests, according to a press statement released by the XTERRA Philippine Team.

Nerza, Donos win 36th MILO Marathon's Davao qualifying leg

DAVAO CITY (November 11, 2012)  - Anthony Nerza posted a personal best on his way to victory while former champion Floredilisa Donos proved she is still a force to reckon with in local foot race as they finished on top of their respective categories during the 36th MILO Marathon Davao qualifying leg on Sunday.

Nerza reached the finish line in one hour, 12 minutes and 30 seconds to win the men's 21k title and a spot int he Natonal Finals next month in Pasay City and in the process stopped defending champion Brian Lupio from posting a back-to-back win, organizers said in a press statement released to media organizations.

Lupio (1:13:54) was a far second while University of Mindanao’s James Castillo (1:14:21) came in third and salvaged a podium finish.

Lupio, Jaro raring to qualify for the 36th MILO Marathon national finals

Manila, Philippines (November 6, 2012) – Last year’s top qualifiers Brian Lupio and Cynthia Jaro, both of whom are among the region’s finest runners, are set to stamp their class in the 36th MILO Marathon's Davao qualifying race this Sunday, organizers said in press statement released on Tuesday.

Also raring to make a comeback this year is Brokenshire College varsity mainstay Anthony Nerza. Nerza crossed the finish line shortly after Lupio last season.

“We are looking forward to seeing the strong running force of Davao compete in this Sunday’s race. New runners will challenge seasoned veterans in the sport, so it will be an interesting competition,” said Robbie de Vera, MILO Sports Executive.

Starting times have been set for the different race divisions, with the 21-k starting gun set to fire at 4:30AM, the 10-k race at 5:00AM, and the 5-k and 3-k races at 5:30AM. To entertain runners and spectators alike, local organizers will host an exciting cheer dance competition and special side events for local school delegations.

Maluyo, Jaro gain national finals spots

Criselyn Jaro (middle) raises her trophy during the
awarding ceremonies.

General Santos City (Nov. 4, 2012) - Gilbert Maluyo and Criselyn Jaro topped the 21k MILO Marathon Regional qualifying race here on Sunday to earn a spot in the upcoming national finals this December.

Maluyo, currently studying at Holy Trinity College, booked a time of 1 hour, 14 minutes and 12 seconds to win the men's category while Jaro checked in at the 1:31:23 mark to gain the women's category title in the 36th staging of the annual footrace.

Jaro, whose other four sisters will try to qualify for the national finals during next week's Davao qualifying race, is looking forward to running with her siblings in the national finals set on December  9 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.


“Last year, my sister Cynthia and I made a 1-2 finish in the 21-k Davao race. I look forward to running alongside my sisters at the finale, but this will not stop me from pursuing the top spot,” said Jaro.

Buenavista, Delos Santos win KOTR regional finals

Eduardo Buenavista reach theh finish line by his lonesome.

Singapore (28 October 2012) – Southeast Asia was ‘all in’ for running as 45,000 passionate runners came together to participate in adidas King of the Road 2012 (KOTR), the only running championship spanning across five countries within the region, clocking an impressive 84km distance – the equivalent of two marathons.

As the global leader in running, adidas continued its commitment to the sport by hosting its second KOTR championship in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore.

Singapore marked the grand finale of the championship with the 16.8km race originating and ending at the city’s newest attraction, Gardens by the Bay.

The ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the KOTR championship saw Eduardo Beunavista and Mary Grace Delos Santos, both from the Philippines battle vigorously alongside elite runners to claim bragging rights as Southeast Asia’s “best of the best” in the ‘Closed’ category for males and females in a time of 53 minutes 12 seconds and 1 hour 1 minute 52 seconds respectively.

Martes dominates Run United Philippines Marathon

TWO-TIME Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Christabel Martes prevented a Kenyan domination of the inaugural Run United Philippine Marathon (UPM) that gathered an enourmous field of 12,000 runners on Sunday (Oct. 28) morning at the Bonifacio Global City and SM Mall of Asia.

