Posts Tagged with: "Run United"

Event: Run United 1
Venue: SM Mall of Asia
Date: March 16, 2014

More than 12,000 runners showed up at SM Mall of Asia yesterday for one of the most anticipated races in the country, Run United 1. A whopping 5,000 21km runners joined the event, a testament to runners being more competitive and advanced in their sport.

Early on, during registration, it was news in the running community that slots, particularly for the 21km, had filled in a matter of days. These slots were in high demand as Run United 1 is the first of a trilogy of races where runners aim to complete their triple medal.

The runners who were lucky enough to bag slots all showed up on race day in their Run United sweat activated singlets and visors. After a few kilometers of sweating during the run, the word “Citius” which means “Faster” in Latin magically appeared at the back of the shirt.

Unilab Active Health truly lived up to its own mantra: “Exceed Yourself.” The race, organized by Run Rio, was once again another perfectly orchestrated event from start to finish. Perhaps the only element that I hope can be improved on is the high congestion on the road, particularly for the 10k distance, but, then again, due to its sheer size, I think the crowd is almost inevitable. Beyond that, the race was fantastic. They even had Parokya ni Edgar at the post race village to entertain the runners. According to Lester Castillo of ULAH, ULAH aims “to provide quality races for progressive athletes who wish to exceed themselves by establishing new PRs, doing higher distances, or having a strong finish.” Looks like they’re doing just that!

Congratulations to Unilab Active Health and Run Rio for another successful event!

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LAST DAY OF RECOVERY

After a marathon, my body needs exactly 3 weeks to recover. It may not be the same for you, but, for me, it can’t be any less or more. It is always exactly 3 weeks when I feel like my body has gotten enough rest, my tight muscles have loosened up, and I can finally push my body again to run fast or long.

Last week, I decided to withdraw from Tri United 1 because I felt like I would do my body harm by pushing it to do a triathlon when it was asking for rest and lots of massage. My quads were so tight (as hard as plywood!) that it was causing some discomfort on my left knee.

Yesterday, on the third week after Tokyo Marathon and the day of Run United 1, I felt like I was fully recovered. Ton, Lit, and I signed up for 10k. I planned on running this very easy to test if, indeed, I was right.

– Ton, Lit and I a few seconds after gun start –

EASY PEASY

When the gun went off, Ton and I were with other triathlete friends, Kesha, Trina, Glenn and Yvonne. As we ran easy along with the crowd of 10k runners, we realized Lit had taken off way ahead of us. We laughed that he had decided to suddenly be competitive again. Before we knew it, Kesha had gone ahead as well and Glenn and Yvonne had disappeared in the crowd. So, it was Ton, Trina, and I who ran together for the rest of the race.

The course is not unfamiliar to us. We’ve run the 21k distance to Run United so often that we can almost run this with our eyes closed. (Okay, maybe just one eye closed!) I won’t lie to you. On this day, I was so glad that we were running only 10k. We ran it slow and easy.

At Km 2, it was quite a surprise for me to hear so many runners around me panting. I could hear the usual barking sound that male runners make when they’re dying midway through the run “Huh! Huh!” How does one tire at only 2 km? Only one answer: If you didn’t train for it! Silently, I made a mental note that we really must find a way to remind beginners to TRAIN for a race before they register for it. 10k, or even a 5k, is no joke for someone who hasn’t run a day in their life!

Soon enough, we hit the turnaround at around 4.5km. What?! So early in the race! We were so used to making a turnaround much farther out in the 21k course that when we turned around so early I almost wanted to scream out in joy.

LAST 2K

The last 2k made me a bit nervous. During the past few weeks of running, I would feel the knee pain at the 8th kilometer. I was crossing my fingers and toes that, this time, with rest and some therapy at Peak Form, my knee was completely fine.

As we neared the finish, the crowd got bigger with other race distances merging as we re-entered SM Mall of Asia.  This was no problem for me as I enjoyed the easy pace.  Lit waved to Ton and I as he waited for us on the other side of the road having finished earlier.

Trina had gone ahead at the last kilometer, so Ton and I ran with ease, all smiles, and, for me, absolutely no pain, baby! It was a great way to run my last day of recovery and my first day of getting back into training mode.

