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We’re thrilled to finally have the inaugural Nike Women’s 10k Manila on 9 May 2015 at Filinvest City, Alabang! Considering how more women are lacing up nowadays (it’s pretty obvious that there’s about a 50:50 split now among men and women running in Manila), it’s a good call for Nike to further grow that market. Yahooo for us ladies! (more…)
Nike We Run MNL was held last December 2, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia. While I flew off to run Angkor Wat Half Marathon, BERNARD MASA, the winner of my Nike We Run MNL contest, ran in my shoes and promised to report (or, in this case, Run-port) about the race. What follows is Bernard’s account of his fantastic experience at Nike We Run MNL (it was his first 10k!) including his special VIP Treatment and double post-race meal. Lucky, lucky guy! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. In fact, I was hitting myself on the head half the time for missing such an awesome race. (Thank you to Nike for treating Bernard like royalty!)
RACE REPORT: NIKE WE RUN MNL 10K
Words and Photos by Bernard Masa
After the cities of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, it was time for our very own capital to play host to the 2012 Nike We Run race series. And as they promised, Nike was able to draw some 13,000 runners for the Manila edition of its event. The achievement is all the more impressive when you consider that there were at least two other big races held in the Metro that same day. And this one was by far the most expensive, too. Except for the lucky ones who got in for free, of course. Cough, cough.
– Bernard at the Nike We Run MNL 10k race –
The 2012 Nike We Run Manila was perfect for anyone looking to set a new PR for their 10k. The race took place in the straight, wide and flat roads of the Seaside and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevards surrounding the SM Mall of Asia, with only a few turns to slow you down. There were also plenty of water and Powerade at the four hydrations stations along the route to help replenish and power you up for a faster run.
The race started at the Seaside Boulevard around 5:30 am, with the sky still dark. Because I was about 100 meters from the starting line when the race began, I had to spend the next several minutes alternating between running and hopping as I tried hard to overtake dozens of other participants. Fortunately by the first corner turn towards Coral Way road, there was no need for that as the road simply widened up for everyone. After about another kilometer, the runners then made a right turn to that long straight road that was the Macapagal Boulevard.
A few hundred meters after I crossed the 5.8 K U-turn, daylight had already brightened up the route. I noticed this because it was then that I was able to witness this sea of black and green in its full glory. One shirt, one race, one finish line. And all of them barreling towards me from the opposite lane. Even though I don’t usually like being in crowds, it was still a sight to behold. But as I noticed myself slowing down in awe, I gathered my thoughts and reminded myself that I have a goal to accomplish. Just like that, I was off to my race pace again.
I finished in 54:33, much faster than my target time of 60 minutes. For my first-ever 10k road race, it was good enough for me.
– Bernard after his first 10k run –
– Finishers of Nike We Run MNL 10k –
All in all, Nike We Run Manila was one of the most organized races that I’ve ever took part in. No hassles and long lines during depositing and claiming at the numerous baggage counters. On the route itself, marshalls were at just the right places to guide the runners. Vehicular traffic was well-managed, too. And bless the organizers for placing those portable toilets at the side of the road.
And at the end of the run, there was none of that typical mess and mad scramble after the finish line. The marshalls were proactive and all over the place (in a good way) as they guided the exhausted runners to the proper tents and stations. I was able to get the banana and finisher’s tee nice and easy. They were able to accomplish this despite the huge number of participants. Speaking of the finisher’s shirt, the bright green top looked as great as the race tee. But this was a Nike event, so we should expect nothing less, right?
But my great experience here was just starting. After gathering my stuff from the baggage counter, I headed straight to the spacious race village. I saw a few booths here as I surveyed the area, but I was surprised at the one booth where nearly everyone else was lining up: the photo booth! It looks just like another race starting line when you see how long it is. Just shows you how valuable this part of a race event is for the participants.
– Everyone’s willing to wait for a good photo! –
As for me, I thought that I better get good photos elsewhere in the area before the rest of the runners filled up the entire village. That led me to the Nike+ (NikePlus) Lounge, which as I understand was exclusive for Nike+ members only. The people there, however, were nice enough to let me in. So in yet another record time, I quickly filled up my plate at their eat all you can buffet. It was just the perfect post-race meal for me: sausage, scrambled eggs, yogurt, pineapple juice and tons of rice. All of it for free! I could not believe my luck at this event. The people who followed were not as fortunate though, as the security got tighter with more people coming in. Before this freeloader got caught by the officials in-charge, I went into race mode again as I left the area.