Organizers said that Martes, the Sea Games champion in 2001 and 2005, was practically unchallenged in the 42.195-km race dubbed the Enervon Activ 42K, clocking three hours, five minutes and 12 seconds to bring home the women’s crown. It was her 12th marathon title since 1999.

“It was a perfect run. No leg or stomach cramp,” said Martes, after the race that gained the full support of the running community led by loyal participants of the Run United series of Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc.

Hulleza, Ganzon win MILO Marathon Iloilo qualifying legH

Hulleza reaches the finish line all alone.

 ILOILO City (October 28, 2012) -  Rowell Hulleza and Alexandra Ganzon took advantage of the fair weather to top the Iloilo qualifying leg of the 36th National MILO Marathon Over 12,200 athletes and running enthusiasts ran the difficult course around Iloilo City for the thirteenth installment of the country’s premier foot race.

Negrense Hulleza dominated the 21-k men’s division race in 1:15:56 to pocket the P 10,000 top prize. The West Negros University Criminology undergraduate finished ahead of runners Bennie Murillo and Jorge Sepida, who finished in 1:16:38 and 1:22:24, respectively.

Hulleza expressed hopes of besting his opponents in the National Finals by improving his speed and overall condition.

"Improving one’s performance is key to winning any full marathon. My training will focus mainly on boosting my mileage, and the rest will follow. Proper preparation should also be paired with perseverance and inspiration. Running alongside veterans of the sport motivates me to become a better athlete for the National Finals," said the 23-year old.

"My dream is to serve and protect. I want to have the privilege of joining the Philippine Army when I finish my criminology degree in Bacolod. The challenges I encounter in the MILO Marathon, be it the physical preparation or the mental discipline, will prepare me to take on the trials that will come with my pursuit of that dream," he added.

Bigger QCIM

THE country’s running calendar reaches its climax on Dec. 2 with the SMDC-Quezon City International Marathon 2012, with organizers expecting a bigger field of 12,000 runners vying in the footrace around the major attractions of Metro Manila’s biggest and progressive city.

“We are optimistic we can surpass last year’s field of 10,000 runners and are targeting 12,000 participants in the fourth edition of the marathon,” Francisco Cayetano Jr, chairman and president of the organi-zing Executive Runnex Club, Inc. (Runnex), in Thursday’s press conference formally launching the event.

Cayetano said that hitting those numbers is possible with the all-out support of prime property developer and sponsor, SM Development Corp. (SMDC) and the full cooperation of the Quezon City government led by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Wet weather fails to stop Panique, Cadosale

More than 10,000 runners participated in the Bacolod
Leg of the 2012 MILO Marathon

Bacolod City (October 14, 2012) – Eric Panique and Stephanie Cadosale dominated the 21k races despite unfavorable weather conditions at the Bacolod qualifying leg of the 36th MILO Marathon Sunday, organizers said in a press statement released on Monday.

Both Panique and Cadosale displayed determination and stamina to earn spots in the National Finals.

Panique stopped the clock meters ahead of Maclin Sadia and Rommel Hulleza, who finished in second and in third place, respectively.

Saucony launches Kinvara 3

My friend and long-distance running advocate Jonel Mendoza recently tested Saucony's Kinvara 3.

This is the same shoes worn by several Olympians - Dee Dee Trotter: 400m Bronze (Time:49.72); and 4x400 meter Gold (Split 50.5) Time: 3:16.87 - Keshia Baker: 4x400 meter Gold (Split 51.6)  Time: 3:22.09 -Tianna Madison: 4x100 meter Gold (world record) Time:40.82 - Lauryn Williams: 4x100 meter Gold  Time: 41.64who - in the last London Olympics.

Pink Run D'feeting breast cancer

Did you know that breast cancer has already overtaken lung cancer as the most common cancer in the Philippines? 

Also, the Philippines has the highest mortality (death) rate from breast cancer in Southeast Asia! 

It is only with early detection thru increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can we hope to decrease the mortality of this dreaded disease.

As part of the Philippine Society of General Surgeons’ breast cancer awareness program, they are holding the 2nd edition of The Pink Run. 

This is going to be held on October 21, 2012 at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, The Fort, Taguig City. 

Running categories include 3Km, 5Km, 10Km, and 15Km. 

