QC Marathon Moved to October 18, 2009

Talk about bad news. When I heard about the postponement of QC Marathon from Feb 2009 to Oct. I8, 2009, it was like a rug was pulled out from under me.

Yesterday morning, I was still reeling from the high of finishing New Balance’s 25k unscathed and feeling more confident over the upcoming Singapore half marathon. If everything went well after Singapore (read: no injuries) then the next obvious goal was to run QC Marathon in February, which fell into my schedule perfectly. After experiencing the sense of community and kinship with other Pinoy runners at New Balance, I was even more convinced that QC Marathon was the way to go as I wanted to run my first marathon surrounded and supported by family, friends, and other runners vs. running abroad among a sea of strangers. At that point, I felt like all my running plans were going along quite smoothly, thank you.

Then, I received the awful news about the QC Marathon and, in a blink of an eye, I was goal-less (if such a word exists, but I know you get what I mean.) Suddenly, I had nothing to look forward to nor train for after Singapore. What do I do now? What’s my next goal? Aaaack!

I know many of you are in the same boat. What are your plans? Are you running HK?

Posted on 11.18.08 to 03 Race Announcements. Tags: QC Marathon, Races. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 40 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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40 Responses to “QC Marathon Moved to October 18, 2009”

Oh… Another event being moved. I know a few who are planning for their first marathon on this event too. So what’s plan B?

Plan B: will soon be planned as soon as we get over our shock haha

jinoe said on Nov 18 08 at 1:12 PM Reply
gawa tayo ng sarili nating marathon! sayang yung conditioning!

Tara! Sponsors anyone? Hector, ikaw race organizer ha…good luck heehee

hector said on Nov 18 08 at 1:14 PM Reply
Haaaay, I know how you feel. Excited pa naman ako dun! hehe…. Ako, I think I’ll do 21K Hong Kong … :O)

Councilor, I think you’ll be ready for full in HK. Bet coach rio will agree with me.

doralicious said on Nov 18 08 at 1:36 PM Reply
I’m gutted too – this was my target race whilst holidaying in the Philippines and visiting my family in January – are there any other races between Jan 25 and Feb 8 2009 that anyone is aware of?

Best Regards Robbo

Robbo, argh sorry to hear about this. Clark and Subic had full marathons early last year but I don’t know their scheds yet for 2009. Last year though, Clark was announced like a month or 2 before race date. Surprising for a marathon which must be prepared for way in advance. If you’re race ready, then maybe you can join that if they push through. If not, I’m sure there will be shorter races you can join while on vacation

Robbo (UK) said on Nov 18 08 at 1:40 PM Reply
The feeling is mutual. All the preps will go to naught; since this date is the best to start a new running year if someone plans to have two fulls in a year. I’m not sad though, I’m disappointed.

But that was a good lead Jaymie, why not HK?

What’s your plan run unltd?

I’m hesitant about HK for 3 reasons: 1) cost (i’m spending already for Singapore. 2) support (if i go alone, who will be there for me at the finish?) 3) hilly course (i’m not sure if it’s wise to try a tough course for my 1st mara)

run unltd. said on Nov 18 08 at 1:49 PM Reply
you have still a chance to run a marathon this coming january 2009. you have a choice of the clark freeport marathon or the subic marathon which will be held on the 2nd and 3rd sundays of january 2009, respectively. you might have a chance to run with the kenyans this time on both marathons. if you plan to pick one of these races, you better start training on hills and mountains as soon as possible. good luck

Thanks BR. Now I know the dates. January may be too soon. I’ll have holiday hangovers at that time. But, yes, I’ll think about this.

kingofpots said on Nov 18 08 at 1:56 PM Reply
Hi Jaymie, if you plan to run the HK Marathon in Feb., you’d better decide soon because spots are filling up quickly. As of now, the HM races are already full.

Carlo in HK

Hi Carlo, thanks for info. Are you joining? Would you recommend it for a first marathon?

Carlo said on Nov 18 08 at 2:11 PM Reply
Hey, Sinulog Half Marathon in Cebu on Jan 17 if anyone’s headed that way

Hi May, thanks for info! I’m sure some of those searching for half maras will try this out.

may said on Nov 18 08 at 2:27 PM Reply
Hi,

any news of the pasig river marathon next year?this is also held in feb right?since the QC marathon has been moved, are there any marathons scheduled early next year?thanks.

Hi simon, no more Pasig marathon next year Subic and Clark marathons in January.

Simon Miranda said on Nov 18 08 at 2:33 PM Reply
probably your poised to do flora, paris, or even boston in april on a tour group…

is subic international still in the calendar: it’s the only one left certified for qualification for boston.

Hi mikey, wow i wish you were right. Yes, i think there will be a subic marathon. But January is just too early for me.

mikey said on Nov 18 08 at 2:40 PM Reply
Only the HK 10K and the full marathon have slots left.

Camote, yes I’ve heard. One has to think fast about this one.