– Ton and I with the birthday boy, Coach Rio, who celebrated his birthday yesterday –

– Lotsa finishers at the post race area! –

– with Trina, Kesha, Papoo, Gilbert, Mark, Eric, Lit, Ton, and Mark –

One of the most anticipated races of each year as the Run United races by Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc. This 2013, ULAH and RunRio urge runners to “exceed themselves” and it seems like they’ve done the same promising even bigger and better events.

– Run United Bloggers’ Night. We’re so many here that even Coach Rio and his hair are hard to find!  Photo: Unilab Active Health –

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO FOR 2013 RUN UNITED SERIES:

1) LONGER DISTANCES

Unilab Active Health and RunRio are now focusing on longer distances.

“We noticed a trend during the previous years’ races that the slots for longer distances get filled up faster. There were instances when we had to open up more slots. So, by focusing on longer distances, we will be able to accommodate more runners,” said Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health.

Coach Rio dela Cruz added: “This is in line with our plan to be part of the growth and journey of Filipino runners. It just goes to prove that the local running community is more mature, that is why we also launched the Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) last year. Filipino runners have leveled up.”

There will be no more 3km category in Run United, but the 500-meter dash for kids will be retained.

2) BETTER SINGLETS

Run United singlets will be using a new moisture-wicking fabric designed to help improve the performance and comfort of the runners.

– Run United 1 Singlet –

– Run United 1 Finisher’s Shirt –

3) NEW MEDALS

Just like last year’s medal, this year runners who complete all three races may piece the three medals together like a puzzle. But, the look is now entirely different!

– The United Medal for those who finish RU1 21k, RU2 21k, and RUPM 42k –

RUN UNITED RACE SCHEDULE AND CATEGORIES:
Run United 1: March 17, 2013 – 5km, 10km and 21km
Run United 2: June 2, 2013 – 10km, 21km, and 32km
Run United Philippine Marathon – October 6, 2013 – 10km, 21km and 42km

For triathletes, Unilab Active Health also offers the duathlon and triathlon events:

TRI UNITED RACE SCHEDULES AND CATEGORIES:
Tri United 1 2013: March 10, 2013, Playa Laiya, Batangas
Tri United 2 2013: July 7, 2013, Playa Laiya, Batangas
Tri United 3 2013: October 26-27, 2013, Subic
Tri United 4 2013: November 24, 2013, Ayala Alabang

DUATHLON
Unilab Active Health Duathlon: September 8, 2013, SCTEX, Clark, Pampanga.

For more details please visit www.unilabactivehealth.com.

Registration is now open for one of the most anticipated races of the year, RUN UNITED 2. I’m joining this. Hope to see you guys!

Details for Registration:

Details for Registration Fees:

Assembly and Gun Time:

PRESS RELEASE

In Unilab ActiveHealth’s continuing efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among families, 2012 Run United will have its second leg on June 17, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia.

Kids from age 5 to 12 years old can join the Ceelin 500-meter dash to jumpstart their journey to fitness. Moms, dads and older siblings can choose from the different race categories like 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km.

Registered participants of 500-meter dash, 3km, 5km, and 10km will receive their singlet upon registration. The Active Health race belt bag, bib with timing chip, and Riovana 10% discount stub can be claimed during the 1st ever Run United race expo scheduled on June 13-16, 2012 at BGC Grounds Riovana from 2pm to 8pm on June 13 and 10am to 8pm on June 14-16.

The participants of the 21k category will have a different singlet color design which makes the runners extra special, aside from the freebies that they will get during the race expo in BGC and the 2nd piece of the collectible medal and finisher shirt. A personalized RunRio Timing Card will be exclusively given to them they just need to present their old IPICO timing chip during the registration to get the replacement.

21km runners will also get to enjoy running the Bonifacio Global City to Mall of Asia race route, giving them a chance to improve their PR for Run United 1. Shuttle service will be provided from MOA as pick-up point for 21km runners.

“Active Health delivers Unilab’s vision of providing active health solutions for Filipino families,” Unilab Active Health Head Alex Panlilio said. “We encourage families to start or continue leading active lives through our events like Run United.