Registration is at P600. There will be breast cancer awareness exhibits and free breast cancer risk assessment with clinical breast examination for participants. Registration is ongoing at R.O.X., Mizuno Megamall, Mizuno Trinoma and A Runner’s Circle. 

For inquiries call the PSGS office at 9268432

Languido, Tabal top MILO Marathon Cebu City qualifying

Cebu City (October 7, 2012)  - Junel Languido and Mary Joy Tabal topped the premiere 21k men's and women's division competitions of the 36TH MILO Marathon Cebu City Leg over the weekend, organizers said in a press release.

Languido clocked one hour, 11 minutes and 56 seconds while Tabal finished with a time of 1:26:56 to book spots in the MILO National Finals.
 
Completing the top 3 cast in the men's division are Mohammad Sherwin Managil who finished a far second in 1:14:46 and Bonifacio Monjas who finished third in 1:14:49. In the women's side, Joeyry Lee posted 1:37:49 for second place, while Madelyn Carter stopped the clock at 1:44:41 for third place.

No Turning Back

 Bloodied face of one of the participants

No turning back!!!

This was the subtitle of Immuvit Fearless Challenge's leg 3 last Saturday held inside the Nuvali development complex nestled in the outbacks of the Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

And I'd like to congratulate several participants for living up to that challenge. Some participants  miscalculated the depth of the water in the rock formation. Some were injured and suffered cuts.

Moving on, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind the organizers that it is their responsibility to immediately provide medical attention.

Immuvit "No Excuses" leg

COMPLIMENTS: I'd like to thank the organizers of the Immuvit "No Excuses" leg held last Saturday inside the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The weather may have not cooperated as much as we liked but I think the "endurance" race was great. Thumbs up!!!

MY EXPERIENCE: It was my first time to cover an endurance race and I think races like this would provide participants in gauging their fitness.

Like coach Jim Saret said, an endurance race will test not only your running skills but your capability to survive the exercises or challenges.

Carolino, Sevilleno top Tagbilaran leg of 36th MILO MarathonCar

Carolino (left) and Sevilleno ruled the Tagbilaran leg of the
36th MILO Marathon qualifying series.

Tagbilaran City (Sept. 30, 2012) – Jobert Carolino of BIT International College (BIT-IC) and Christy Sevilleno overcame the challenge of the difficult terrain to rule the Tagbilaran Leg of the 36th National MILO Marathon, organizers said on Sunday through a press release.

Organizers added that About 5,000 athletes, students and running enthusiasts joined the race on Sunday.

Carolino went all out in the crucial stretch to cross the finish line in one hour, 15 minutes and 23 seconds and pocket the P10,000 top purse. Felix Cenia of UTAFE managed a 1:26:54 that was good enough for second place, while James Palma of Sandingan National High School settled for third in 1:27:33.

Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River 2012

Skate boarders joined the fun of rolling under the rain for the Pasig River.
(Photo by ABS-CBN Foundation)

Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig’s “09.30. 2012 Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River” made a stronger call for cleaner esteros with around 70,000 actual participants despite heavy rains in Quezon City Sunday (Sept 30), organizers said on Sunday through a press release.

Around 87,000 registered to participate in the advocacy event that will raise funds for the clean-up of esteros in Quezon City. This number was higher than the turnout in “11.20.2011 Run for the Pasig River” that was the largest single racing event last year with 86,547 runners.

“There were still a lot of people despite the rain. They ran in the rain, they biked in the rain. It shows conviction. If people want it bad enough, we’re going to clean the Pasig River,” said Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation that operates KBPIP.

Barefoot running vs. Trail running

Browse more data visualization.

Vaseline Men XTERRA Tri-Outs Camp: Race to Maui

Jonathan Cua (left), the Vaseline Men brand manager with the participants
in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Tri-Outs Camp: Race to Maui.

After the successful Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend in Cebu early this year, Vaseline Men will continue to raise the bar for Filipino triathletes by forming a Philippine team that will compete in the prestigious XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Global Championships in Maui, Hawaii on October 28, 2012, Vaseline Men brand manager Jonathan Cua said during the press launching on Wednesday at a restaurant in Makati City.