CamoteQ said on Nov 18 08 at 2:53 PM Reply
We were looking forward to the QC marathon as our first attempt on a marathon. Any news on other marathons like Clark or Subic?? What was the reason for the postponement of QC marathon?

Hi dennis, I’ll post clark and subic dates in my list once i know. For reason behind QC postponement, please see below. I think it’s well justified naman. Better that they’re well prepared.

Dennis said on Nov 18 08 at 3:00 PM Reply
Hmm, we are currently looking at a trail run event late Jan. Let me see if we can organize another ultra fund raising event on Feb. Lets go Bull Runner, skip the marathon and do an Ultra lets talk about Marga, and the girl in Green dress as hehe.

Neville, you’re tempting me! If that pushes through, can we also talk about the fat gay guy?

neville said on Nov 18 08 at 3:09 PM Reply
don’t worry… marami pang karera… i would really be happy seeing you in a podium finish in major races! Good luck in Singapore Half Marathon! Raise the Philippine flag!

Hi lycram, thanks! Oh, I don’t even dream of a podium finish at a major race…just a good time at a marathon is enough for me.

lycram said on Nov 18 08 at 3:10 PM Reply
There’s always triathlon jaymie All year round.

Ate Virgie

Ate Virgie, yes triathlons are definitely in my list of goals. But, full marathon is at the top of the list as of the moment. When that’s accomplished, it’ll be time for serious tri training.

levyang said on Nov 18 08 at 3:12 PM Reply
ooh no…. What’s our plan B partner? Hmmm… Calling Rush, Nike, Clark Marathon, Subic Marathon, Condura, Men’s Health,…. Anybody want to grab that sked? Go Hector!!

JunC said on Nov 18 08 at 3:20 PM Reply
maybe they want the QC marathon to coincide with the month of the city’s birth.

batangkyusi said on Nov 18 08 at 3:25 PM Reply
HK marathon starts late, 8am. By the time you’re almost halfway, sunog ka na. Clark and Subic, ok ba organizers last year? Subic kasi they didnt provide support to those who finished pass 4 hours. Wala ng water for most. So what’s plan b nga? : )

markfb said on Nov 18 08 at 3:37 PM Reply
My plan was to run 1 more marathon before I retire from marathon running after that I will just stick to the 10k, 21k, 30k races.
Marathon training is no walk in the park and takes full dedication and Guts.
My short list for 2009 where The Q.C, H.k., SFO and NY marathon. Now that the Q.C. marathon has been moved i may consider the H.K. instead.
October still a bit hot and im not a very good runner in the heat so Q.C. will be a big question?
But will see how it goes.
A marathon is the ultimate experience for a runner. I remember when i did my first marathon in Vancouver Canada 1983. I cried when i finished.

runningshield said on Nov 18 08 at 3:45 PM Reply
Thanks Jaymie for this post. Really appreciate it!

The marathon was postponed since the team organizing the event felt they needed more time to plan it. This is the first time that QC will hold such event. Even though the race organizer is already one of the experts in fixing races (guess who! hehe) … the entire team planning the race saw that this is such a huge event and they do not want to compromise the quality of the race, as well as the safetly of the runners.

Our apologies to everyone na na-bitin. I myself felt the same way. But personally, I think it was also a good decision since we all wanted to make sure that we shall having a really well-planned and organized race.

doralicious said on Nov 18 08 at 3:54 PM Reply
oh no!!! like you jaymie, i was all set to start my training next week coming from the 25k NB. timing would have been perfect. i considered the hK marathon but thought against it as i will be needing ground support and that i wont find in hK plus, big plus, if i get injured or hurt in hK it would be expensive to get treated there, hehehe… maybe we can convince condura organizers to include a full marathon in their event! hehehe…

Ting said on Nov 18 08 at 4:06 PM Reply
make one! The Bull Runner Marathon – February 2009

renz said on Nov 18 08 at 5:29 PM Reply
kahit di pa ko ready, sali na ko dun! hehehe

renz said on Nov 18 08 at 5:34 PM Reply
HK it is!

Hoy Neville humanda ka sa amin ni Lady in Green. Gagawan ka rin namin ng intriga. Pinatubo pa lang sisimulan na namin. Ehe.

marga said on Nov 18 08 at 5:52 PM Reply
hong kong is definitely it. it’ll be my first time so there’s a lot of anticipation mixed in with the apprehension. i’ve heard that runners gunning for their PR’s don’t run HK because of the challenging course. good place to start my first marathon then… the weather is nice and cool (and cold, i’m told) so that should probably compensate for the tough course.
would love to do the NY-ING as well, if i can get in.
am sure you’ll be able to do at least one marathon next year, Jaymie. you’re one tough cookie.

bobby said on Nov 18 08 at 9:12 PM Reply
i cant believe it…a crisis has hit the running community…a marathon crisis… and the bullrunner is in the middle of it! and its going global! haha toss up between Wall Street, or Orchard Road…the thing to consider if going abroad is where to place the family in the middle of it all…tough really tough…locally, clark or subic would be it…or maybe that cebu run…for air safety reasons, never manila…

mond said on Nov 18 08 at 11:03 PM Reply
jaime, just do the full marathon in Sinapore. I think you’re ready for it