Active Health Sport Events Executive Lester Castillo said, “As we have always done in the past, we continuously improve Run United series to give runners a better experience and encourage them to keep running. Through our partnership with Coach Rio dela Cruz, Run United has become one, if not the best, running event in the country.”

As a testament to the level of commitment that Active Health brings to the runners, it has brought in the Team Bike Boutique, the official merchandise partner of Ironman races worldwide, to organize the Run United Race Expo happening on June 13-16, 2012 at the BGC Grounds near Mercato.

The race expo completes the active health experience by gathering runners, sports enthusiasts and their families in this four-day event. Runners can hang out with their friends while checking out the coolest and latest sports apparel. Fitness and athletic brands also present their latest products and services, including gadgets, running gear, among others.

Coach Rio dela Cruz said the race expo brings Run United to a whole new level. “Major international marathons like the ING New York Marathon and Chicago Marathon hold their own expos days before the event. Together with UNILAB Active Health, we look at some of the best practices from international races, and apply them to the Run United Series to further enhance the race experience of the Filipino running community.”

Registration for 2012 Run United 2 is ongoing at the following stores
• Riovana at Bonifacio Global City and Katipunan, Quezon City
• Toby’s at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City and SM North The Block, Quezon City

For online registration, check details at www.unilabactivehealth.com or www.runrio.com. Registration is until June 3, 2012 on a first come first serve basis.

2012 Run United 2 is for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga and Children’s Hour. For more inquiries, check out www.unilabactivehealth.com and www.facebook.com/unilabactivehealth.

Route Maps:

– 21k route map as of April 30 –

Ready for Run United this coming Sunday, March 4, 2012?  Here are updates about the race from RunRio, its race organizer:

21k category

1. Starting gun

The gun start for the 21k category was adjusted to an earlier time from 5am to 430am . We are allowing a maximum grace period of 30 minutes to allow participants to start. Hence, by 5:01am,the starting line will be closed to all runners. This is due to the limited time that the race organizer has been allowed to have the race route closed to traffic. We hope you understand that this is for every one’s safety and security.

2. Free shuttle services

We are providing free shuttle services for all 21k runners from MOA to BGC starting at 230am. This service will be available at 15 minute intervals until the last trip scheduled at 330am. After 3:30am, the next shuttle service to BGC will only be available starting 630am, at 15 minute intervals, with last trip scheduled at 930am. No shuttle services will be provided after 930am.

Designated pick-up point: OCEAN DRIVE (in between ECOM Bldg and Blk12) at Mall of Asia complex
Drop off point: In front of RIOVANA STORE in Fort – BGC

Runners are are recommended to plan their transportation in advance given these developments.

3. Baggage Counter

21k runners may leave their bags at any of the two designated Baggage Buses parked along the 9th Avenue near the Gun Start area in Fort BGC from 2:30am until 5am only. After the race,you may claim your items from the same bus at OCEAN DRIVE (in between ECOM Bldg and Blk 12) at Mall of Asia. Participants are strongly advised not to leave any valuables in their bags. The race organizer and any of its sponsors will not be held liable for any loss or damage to your personal items.

Below are key points to remember:

• Starting line at BGC across RIOVANA
• Baggage buses: 230am to 5am
• Assembly time 330am
• Starting gun 430am
• Cutoff of start 500am
• Finish line at MOA

Shuttle services*:

• MOA to BGC**:230am to 330am in time for the 430am starting gun
• MOA to BGC**:600am to 930am

*all shuttle services are exclusive to 21K participants only
**in 15minute intervals

5k category

The 5k gun start at MOA has also been adjusted to 5:30am. This will be simultaneous with the 10k category at a separate starting line, also in MOA.

Oh boy, tomorrow’s Bull Session 5 is turning out to be a huge event in itself.

As mentioned, we’ll be having the TBR DM Gatorade Drinking Guide talk at 4:00am before we run at 4:30am.  For our long run of 3.5 hours, we’ll have our two coaches, Jim Lafferty and Lit Onrubia, running with us.  Gatorade will have three stations while Unilab is providing us with a water station (but we still recommend you bring your own hydration belts.)  Lastly, after our long run, we’ll have a Run United registration booth (for TBR DM runners you can use the 10k as a training run) plus free sampling of Enervon.

Sleep early for our long run tomorrow!  See ya!