Category Archives: Race Announcements

More trail runs anyone?

Click here to read a great write up and trail course preview from Second Wind.

Another thing for runners to get excited about. I’m not allowed to divulge anything but it’s logo for now. You’ll find out soon enough…

Isport Botak recently held its press conference for Botak Paa-Tibayan Takbo 100k Marathon at R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street last Thursday, May 28, 2009.  

The Botak Paa-Tibayan 100k Marathon will be held on June 28, 2009 with the race starting at U.P. Diliman, the beneficiary of the race as proceeds from the race will go to the rehabilitation of the U.P. Track & Field Oval.
 
Among the speakers during the press conference were Mr. George Tan of OlymPlus Sports, Ian Alacar of Botak, Eric Pasion of Run For Change, and Mr. Edwin Barbers, U.P. Sports Director.  Mr. George Tan shared photos and anecdotes of the adventures he shared accompanying legendary runner and founder of Botak, Mr. Cesar Guarin, as he ran across the Philippines, U.S. and Europe.  Amazing!  Mr. Tan even talked about an ultramarathon they once organized in Baguio where runners ran 1km laps around Burnham Park 100 times over!

– Mr. George Tan of OlymPlus Sports – 

– Ian Alacar of Botak –

Since the Botak Paa-Tibayan Takbo 100k will have three separate events led by three different race directors, each director discussed the route and other important details for his event.  Neville Manaois, team principal of Pinoy Ultra Runners and technical consultant of recently held TNF 100, will head the 100km race, Edmund Mangaser will manage the 5- and 10-mile races,  while Ben Alacar will lead the first ever street mile challenge held in the country.  

– Edmund Mangaser, Ian Alacar, Neville Manaois, and Ben Alacar –

The race directors fielded direct questions from runners, such as “Will your water stations have cups this time?” or “Will your marshals actually know the race route?” and they assured the audience that lessons were learned from Botak 42k.  I paid particular attention to Mr. Edmund Mangaser who discussed the 5- and 10-miler.  These were his comments about the route: 1) covered by trees, 2) passes through subdivisions, 3) there are short but steep climbs, and 4) there will be water stations every 2km.  The three race directors seemed to be on top of their game and we’re only hoping for their success.
 
To register for the Botak Paa-Tibayan 100k Marathon, visit:
– Botak Sports Shop, 131 Kamuning Road, Edsa QC
– ROX
– Fitness First
– ROC, UP Diliman, Bahay ng Alumni
– Paul Calvin’s Deli, The Fort
– PATAFA Rizal Office
– All Terra Bike Shop, Club 650 Libis
– Second Wind Store, Maginhawa St. Teacher’s Village QC

 For inquiries, call 414-8892 or 921-5947 or email paatibayan100@botakphilippines.com

The people over at Condura—specifically Ton Concepcion—are currently planning for Condura Run 2010.  (Isn’t it great to know that they’re starting this early?) They want to hear your thoughts on these points:  (Go ahead and submit your answers as a comment below)

1.  When do you want Condura Run 2010 to be held?  JANUARY 17 or MARCH 7?

Update as of May 28…Other blogs may have announced Jan. 17 as final race date. Please disregard those announcements. According to Ton Concepcion, “the final confirmation whether the run will be on Jan 17 or March will depend on the survey being done by The Bull Runner…The final announcement on the final date will be made by The Bull Runner.”

2.  Your Wishlist for Condura Run

The TNF 100km solo and relay races kick off tomorrow at Clark, Pampanga followed by the 10k and 20k on May 24, Sunday.

Hubby and I registered for the 10k. Phew. I am equally nervous and excited about this race. It’ll be my first trail run and I don’t know what to expect. I don’t have a clue how my newly-recovered legs (yeah baby!) and foot will react to the new terrain either. So many uncertainties especially about gear…

TRAIL SHOES: CHECK
Fortunately for us, Jundel of TNF supplied the hubby and I with new TNF Trail Shoes just for the race. Pinoy Ultra Runners’ Neville Manaois recommended these two models: Rucky Chucky or Arnuva Boa 50. I chose the tough-looking Rucky Chucky, while hubby got another handsome model, Voza, since they didn’t have his size for Rucky Chucky. Both shoes should give us much needed support and extra traction to climb those trails.

– Fresh out of the box. My new Rucky Chucky –

– Side view –

As recommended by Jundel, we can just break in the shoes by walking around in them. Hubby and his new Voza’s left the house earlier today while Rucky Chucky and I will go on a pre-TNF racing event through the aisles of our grocery later this afternoon.

TIGHTS: CHECK
A couple of days ago, Vince of Finishline, TNF’s race organizer, informed me via text that he was at the race site. I quickly replied with the following questions: Is the course slippery? rocky? hilly? He answered: it is not slippery, not rocky, not hilly. I recommend you were tights. Great, I never thought asking those questions would leave me with even more concerns.  But, I hear ya, Vince, I’m packing some tights for the trip.

Now the question is: do I risk tearing my Skins/ Nikes/ Mizunos OR do I wear the cheap tights I bought from SM years ago? Hah!

LONG SLEEVES: PASS
I thought of wearing long-sleeves to protect my arms from possible scratches or mud. (You see, this woman is used to conquering the roads, not the mountains) But, I was told that it isn’t necessary unless you need protection from the harsh rays of the sun. I love my brown skin, plus some extra savings, so I believe I’m skipping this one.

LONG SOCKS: CHECK
I was told that trail runners wear longer socks to keep the soil (in our case, sand) from entering the shoes. My ankle socks are staying home and I’m taking my extra long thorlos with me.

Gear is set. Hotel is booked. But, I am a nervous wreck. I hope you are too…haha. Good luck to all those running TNF. As they all say, see you at the trails!

Thank you so much to Jundel Llagas of TNF and Neville Manaois of Pinoy Ultra Runners! Neville, I’ll see you at the spa after the race.