Mukhang Guilty's brother said on Nov 18 08 at 11:52 PM Reply
hay sayang…

ibetlacbay said on Nov 19 08 at 1:06 AM Reply
Wow. I was eyeing that one too. Hopefully there’s a marathon prior to summer to make up for it. Paano naman ang mga di afford mag HK?

marvs said on Nov 19 08 at 2:51 AM Reply
I was training for the QC too.. This is really bad news.. But if what Sir BR mentions goes through, I may want to join that.. good luck..

aldz said on Nov 19 08 at 8:47 AM Reply
There’s also the Kuala Lumpur Marathon come March. =)

joms said on Nov 19 08 at 9:38 AM Reply
I remember this year that the Milo series kicked off with a half marathon in Clark last February. Then there’s the Condura half in March. Nothing like the full but long enough to motivate us to build up base mileage

DATC said on Nov 19 08 at 10:00 AM Reply
Hi fellow runners. I am the Team Captain of Team Clark based here in Clark.

We are coordinating with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) (where we work at) and other groups/sponsors to continue the 2nd Clark International Marathon with or without the Kenyans (no pun intended). Some sponsors have expressed willingness and support for this race. I hope things will pan out and the clamor for 42k, 21k & 10k races in February will prevail over annoying hindrances.

We will do our best to hold this race most likely by February since January is too soon (it will be January again in 2010 due to cold weather) and even if we (the Team Clark members) don’t run ourselves just so our fellow runners like you would run and enjoy their first 42k or half marathon for that matter.

We will depart from the usual flat route for the 42K and will venture out the Clark Freeport Zone into an area which we call the “Sacobia”, the Next Frontier as aptly called by the new P/CEO Ricafort of CDC (he was there during the NB Power Race 2008). Hilly but manageable terrains and good scenic views in smog-free environment. Believe me we have so many good plans. One of which is finisher’s medal you can proudly hang in your car, office or room.

Like most of you, we are really hoping for a full marathon in February 2009 after the Singapore Marathon in December 7, 2008 (I hope all of us Pinoys will get to see each other in Singapore after the run, say congregate in one area. Maybe TBR can announce a place for this as a good long run for the Bataan Death March Ultra-marathon courtesy of Bald Runner or rumor has it, the 2nd North Face Ultra-marathon.

Please pray for and wish us all the luck.

Folks, it is about time we “institutionalize” an annual prestigous marathon here in the Philippines in the likes of Boston, New York, Singapore or HK marathons. Long shot but definitely possible.

The first step is we form and incorporate an organization of runners and other athletes that will concentrate on this endeavor and carry on the legacy from this year henceforth.

Kaya natin yan!

atty. jon said on Nov 19 08 at 10:38 AM Reply
TBR! Too bad QC marathon is not pushing thru.

I’m already registered for the HK Marathon!!! Pretty nervous though my first time to do 21k!

lumber girl said on Nov 19 08 at 10:50 AM Reply
Well if it’s going to be HK then it’s going to be HK I guess. Time to amp up the training!

prometheuscometh said on Nov 19 08 at 12:15 PM Reply
Hi Jaymie. In the event the Clark Marathon falls short, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is one that I would recommend. I ran it in 2003 and was well run though it’s a little hilly. The medals are nice, the pasta feed was good and it was the first year that the tech shirt was introduced. Just a thought for everyone!

Great meeting you while in the Philippines. Thanks for everything and continued success on the roads and with the blog!

sfrunner said on Nov 20 08 at 1:08 PM Reply
tbr,

wala na ba yung annual na pasig river marathon? yun yung palagi pinaguusapan ng mga marathon runners every year event di ba? every february din yun. dapat meron to kse annual event na ito, or what? just wondering if you have any info on this. thanks

always a fan of your blogs,
beerrunner!

jj said on Nov 20 08 at 2:00 PM Reply
Hi Jaymie, I’m registered for the HM and not the FM. Based on what I’ve read from other runners, the pros of the HK Marathon are: cool weather, low humidity, good organization. Cons: air pollution may be a problem and crowd support is practically non-existent except in the last 2 kms. where you finish in Victoria Park. Oh and there’s no finisher’s medal (you actually get a souvenir medal included in the race pack haha). That said, the race has been improving each year so hopefully, next year will be better. So, you’ll have to judge for yourself which factors are important to you and see if it’s worth running it as your first.

Carlo said on Nov 20 08 at 2:57 PM Reply
when i found about the postponement, i felt betrayed, stabbed in the back. i’ve already invested 2 months of training for the q.c. race, i’ve never been so disciplined and focused. diet and training were going so smooth. everything was right on track. i’ll try to stay motivated and i’ll keep training, hoping that a marathon comes up around february or march.

eduardo said on Nov 25 08 at 1:47 PM Reply