Vaseline Men will organize a five-member team to represent the Philippines in this prestigious event. 

This is the first time that the Philippines will be sending an official team and contingent to compete in one of the biggest triathlon series in the world. The team will be composed of Coach Noy Jopson and celebrity athletes Matteo Guidicelli and Drew Arellano, with two more members to be selected via the search for the best Filipino triathletes in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Tri-Outs Camp: Race to Maui.

Runners fought back against dengue

Winners in the 5k side of the Tempra 2012 Run Against Dengue in Mary Ann Dela Cruz (champion, fourth from left), Michelle De Vera (runner-up, fifth from left) and Jocelyn Dulay (second runner-up, sixth from left) are shown during the awards rites with (from left) Invida-Tempra Sales and Marketing Manager Eric Pablo Ma. Lejano, DZRH's Cheska San Diego, Manila Health Department's Dr. Jerry Yson, Tempra Senior Brand Cleo Nodado, Manila Sports Council Chairman Paul Edward Almario and basketball legend Samboy Lim.

Outrunning Rene Herrera

London Olumpian Rene Herrera (third from right) sharing the stage with
fellow Kenyan podium finishers. 

As expected the Kenyans dominated the premiere events of the 2012 Rexona Run held a month after it was postponed due to the monsoon rains last Sunday at the Mall of Asia in Pasay.

What I was not expecting was Olympian Rene Herrera walking up the stage to share the limelight with the Kenyan winners.

Warizal, De La Rosa wins Puerto Princesa leg of 36th National Milo Marathon

Norlan Warizal (right) and Jila de la Rosa show their trophies
after winning the 21K men's and women's events respectively.

Norlan Warizal and Jila de la Rosa showed remarkable determination to win the 21K men and women's category, respectively Sunday at the Puerto Princesa leg of the 36th National Milo Marathon, organizers said in press release.

Despite the unfavorable weather, over 6,000 runners participated in this year's Puerto Princesa qualifying leg. Nestle Philippines' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Miller joined the athletes and running enthusiasts in the 21-k track and finished with a time of 1:58:50.

Dengue survivors support 2012 Run Against Dengue

SURVIVORS of dengue have come out to support the 2012 Run Against Dengue, presented by Tempra, slated on Sept. 23 at the Roxas Blvd. in Manila .

Berlin dela Fuente of call center giant Accenture was just one of the many dengue survivors, who have vowed to join this advocacy run aimed at aiding the fight against the deadly disease.

“The run per se won’t kill the mosquitoes that cause dengue. But the information campaign, the awareness that this race brings, they are really valuable because they help us how to prevent the disease,” said the 30-year-old management consulting, technology services and outsourcing expert.

Other dengue survivors joining the fun held by the Subterranean Ideas and the Manila Sports Council are Jennilyn Sarmiento, Rhina Templo, Mark and Roderick Isip, Hannah Fuentes, George Candido, Maynard Superal and Rome Masiglat, among others.

4th edition of QCIM reels off on Dec. 2

The 4th Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) fires off on December 2 with the race route
covering a major portion of Commonwealth Avenue and La Mesa Eco-Park, organizers said in a press release on Friday.

The Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (RUNNEX), the country's oldest executive running club, has managed the race since 2009 for the Quezon City Local Government under Mayor Herbert Bautista in coordination with the Office of Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Runnex expects to attract more than ten thousand runners in the 2012 QCIM, which has SM Development Corporation as co-presentor for the second year.

Attractive cash prizes and giveaways are up for grabs in the 5-, 10-, 21- and 42K.
A free running clinic is also held every Sunday at the UP Academic Oval in Diliman, Quezon City to help prepare runners for the basic and longer distances.

2012 Run Against Dengue

THE 2012 Run Against Dengue, presented by Tempra, slated on Sept. 23 at the Roxas Blvd. in Manila, is offering discounts to corporate accounts and even student runners, organizers said during Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey's Malate.

"We not only promote wellness with the running part, we also create awareness in the fight against the deadly disease and how dengue can be prevented," said Invida-Tempra Sales and Marketing Manager Eric Pablo Ma. Lejano, who was joined in the public forum by his senior brand manager Cleo Roda C. Nodado, race manager John Henri Mariano and Manila Sports Council Chairman Edward Paul Almario.