I also got a nice finisher’s medal near that booth, which are given out to the top 100 finishers of the race. It was quite heavy, too. But the thing is, I was 7 minutes off the time of the 100th finisher (good for 388th place as per Nike’s official results). I was more like one of the first 10 people who gorged through that Nike+ Lounge buffet. I just requested it from the guy who was handing out the medals, and he gave me one. No questions asked. Yes Google, I’m Feeling Lucky.
– Nike We Run MNL 10k medal –
Then the post-race entertainment started. I heard the host Drew Arellano saying something about how good the food was at the VIP lounge. And it was only at this point that I recalled: didn’t the registration website indicate that my reg code was a VIP pass? So I went to the VIP lounge, this time at an easy pace because I was still full from that sumptuous breakfast earlier. And what do you know–my name was on the VIP list! And yet another eat-all-you-can buffet! There was Angus Beef Tapa, wild spinach and feta fritatta, banana pancakes, steamed Jasmine rice and homemade granola and yogurt served in a glass. It wasn’t the same power breakfast as the Nike+ Lounge’s. But no complaints here. For my already satiated stomach, the meals were just the perfect top-off to my feasting experience.
– VIP Treatment, baby! –
– Bernard’s sumptuous breakfast courtesy of Nike –
– Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peas graces the event –
– Runners cheer during the show –
And there at one of the VIP dining tables was Apl.de.Ap of the band Black Eyed Peas, enjoying the same post-race meal. My photo-op with him could wait, I thought. Or rather, his bodyguard thought and said it to me.
As promised, the bands Never The Strangers, Sponge Cola and Chicosci filled the venue with some great live music. Apl.de.Ap himself put on quite a show as he performed onstage, belting out his band’s most popular hits. He was later joined by Slapshock vocalist Jamir Garcia. And because of my VIP access, I got to enjoy the performance up close as Apl performed one hit after another. Thanks again, TBR!
After a great run, great meals and some great entertainment, there was just one thing left to for me to accomplish in this great event. One last thing to make the most out of my free Nike We Run Manila experience. So just before he was ushered out of the VIP lounge, I went ahead and had my picture taken with Mr. Apl.de.Ap.
– Bernard with Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed Peas and cover of TBR Magazine – May/Jun 2011. Click HERE to download the issue –
– Apl.de.Ap with representatives from Nike and iamNinoy-iamCory Runners. Nice to see my good friends, brothers, Rapa and Jamike Lopa on the right –
Just in case you’re reading this, Nike people, I would just like to ask: How do I get another VIP pass next year?
This is definitely something the running scene needed: fast, short, and fun! I’m hoping to join the January race!
RACE MECHANICS
Rip the Road is an annual series of five competitive 10K races with a championship race at the end of each season.
In each leg, the top 3 over-all male and female winners will be awarded, as well as the champion and runner-up in five age groups:
Only the top 1,000 runners will qualify for the championship race (free entry)
Runners must finish at least 2 legs to qualify for the championship race. Qualifying time is the average of a runner’s 2 fastest finish times.
