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.