Posts Tagged with: "Concepcion"

Last night, I attended the Condura Skyway Marathon 2013. The Condura Skyway Marathon is months away, February 3, 2013, to be exact, but race organizers, led by running brothers, Ton and Patrick Concepcion, along with Event King and Neville Manaois, and co-presenters and sponsors, Skyway and Asics, look like they’re all set for the race.

– At the press con for Condura Skyway Marathon –

– Condura Skyway Marathon 2013 Website –

I won’t go into all the details because you can find all the info in the Condura Skyway Marathon 2013 Website, but here are  three reasons why I’m looking forward to this race:

1) As always, we can expect race organization to be of international standards. But, more than that, it’s most likely that this race will be even better than the last one. Last year was the first time they staged the event at Filinvest Corporate City.  The wave start system entering the Skyway was experimental (and one that worked with great success!)  Now, we can only expect great improvements from their experience last year.  For instance, this race, organizers decided to have a 3.8k and 6k event, not the usual 3k and 5k events, to reduce congestion observed last year at turnaround points.  My wish for this race is that they provide sports drinks at every station unlike last year.

2) I love the Race Shirt!  It’s dry fit. It has a unique design saying “I Ran for the Mangroves.”  And, it’s by Team Manila!

3) Condura encourages pledges for Hero Foundation, Bikes for the Philippines, Liters of Light, and I Can Serve Foundation.  I’m a big believer in using a run to raise funds for others.  I’ve done it in the past.  It’s done by a lot of athletes all over the world.  More runners in Manila can do it too if race organizers like Condura will make it easier for all of us to donate and do good through running.  Thumbs up, Condura.

4) It’s a PR course.  Well, at least for the 21k.  I’m not too sure about the 42k route because I’ve never run this particular route for the marathon.  I did run the Condura Skyway Marathon 2010 and hit my PR there.  (I haven’t broken it since.)  I think the straight, no traffic, no brainer route of the Skyway just lends itself well to runners who want to zone out and hit the road hard without having to think of twists and turns.  I’m looking forward to running Condura Skyway Marathon 21k!

– with Ton Concepcion and Bernadette of Hero Foundation, a beneficiary of Condura Skyway Marathon 2013 –

– Running bloggers with Condura Skyway Marathon team –

Visit www.conduraskywaymarathon.com/2013 for registration fees, course map, finisher’s shirt design, and other race details.

Registration opens today until December 15 (online) and December 23 (registration center).  I highly suggest you run to the registration center asap because these kits aren’t going to last long.

PRESS RELEASE

CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON KICKS OFF 2013 WITH MORE REASONS TO RUN

The premier marathon event in the country, the Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 goes to the starting line on February 3, 2013 in Filinvest City,  Alabang. It will be the curtain-raiser for the new running year of 2013 – perfect timing for those who are serious in getting back to form after the long series of holidays and merry-making and for those who finally would like to get off that couch and find the fun and fulfilment in running.

Organized by Condura Skyway Marathon’s Founder and Chief Organizing Officer, Ton Concepcion and its running ambassador Patrick Concepcion,  the sixth edition of this much-anticipated yearly race event by runners for runners once again is out to prove that it is worthy of its bid to be the premier running event in Asia Pacific.

This year, the race will have the usual 10k, 21k and full 42k marathon categories plus the new 3.8k, 6k which are especially meant for the fun and adventurous runners who are not yet ready to take on the mid to long distance-races.

By the first hour of February 3, 2013, the Condura Skyway Marathon will again make the Skyway as the runners’ playground.  Originating from the Filinvest City in Alabang, runners of all distances will be taken to the Skyway as a major part of their race route – a major attraction that promises runners of an exclusive, traffic-free, clean and well-lit race environment.

Apart from the challenge and fun that this race has in-store for runners, participating in this race will also mean taking part in the Condura Skyway Marathon advocacy of helping with the reforestation of the Mangroves in Zamboanga de Sibugay in partnership with Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) . Each runner through their registration, will get to donate three mangrove seedlings which will be planted in his/her name. In 2012, the first year that Condura Skyway Marathon adopted the mangroves reforestation project to its cause, a total of 39,000 seedlings have already been planted in Kabasalan Town through runners’ donation.