"We are here to support the run because it is for a very good cause," he added.

Corporate accounts may avail of as much as P100 discount on the already low rates of P500 for 10k, P450 for 5k and P400 for 3k runs. Students can avail of the P150 rate in the 3k run (without singlet). Registration is now ongoing at Toby's branches at the SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila and SM San Lazaro, and at the MASCO office, Manila City Hall. 

Rexona Run 2012 will push through on Sept. 23

Get ready to outrun yourself at the Rexona Run 2012 happening on September 23, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. 

Postponed last month due to the flooding spawned by the monsoon rain, this year's edition is bigger, with a new category, more prizes and exciting features that will bring running to a higher level.

Registration is ongoing until September 16 or until slots last at Riovana stores in Bonifacio Global City and Katipunan, and Toby's branches in Trinoma and SM Mall of Asia. Online registrations are also accepted at www.runrio.comfrom now until 12 midnight of September 9.

Runners can choose to take part in the 5K, 21K Solo or, for the first time ever, the 21K Relay race category. The top 3 finishers in the 21K Solo take home Php 7,000, 5,500, and 4,000; while Php 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 will be awarded to each member of the top finishers in the 21K Relay division. Finally, the top three finishers in the 5K category bring home Php 4,000 for first, 3,000 for second and 2,000 for third.

Denolo, Yuson top Immuvit Fearless Challenge trail run 2012

Denolo and Yuson proudly presented their trophies after
the awarding ceremonies.

First I would like to congratulate University of Santo Tomas (UST) runner Roger Denolo and Cecile Yuson of the Philippine Navy for topping their respective male and female10k categories in the   Immuvit Fearless Challenge Trail Run 2012 held last Sunday morning inside the La Mesa Nature Reserve Forest in Quezon City.

Congratulations should likewise go to Kimbet Sarmiento for winning the men's 5K event and Darling Jonafer Real for topping the distaff categoy of the same event.  

Then of course, congratulations, should likewise go the organizers Without Limits  and its main sponsor Immuvit.

Lupio, Miranda rule Kadayawan run 2012

DAVAO CITY -- Early favorites Brian Lupio of Holy Cros of Davao College and Judelyn Miranda of Tagum City ruled the 21K race in the Delo Kadayawan Half Marathon held Sunday in an out and back course at the Genesis 88 in Ecoland West, this city.

According to a story written and posted by Lito Delos Reyes in the SCOOP Davao Chapter Facebook page, Lupio clocked one hour, nine minutes and 45 seconds to rule the men's division.

He was followed by Anthony Nerza at 1:10:59. Third was Gilbert Maluyo (1:12:38) followed by James Castillo (1:13:11), Elmer Bartolo (1:14:08), Juanito Mahinay (1:16:55), Joselito Dugos (1:18:48), Nestor Madula (1:20:36), Mario Esclaner (1:20:36) and Jonathan Pido (1:23:46).

Immuvit Series: Fearless Challenge Trail Run 2012

Filipinos’ love for running will be put to a test as Immuvit introduces the first-ever obstacle trail challenge this August, with the Immuvit Series: Fearless Challenge Trail Run 2012. 

Organizers said during the press and bloggers launching on Tuesday that on August 26, 2012, the La Mesa Nature Reserve will witness the gathering of running enthusiasts putting their love for the sport to the ultimate test.

The first of Immuvit’s three-part series is dubbed as “No Surrender” and is set to excite participants with the addition of different variations to the usual running events. 

Ms. Valerie Tan-Sison, Brand Manager of Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp. reaffirms that the Immuvit Series: Fearless Challenge Trail Run 2012 is holding true to the brand’s commitment of encouraging everyone to live a healthy lifestyle.

WWF Reverse Run, rescheduled

Organizers recently announced that the World Wide Fun for Nature Philippine's Reverse run was rescheduled for September 9.

Orignally slated at SM Mall of Asia on July 22, organizers postponed the event originally and will now be held at Fort Bonifacio's McKinely Hill in Taguig City. Race distances are 3K, 6K and 12K.

