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.


The running showcase serves as one of the highlights marking the 73rdfounding anniversary of Quezon City, which touts itself as the “Philippine City of Asia,” he added, and a vehicle to promote the QC government’s recent “blue campaign” in preserving the air and water quality in the area.

Considered a major reservoir and water supply source in the metropolis, the La Mesa Dam and Eco-Park is located in the city and will be among the sights, along with the rustic UP-Diliman campus grounds, that runners will be passing through during the race. Most of the running action will take place on Commonwealth Avenue, the widest major highway in the country.

Organizers and sponsors of the 4th SMDC-Quezon City International Marathon, 

led by Executive Runners Club chairman and president Francisco Cayetano Jr., 

(second from left) pose for posterity after yesterday’s press conference  at the 

Max’s Quezon Memorial Circle to launch the event. Also in the photo are 

(from left): race director Ian Alacar, QC Councilor Amy Medalla, SMDC 

assistant vice president for marketing Rudy Villlar, former RUNNEX 

 chairman Atty. Rudy Fernandez and RUNNEX executive vice 

president Dr. Benny Fragante

Cayetano said that the races will be in the 5K, 10K, 21K and 42-kilometer full marathon in the men’s and women’s divisions of the racing classic.

“Since we expect a big field, we will put a premium on the safety and security of our participants while keeping in mind that motorists and commuters won’t be inconvenienced on the race day itself,” said race director Ian Alacar.

Registration for the event is underway at all SMDC offices at the SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia and Chris Sports stores at the SM North EDSA Annex, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila and SM Fairview.

Those interested can also sign up at the Runnex office at the UP Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, QC, Fitness and Athletics at 9th Avenue corner 28th Street at the Fort in Taguig City, and All Terra Bike Shop branches at Club 650 Libis, QC, and MC Home Depot along Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City.

Registration fee is pegged at P400 for the 5-kilometer run, P500 for 10K, P600 for 21K and P800 for the 42-kilometer full marathon. Foreign entries will be charged $48 for the 21K and $72 for the 42K races.

Each race kit includes a 4th SMDC-QCIM singlet, race bib with B-Tag timing chip and safety pins while the registration deadline is on Nov. 26.