A very special treat also awaits interested Condura Skyway Marathon 2013 participants!  Get a chance to register for FREE to any race category upon buying a pair of an ASICS running shoes.

Registration to the race is from November 15 to December 23, 2012 at the Asics Registration Center in Greenbelt 3 Ayala Mall in Makati City. Each participant will receive, as part of the registration, an “I RAN FOR THE MANGROVES” quick-dry shirt designed for the event by Team Manila.

Whether a participant is a newbie or a seasoned runner, completing their chosen distance makes them an absolute winner  since each runner will receive a cool Finisher’s Medal whichever distance they have completed! For full marathon finishers, an “I CONQUERED THE SKYWAY” finisher’s shirt exclusively designed by Team Manila will also be given to them.

The Condura Skyway Marathon, Run for the Mangroves 2013 is Co-Title Sponsored by Skyway and presented by sports apparel and shoe sponsor Asics, hydration sponsor 100 Plus and venue sponsor Filinvest City. For more information on the race and its advocacy visit the official website www.conduraskywaymarathon.com or the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/conduraskywaymarathon

About the Condura Skyway Marathon

The Condura Skyway Marathon is an annual running event open to amateur and professional runners. From its simple beginnings in 2007 as a short-distance Condura Run race event in Metro Manila, the Condura Skyway Marathon has grown to be one of the biggest, premier running event in the country attracting more than ten thousand runners across the country who are interested to have a Skyway running experience.

With the The Condura Run drawing near, it was imperative that I featured running brothers, Patrick and Ton Concepcion, the men behind what is expected to be one of the best races to ever hit Manila…

When did you start running?  How did you get into the sport?

PATRICK: I started running May. 30, 1980 in Vancouver Canada. I was a fat “pig” weighing in at 220lbs.  The reason I started running is NOT to lose weight but simply because I enjoyed running. When I took  my first running step I knew I was hooked. It gave me great pleasure a sense of freedom and confidence. The weight just melted away as I continued running on a daily basis. Now my weight is down to 133lbs.

TON: My brother Patrick inspired me to run as a kid. I saw how much he loved the sport and how he transformed from a “fatrick” to a “thinrick”. 

I started running again before i turned 30. I had been married for 6 years and I gained 30 pounds with my wife and mother in law’s cooking.  I wanted to be in the best shape i could before i turned 40. 

I remember I was so out of shape that i could not even run 1km. Each step though took me farther and every run ended with such a profound sense of accomplishment. My first 10km race was such a thrill that I even emailed my dad what a great experience it was. It was truly fantastic to be running with a sea of humanity who share your passion. 

This passion ultimately made my join countless of 10k races and doing the unthinkable…joining 5 marathons in 14 months!.

Do any other members of your family run or are interested in starting?

PATRICK: My father (Raul T. Concepcion) is the original runner in the family. My father is the greatest influence in my running Life. I remember when I was a young age of 7. That was the year 1971, I would see my father run around the village in Forbes Park to do his usual 5km run.  and sometimes I would join him if I could but only for 200 meters. I remember him lacing up his Bata – Brand running shoes. (Nike, Asics, Adidas etc. was not available in the Philippine at that time) . Up to this day it is still very clear in my memory. At present, my father still does a little jogging in his treadmill. He is still is very strong at the age of 77. 

My wife, Mabu, runs once in a while too. Sometimes after my Saturday long run I would wake her up and we would go for a 3km run. I enjoy running with my wife it’s a great time to connect and to spend some quality time together.

TON: There are those that are seriously into running like Patrick, my brother in law Jimmyton Araneta who is a full ironman and myself. 

My wife, Karen, also runs but every time she get up to 7km she gets pregnant (haha) we are now expecting our 5th child.

But last year’s Condura run created a “running boom” within the Concepcion clan. In fact there are 30 or so family members joining the Condura run this year.