Winners and the top 250 finishers of the championship race will be invited to the Night of Champions awards dinner (free entry)
RACE DATES
OTHER EVENTS
– Nice to know I’m not the only one tired of Zombies! –
ASSEMBLY, START/FINISH & ACTIVITY AREA
Glorietta 3 Park, Ayala Center, Makati
RACE ROUTE
Makati Central Business District (see map)
The same race route will be used for each race
RACE TIMES
Assembly Time: 5:00 AM
Starting Time: 5:45 AM
REGISTRATION FEE
P650 per race
Plus a one-time purchase of a reausable timing tag for P150:
• Timing tag can be used for all other races during the season
• Replacement timing tags will cost P250
– First Rip the Road race is on November 25, 2012 –
REGISTRATION DATE FOR RIP THE ROAD 1:UNLEASHED
November 9 – 22 or until all the slots filled up (only 2,000 slots available)
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
1. Become a Ripper:
a. Log on to Rip the Road website
b. Go to REGISTER NOW and input the required data
c. Accept the terms & conditions and SUBMIT
d. You will be issued a Ripper’s ID Number and Ripper’s ID card
– Your Ripper ID contains your personal information (no need to input data every time you join a race)
– You will use your Ripper’s ID card each time you register for a race
– You will need your Ripper’s ID number to access your account, check race results, photos, change your profile
2. Register for the Race:
a. Go to a Registration Center
– Planet Sports Glorietta 3
– Planet Sports Trinoma
– Planet Sports Alabang Town Center
b. Present your Ripper’s ID Card
c. Pay the registration fee and get your race kit
PRIZES
All Race Finishers: Limited special-edition finisher’s technical shirt
Leg Winners:
Over-all males and females
– 1st place Trophy, P5,000 cash & other perks
– 2nd place Trophy, P3,000 cash & other perks
– 3rd place Trophy, P2,000 cash & other perks
Age-group males and females
– Champion Trophy, P1,000 cash & other perks
– Runner-up Trophy, P500 & other perks
* Special prizes will be given to runners who finish 3 or more races
Championship:
Over-all males and females
– 1st place Trophy, P50,000 cash & other perks
– 2nd place Trophy, P30,000 cash & other perks
– 3rd place Trophy, P20,000 cash & other perks
Age group males and females
– 1st place Trophy, P3,000 cash & other perks
– 2nd place Trophy, P2,000 cash & other perks
– 3rd place Trophy, P1,000 cash & other perks
* Top male and female Filipinos will be sent compete in an international 10k race (race to be announced)
PRESS RELEASE:
PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 2012 – Nike’s We Run race returns to Manila for a second year, to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. On December 2, 2012, Filipino runners will be part of the global We Run race movement, which will see a total of 395,500 runners from 34 cities participating—establishing a new global community of runners through Nike’s most connected race series using the innovative Nike+ technology. The We Run race series kicked off on September 1 in Prague, Czech Republic, and will conclude on December 15 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
Nike’s We Run Manila 10K race will energize the streets of Pasay City with the 13,000 high-octane runners expected to make tracks all over the SM Mall of Asia’s grounds. Set against the remarkable view of Manila Bay, the initial stretch of the race will let runners pass through the commercialized area of the Mall of Asia with the SMX Convention Center and the latest icon of the area, the eye-shaped SM Bay City Arena. Runners are set to leave urban commercial scenery and head towards the fields along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Closing in on the halfway point of the race, runners will then pass the upcoming Belle Casino, a gold complex glistening in the morning sun. As they take a turn on Pacific Avenue and race past the same landmarks, runners will come upon the iconic ferris-wheel along Seaside Boulevard that marks the final kilometer to the finish line. The panoramic run would not be complete without an engaging en route entertainment featuring some of Manila’s top musical acts.
Meeting the runners at the finish line is the Race Village that will offer an array of services. Runners can expect to be pampered with massage booths and get recharged at any of the refreshment stalls while being entertained by the energetic musical line-up.
“Nike’s We Run race is the celebration of running across the world, the culmination of every runner’s dedication and commitment to train harder, defy expectations and push their bodies’ limits. Nike aims to revolutionize the running experience, by allowing runners to inspire, motivate and connect with other runners globally through the Nike+ Technology”, shared Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director of Nike South East Asia. “With the second edition of the We Run race in Manila, Nike envisions Filipinos, the youth in particular, to further move the local running scene forward by leading the active lifestyle movement.”
This year, Nike is taking inspiration to a new level as runners will be able to follow two of Philippines most popular lifestyle bloggers, Robbie Becroft of robbieoffduty.com and Lissa Kahayon of lissakahayon.com who will be embarking on their first We Run race. Follow their We Run journey as they take on the challenge of preparing for Nike’s We Run MNL 10K race, blogging at each step of the journey, and witness how Nike elevates their everyday running experience with the various product offerings including the Nike+ ecosystem.
To get race-ready, Nike will organize four training sessions focusing on proper running techniques and tips. Runners will also be able to test out the Nike+ Running app (available on iOS and Android), and try out the season’s latest running products. These clinics will be led by podiatrists and Nike Training Club instructors to further educate individuals on how they can reach their potential as runners.
The registration for Nike’s We Run race will commence on Monday, October 8 2012 online through www.facebook.com/NikeRunningPH and also on-ground at selected retail stores. Registration details are as follows:
Categories:
Registration:
On-ground registrations will also be held at the following Nike stores:
For more information, visit
Nike on Facebook
Nike Inc.
or follow @NikePH on twitter.