"We apologize for any inconvenience the postponement may have caused. Your safety is our top priority. The weather conditions compelled us to reschedule the fun run to another date and venue ,” said Mayj Tolentino, WWF-Philippines’ Individual Donor Program Manager.

GMANews.tv: Barriga vows to Kazakh fighter

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(Updated 3:30 a.m. August 5) Two last-round deductions sealed the fate of the Philippines' Mark Barriga, as the feisty 19-year-old light flyweight lost by a point to Birzhan Zhakypov of Kazakhstan on Saturday, 17-16, ending the country's best chance at reaching the medal stage at the 2012 London Olympics.

The Davao native and first-time Olympian faced a veteran in 28-year-old Zhakypov, who represented Kazakhstan at the 2008 Beijing games. The Kazakhstani reached the quarterfinals round before losing to the eventual gold medalist, Zou Shiming of China.

In the first round, the two boxers both put up tight defenses, with Zhakypov barely edging the Filipino, 5-4.

Round two gave Filipinos something to cheer, as Barriga landed a solid left with 1:04 remaining. A flurry of combinations had him winning the round, 6-3, to lead the fight 10-8 entering the final round.

Barriga confident against Kazak opponent

LONDON - As his Kazaksthan’s opponent was shedding off extra pounds, Mark Anthony Barriga was bulking up as he declared himself ready for another battle that meant the whole world for Team Philippines in the 30th Olympic Games on Saturday.

In his own words, Barriga said could take a quarter-pounder for snack and still make the 49-kilogram limit hands down.

‘’Forty-eight kilos lang ako sir. Kaya pwedeng kumain ng marami,’’’ said Barriga, helping himself with a plateful of rice, noodles and two slices of bread as he took his breakfast at the huge dining hall together with coach Roel Velasco and boxing official Ed Picson on the eve of his second bout.

The 19-year-old Barriga, one of only two athletes in the 11-member Team PH given a chance to win a medal along with BMX rider Danny Caluag, climbs the ring for the second time in five days at 1:45 p.m. (8:45 p.m., Manila time) to meet Kazaksthan’s Birzhan Zhakypov with the winner making it to the quarterfinals.

Barriga's Faceboook Page

Those who want to follow boxer Mark Anthony Barriga's exploits in the 2012 London Olympics could follow him on Facebook. You can check his FB page here.

You could also write on his personal facebook account to show your support and become his friend. You can visit his personal account here.

Barriga answering emails and checking his
FB page and personal account. (Ed Picson)

I'm sure he will appreciate every support he can get on the web. He could likewise answer your comments personally as he is monitoring his FB accounts as shown in this photo from Ed Piczon. 

More than 100k in prizes awaits Kadayawan runners

According to an ariticle posted on the SCOOP Davao Chapter Facebook page and written by Lito delos Reyes, more than P100,000 in cash and other prizes will be up for grabs in the Kadayawan Phoenix ‘I Recycle’ Run set on Aug. 12 at the SM City Davao.

The article said that Beethoven Sur, marketing head of the presentor Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Inc. made the announcement at the weekly SCOOP at the Royal Mandaya Hotel held every Tuesday.

The champion in the 10K will earn P10,000 while the second and third placers will pocket P7,000 and P5,000, respectively. The top three finishers in the 5K will get P7,000, P5,000 and P3,000 in that order, while in the 3K are P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000.

Olympics: Barriga reaches final 16, keeps PHL medal hopes alive | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere

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PHILIPPINE gold medal hope Mark Anthony
Barriga, center, clowns around with coaches
Roel Velasco, right, and Kevin Smith after
debuting with a 17-7 victory over Italian Manuel
Cappia and advancing to the Round of 16
of the boxing competition in the 2012
London Olympic Games. Smith, an
Irishman from Liverpool, acted as
Velasco’s assistant in
Barriga's corner. (Photo by Ed Picson)

Filipino boxer Mark Barriga capitalized on a strong first round to emerge victorious against Italian foe Manuel Cappai of Italy, 17-7, to advance to the final 16 of Men's Light Fly 49 kgs in the 2012 London Olympic games, Tuesday, gmanews.tv said. 