Then, there is my dad who used to run a lot when he was younger. During last year’s run, he fell because the road was uneven and ended up with a nasty cut on his eye that had to be stitched. But despite this he refused any medical help and still ran to the finish line all bloodied and bruised. What a fighter he truly is. He truly is the Condura “durable” man.

What do you enjoy most about running?  

PATRICK: Running is something I enjoy doing. I believe it moulds your character to be a better person. Running makes me feel unique. It gives me confidence and I feel alive. When I run, I run NOT for others but for myself.  “It is a time for me and my God to connect.”

TON: It’s the best way to de-stress. It’s like I pressed a reset button in my mind after every run and I suddenly feel great again.  I feel very calm and peaceful. It’s almost like a spiritual experience.  Most of my best ideas come from running. 

Can you share with us your weekly training program?  Do you train together?

PATRICK: I average at least 75 – 85 km/wk. Saturday is my long run day usually about 21 – 25km. Depending on how I feel. I would also incorporate 1 day a week of speed and tempo run. I usually have 1 or 2 days rest in a week. Wed is usually my rest day. While Sunday is my Race Day.  

I don’t get to run with Ton because I run in the morning around 4.30am and Ton is usually an evening runner. And because I reside in Alabang and he resides in Makati it’s difficult to meet.

TON: When i’m training for a 42km marathon, I follow the FIRST training program which I picked up from Runners World magazine. It follows a “less is more” marathon training philosophy spread over 4 months with only 3 runs a week. Tuesday is speed work, Thursday is tempo and Saturday is a long run. Its perfect training program for those who have a hectic work schedule. I also lift weights to strengthen my core and my legs which i find very effective in making you run your best and to prevent injury. 

I don’t train with Pat because he will find me too slow.

What was the most memorable race for you?

PATRICK:  The most memorable race has to be the Vancouver International Marathon 1983 I finished in 3hrs. 52mins and 20 sec. The 2nd most memorable race has to be the Philippine “Pasig” Marathon 2008 because after 24 years I did my 2nd marathon.

TON: Every marathon is like a baby and they are all special. But the New York City marathon would be on top of the list. It felt fantastic running along side 39, 000 people and being cheered by the crowds of over a million people throughout the entire 42km distance. You will truly feel like an olympian for the day. 

A close second is Lake Kawaguchi in Japan. My breath was taken away with the beauty of running in and out of a forest with resplendent golden leaves in its full autumn glory and by a placid lake with Mount Fuji as the back drop.

What was the toughest race?

PATRICK: Philippine “Pasig “Marathon 2008. The reason is because at the last 10km of the race I was really hurting. My Legs wanted to quit. I was cramping all over but my heart and soul made me continue. When I reach the finish line I couldn’t help but cry because i felt an accomplishment as a runner as a person. “Sometimes the moment that challenges us the most defines us” – Joan Benoit Samuelson

TON: My second milo marathon in July 2007 was the toughest because of the heat. I remember cramping really bad at 35km. But I refused to give up. So you just learn how to run with a cramp. 20 feet before the finish line, every single muscle in both legs cramped and locked up! I could not move! I said oh no this is truly a case of so near and yet so far. It was really embarrassing to stop before crossing the finish line instead of sprinting towards it. Luckily the cramp released its vice like grip on my legs and I was able to walk the remaining steps to complete my 3rd marathon.

Congratulations in advance for setting up one of the most awaited races of the year, Condura Run.  What sets this race apart from other races?

PATRICK: Thank you so much. In my opinion, what sets the Condura Run apart from other races is not only because the 21k marathon event will partially pass the skyway which is a first in the Philippines. But I think it is because the Condura Race was created by a Runner for the Runners. In Concepcion Durables Inc. (CDI) we are very particular to the details in our business which we also apply for the Condura Race.  

TON: The Condura Run is a run made by a runner for runners and is inspired by international marathons. I wanted to take my race experiences abroad and bring them to the Philippines to come up with an international standard run. Our vision is to be the premier running event in the country. 

