Category Archives: Race Announcements

The winner of TBR’s Guess the Cover contest, Joms Paras of Happy Feet, claimed his prize from me last night at Bonifacio High Street.  I presented to him his new Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ (woohoo, what a beauty) which came fresh out of the box when I picked it up at the Nike head office plus Paul Calvin’s deli gift certificates worth P500.  Congratulations again, Joms!

Don’t you just love these contests?  It’s time for another one next week.  Stay tuned.

Thank you very much to Tony Atayde of Nike Philippines and Jay Em of Paul Calvin’s Deli.

So many people are looking forward to this run, myself included. So, when I received the invitation for the press launch of The North Face 100, I made sure I was there. The press launch for the upcoming TNF 100 was held this morning at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street. 

WHAT: The North Face 100 Trail Run
WHEN: May 23 to 24, 2009
WHERE: Sacobia, Clark
DISTANCE: 10k, 20km, 100km relay, 100km solo
REGISTRATION: Started last March 16, 2009, Limited slots only

I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Ryan, product development manager of TNF, who started the press conference by introducing The North Face, the company, it’s products, and it’s commitment to caring for its athletes.  He spoke of the three endurance races that were being rolled out this year as well as the series of TNF 100 races throughout Asia.  

– Ben Ryan of TNF –

Ben went on to say that Filipino running community is among the most passionate in the world.  It caught the attention of TNF and, as such, beginning this year, all prototypes for trail and endurance products of TNF globally will be tried and tested by no other than the Pinoy Ultra Runners.  These products will not be seen by the rest of the world for another couple of years.  (Woah, methinks we should all befriend a PUR member now to get a glimpse—or even just a sniff of these brand new gear.)

The next speaker was Neville Manaois, Pinoy Ultra Runner team principal and technical consultant for the upcoming TNF 100.  He gave a basic introduction to trail running and discussed essential gear, such as trail shoes and hydration packs.

– Neville of Pinoy Ultra Runners discusses hydration packs –

Lastly, Jundel Llagas, marketing manager of TNF, gave a brief talk as well.

– Jundel of TNF –

After the talk, we were all invited to partake of a mini “trail run” within the confines of R.O.X.  The course started at the bottom of the 1/F stairway, which was enshrouded by a canopy of leaves and vines, and made its way up to the 2/F where the runner would climb up a slightly rough uphill ramp and then run down again its steep and rocky portion.  After that, you would have to rush across the entire 2/F to end your run, which was timed by the way.

– See, who says you can’t run while carrying your purse and shopping items –

– If I had a hard time on this decline, how the hell do I survive TNF then? –

My short climb up and down that ramp was my first taste of a rocky trail run.  I have to admit.  I’m a chicken when it comes to trail runs.  But, this TNF 100 has truly piqued my interest.  I met Women’s Health Editor-in-Chief Lara Parpan shortly before leaving and, after discussing my concerns about trail running, she said “I have a feeling I’m going to see you there.”  I nodded my head, “Uh huh, I think so too.”  Let’s see!

– with Jay (Prometheus Cometh), Marga (The Changeling Child), Vimz (Kulit Runner), Jundel (TNF), Neville (PUR), Ben (TNF), Vince (Finish Line), Ben (Photovendo), and Christian (Botak) –

WHAT: The 1st PTAA Charity Run

WHEN: June 14, 2009, Sunday, 6am

WHERE: U.P. Diliman

DISTANCE: 3k/ 5k/ 10k

REG. FEE: P300

BENEFICIARY:  Funds will be used to restore the Kid’s Play Room/Cancer Department of the East Avenue Medical Center

REGISTRATION:

• Registration is ongoing. Visit site.
• Download reg form here.
• Register at PTAA Office – Mike Alayon 552-0027 to 29, Mizuno Stores (BHS and Trinoma), R.O.X. BHS

WHAT MAKES THIS RACE DIFFERENT:

• All runners will receive the Livestrong Wristband from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) which supports this race. 
• Raffle prizes include trips to Asian cities!

Something big is happening this Monday.  Aside from my much needed makeover (I’m finally going to get a haircut and coloring, something I haven’t had time to take pleasure in as running and therapy comes first in this woman’s life), the prestigious Boston Marathon will take place in the U.S.  

I’ll be rooting for my idol, Kara Goucher. Just love the way she runs and carries herself.  I’ll keep myself updated via Runner’s World early next week and pray that they feature it in Balls channel. Phew, good thing the sched doesn’t conflict with American Idol..hah.

Good luck to sisters, Leica and Amanda Carpo and a new reader of this blog, Raffy, as well as other Pinoy runners who made the cut!  We’ll be cheering for you in spirit!

Two days to go for Bataan 102km Ultramarathon runners!  I have some friends who are signed up for the race and I am excited and anxious for them.  

Good luck to all those registered for the race, especially Bald Runner, Coach Jo-Ar, Coach Roel and Jessie Ano, Atty. Jon, Mark Bata, Charlie Chua, Jerry Karundeng, and last but not the least, my idol and good friend, Kim O’ Connell.  (I hope I didn’t miss anyone)  

Eat well.  Run safe.  And, share your stories when you get back!