Barriga was effective as a counter-puncher in the first round, forcing the referee to give Cappai a standing eight count in the final 15 seconds. With the knockdown, Barriga won the round, 5-2.

In the second round, Barriga defended well, even with Cappai hooking and locking the Filipino's right hand to win anew, 4-2.

The final round was all about Barriga, who scored on a combination late in the third to seal the win, 8-3.

Barriga now faces Kazakhstan's Birzhan Zhakypov, who won a close bout against Jeremy Baccu of France, 18-17.

The Filipino will meet his Kazakhstani foe on Saturday, 8:45 pm, Manila time.

Italian to test Barriga

ABAP-PLDT's Mark Anthony Barriga, one of the

 Philippines'medal hope in the London Olympic 

Games, took on 7-foot Los Angeles Lakers 

center Pau Gasol at the Olympic Village 

dining hall to get this photo match-up. 

(Photo by Ed Picson)

LONDON—Sweat dripping off his face after a workout, Mark Anthony Barriga of Team Philippines smiled at his coach and gave him a fist-bump as he prepared to head to his room next door, a picture of a young fighter ready to take on anyone at any day.

‘’Look at him, he’s happy and in good shape,’’ said coach Roel Velasco in Filipino, nodding approvingly at the end of his boxer’s one-hour training inside an empty room ahead of his opening bout on Tuesday in the 30th Olympic Games.

At around 2:30 on Tuesday, at the 10,000-seat Excel arena east of the city, the 19-year-old Barriga takes on Italian Manuel Cappai in a light-flyweight bout as he kicks off his campaign in search of the ultimate prize in his craft.

‘’I’m ready, sir,’’ said Barriga, a towel on one hand and a gift from a countryman on the other as he about to leave.’’I’ve trained for almost two years and I must say I’m ready’’.

Barriga, considered the smallest Filipino fighter to grace the lightest of the 10 divisions at 5-foot flat, will give away six inches in height when he climbs the ring to face the Italian whom his coach said moves, fights and depends like defending champion Zou Shiming of China.

Lifter Diaz, shooter Rosario get going today | Inquirer Sports

Lifter Diaz, shooter Rosario get going today | Inquirer Sports:

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LONDON—Lifter Hidilyn Diaz and skeet shooter Brian Rosario step into the Olympic spotlight Monday hoping to steal the thunder from the big guns in their respective sport at the 2012 London Games here.

Rosario, who made it to these Games as a wild card pick of the international shooting federation, plunges into action first as he joins 35 other skeet specialists at 9 a.m. (4 p.m. Manila time) in the competition at Britain’s historic Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.

Banayag, Agravante top Manila elims of 36th National MILO Marathon

Two-time champion and MILO Marathon national record holder Jho-An Banayag ruled the 42-k women’s division, as Jason Agravante dominated the men's division, Sunday in the record-breaking Metro Manila Leg of the 36th National MILO Marathon at the Mall of Asia (MOA) grounds in Pasay City, organizers said on Sunday through a press release.

Nestle Philippines officials expressed elation over the heavy turnout of 38,429 runners who participated in the prestigious event, which shattered last year's 35,000 turnout, despite heavy downpour on Sunday due to a typhoon.

Moment of truth for Lacuna

LONDON - In high spirit and ready to plunge into the waters of the sweeping wave-like swimming center inside the Olympic Park, the Philippines’Jessie Lacuna takes his baptism of fire when he sees action in the 200-meter freestyle on Sunday in the 30th Olympic Games.

The 18-year-old Lacuna, instructed by coach Pinky Brosas to “swim his pace and make the most out of it”, competes in the second of six heats at around 10:30 a.m. against Mario Montoy of Costa Rica, Sebastian Madico of Peru, Radovan Siljevski of Serbia, Matias Koski of Finland and Raul Martinez Colomer of Puerto Rico.

His qualifying time is 1 minute and 52.23 seconds in the only event he’s allowed to compete in being a qualifier under the Üniversality rule of the world swimming body, which is about as fast as that of his five rivals in the heat.