Key to making this happen is the route. That is why I chose the skyway for the 21km half marathon. Surprisingly this is our fastest selling event even beating out the 10km run. I thought that the Skyway would be a really cool place to run on and we were very happy that they were very generous enough to grant our request. We have cheering zones and marching bands to get the adrenaline levels up during the toughest parts of the run. 

I am very “OC” when it comes to planning out the details of the run. From how much water we need per hydration station to the content of the web site and how it should look like.  Runners sacrifice a lot and train very hard. So we want to make sure when they run the Condura run, they have such a great experience that they can say to themselves that all of their pain and sacrifice was worth it. I want runners to feel truly proud of themselves and coming up with a truly special race is one way to achieve this goal. The dream is to make runners feel like an Olympian for the day.

Aside from being a runner, I also am a scuba diver and our mission is to show people the beauty that lay beneath our seas. That is why our races have a marine inspired theme. This year we partnered with Bantay Kalikasan to help protect the whalesharks of Donsol. We have a marine life costume contest and several photowalls of whale sharks as photographed by international acclaimed photographer Gutsy Tuason. Last year we raised 100 thousand pesos for the marine rangers of Tubbataha and helped propel it as one of the top contenders for the new 7 wonders of the world.  So runners will not only be experiencing a world class run but also will be helping to save the environment.

What advice can you give to those who will make Condura their first race ever?

PATRICK:  Just enjoy the race. “The Miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start” – John “The Penguin Runner” Bingham.

TON: Be proud that you actually woke up early to join the race.  Have a light breakfast and pray that you accomplish all your bathroom duties before you leave the house. Play your best tunes. Run at your own pace. Suck in the energy that is all around you. Enjoy the experience and treat yourself to a fantastic breakfast after the run then have a good sleep!

Can we expect a Condura Marathon next year?

PATRICK: Yes that is the Goal, but planning for something like this is definitely no walk…in our case run in the park. It takes very careful planning and resources. Hopefully by God’s grace a full marathon will be a reality soon.

TON: Definitely yes. It will be a tough one to do. But like running we break it down into small steps. Last year we did 10k. This year 21k. And next year 42k. And the year after an ultra marathon ?

What is your dream race?

PATRICK: Hummmmm my dream Race is a Manila to Baguio City Ultra Race. We start in Quirino Grandstand, Manila and the finish line will be in Burnham Park, Baguio City.  It will be an Individual run not a Team relay race. That for me is the test of ultimate endurance. “Running is a head game, it is more mental than physical.” 

TON: to run the Paris marathon

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Favorite shoe…

PATRICK: Asics 2020 and 2030 / Nike Lunar

TON: For 10k and 16km races I use Nike Lunars. They are very light and provide excellent cushioning. For the marathon, I use the Asics Kinsei 1

Power song…

PATRICK: Music? I don’t run with music. I can’t enjoy my run with music. Music distracts me. I like the peace and quiet when I run. 

TON: The theme from Rocky and “Don’t give up” by Chicane. But these days I prefer to run without music.

Best running accessory…

PATRICK: Garmin 205

TON: Garmin 405 

Solo or  group…

PATRICK: Always solo. Running is a time for me with God. I’m not a good running Partner, If I run with a group I always think about how the group is doing ( am I running to fast…to slow… do I talk to much……etc.) total distraction from what running enjoyment is.

TON: mostly solo. Running is often the only time I have alone.  However, I do enjoy running with my best friends and R40- runners for others

Favorite race distance…

PATRICK: any distance between 10k and 42k.

TON: 42km – would you believe?

10k PR

PATRICK: 41 min. 10 sec.  UBC (University of British Columbia), 1983

TON: 51 min. 37 sec.

Marathon PR

PATRICK:  Vancouver International Marathon 1983 I finished in 3 hrs. 52 mins and 20 sec.

TON: 4 hrs. and 49 min.

For the run, Condura partnered with Runners for Others (R40) and Operations Smile for children with cleft deformities. For P100 pesos more, you get a really cool R40/Operations smile race bib that will help make a child smile again.

For more TBR Runner’s interviews, click here.