Timex 2012 Run - Time Is Running

After just a week since the opening salvo of RunRio, they followed another running event for today 22Jan12, the TIMES 2012 RUN – TIME IS RUNNING. The event covered the 16/10/5 kilometer categories.

As expected the race event was another big success. Although I do not have the official comparative attendance count, I would say that today’s event has a greater number of participants from last week. Timex has established from the past years a good base of followers. Having said this, Piolo Pascual who has been the endorser for TIMEX on previous run, is still a force to recon as he still commands a good number of female fans (even males)  The guy could really run as well having a personal best of 47minutes for the 10k distance. Today also coincide to be his birthday. Happy birthday Piolo. 

To Timex congratuilations for a successful event. To coach Rio and his staff wishing you all the best and hope for your continued endeavors to bring class and stature to the Filipino runners.

I completed my 10k run in 01h08m50s (unofficial time) which was also an improvement from my last week’s timing. 

Another Sunday in the road. The way I would always want to complete a week and start a personal Sunday bonding time with the family.

Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 - Beat My Time ? Good Race !

Saturdays are primarily my golfing days that my golfing buddies circulate a text message on a Friday to remind us of tee time. Yesterday I received such message, however, I have to reluctantly inform the group that I cannot attend in as much that I have a scheduled road race. As ever, I do not think they do understand the craze in running as that of hitting a small ball and running after it.

Today was the Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Surprisingly the organizers have scheduled the race this year on a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday. I do not know their reason, maybe it was just making sure the run does not mix up the schedule for the Independence Day of the Philippines which falls on June 12^th Sunday.

Mizuno Infinity Run 2011 was build up as a race to face the biggest competition of a runner: THEMSELVES. Mizuno Infinity Run started the “Beat Your Own Time” challenge, and this year it is back with categories under 21k 10k and 5k events. It is primarily “Beat Your Own Pace” challenge.

When I arrived the race starting grounds, 21k runners were already checked-in at the starting line. As expected there were quite a substantial number of participants as Mizuno has a good record of races in the past. I was surprised to see Rudy Biscocho a seasoned race organizer who has been organizing races long way back before the advent of the likes of coach Rio Dela Cruz and the others. Seeing the guy assured me that the race should be well handled due to the experience of Rudy Biscocho. At exactly 5am the 21k runners were gunned off. I was entered for the 10k event so I had the opportunity to watch the start of the 21k.

At 5:17am (my watch time) 10k runners were gunned off heading to the very familiar route from BGC passing via Kalayaan flyover all the way to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) until just after Nicanor Garcia Street in front of MAPUA and back tracking on the same route all the way to BGC to finish the 10K route.

Nothing significant was noted all the way to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue as the organizers have taken all the necessary steps to ensure safety of the runners. Just before reaching Makati Avenue I saw coach Rio Dela Cruz on his way back (I do not know if he was entered on the 21k or 10k). On this familiar route it always amazes me the junction of Makati Avenue and Buendia as no matter what you will always experience blaring horns from inpatient drivers insisting to cross the junction.

01h12m14s (unofficial) I crossed the finish line on a pace of 7:12/km and an average speed of 8.3km/hr. I didn’t have my previous Mizuno Infinity Time as I participated on the sideline in 2010 (Mizuno Infinity Run 2010), however, what I am sure is that I was fully satisfied and happy for my run and so with the event in itself.

What better way to refresh oneself after crossing the finish line by having a public shower! 

RunRio Trilogy Awards Night - "Philippine Oscar in Running"

A day after the 83rd OSCAR Awards in Los Angeles, RunRio came up with its own RunRio Trilogy Awards Night on March 1, 2011 at the Decagon, Silver City Pasig.


The night was a fitting celebration in awarding runners who have completed the following Runrio races at 2010, Leg 1 “Century Superbods Run 2010’ (15Feb10) 21k, Leg 2 “Nature Valley Run” (30May10) 21k, and Leg 3 “Unilab Run United2” (21Nov10) 32K.

RunRio and its sponsors were great in coming up with a great theme for the awards night. Coach Rio and his staff being meticulous as they are did a great job with a great venue, OSCAR inspired props and décor, good food and equally great program. RunRio indeed is the name in local race organization.

It was also during the night that I heard the good news that RunRio has expanded its partnership with Unilab and that they are now going out of metro Manila and will be having races in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. I did not catch the specific places but what I could recall was Cebu and Davao. So for runners in this places better start your training and look forward to the arrival of world class races in your places. Good race events should not only be in Manila.

I would just like to thank “Kulit Runner” Vims Mendoza and her husband Art for being so kind and accommodating in keeping me company during the event, introducing me to runners, bloggers, guests and most of all for getting me an opportunity for a photo op with Miss Venus Raj. (picture below)

To Coach Rio, keep up the good work. You make us all Filipino proud of your achievements. It was nice of you to give something back to the runners. Only a real runner can understand a runner’s needs to be able to deliver world class service. More power!

TIMEX RUN - The Standard Future Local Races Need To Replicate

Coach Rio Dela Cruz is a known race organizer and manager with a long list of races under his belt. However, his past race accomplishments have obtained varied feedback/ratings from fair, good or great or even short of expectation. However as a rule of a thumb, races that are organized by Coach Rio are worth the money to participate in.

Today for the TIMEX RUN, Coach Rio Dela Cruz has surpassed his previous level of performance in terms as race organizer and race manager. I have only but praises in the manner the TIMEX RUN was done today. I have joined so many races in the past and have seen race events that were conducted either good or very good, but, the TIMEX RUN today will be “the standard of race event” that future races will be compared and critiqued.

Just before the race Coach Rio shared with the racing community that he is “tense” and “scared” with all the preparation and holding of the event. A person of his experience and stature should not be, but, I think he felt that way as he has put all his personal touch and effort to ensure the success of the event. All your effort paid off coach Rio! This race is nothing short of excellent and a standard comparative if not even better that those held abroad.

What were the contributing factors that spelled excellent delivery of this race? Registration and delivery of race pack was a simple process with no extra fanfare but was easy and fast. The race has the “timing chip” for the competitive distances and a fnishers medal for the 21k. The layout and equipments used in the start/finish line are but only the best. The sound system was loud, crisp, and powerful. The MCs were informative as well as entertaining. The stage for the awarding ceremony was big. The courtesy booths within the activity area where well attended and manned. There was a clear system in collection of loot bags and water after the race. There were 24 portalets available for the general running public nicely laid-out. There were three (3) tents accepting depository of personal bags. There were a great number of “stationary marshals” as well as “roving marshals”. There were more than sufficient number of hydration stations along the route offering both water and 100 plus. The hydration tables were set up on the middle of the road to accommodate incoming and outgoing runners. The tables used for hydration were long as needed. There were even nice and beautiful ladies from Robinson Land giving cheers and water. The traffic flow was well controlled by the marshals. Even irritant motorist were being pacified. And finally on the finish line it was systematic with the added presence of the David Salon Girls to greet you as you enter the finish line. Lastly, there is even a courtesy tent to show the Manny Pacquiao fight. No doubt this is a well organized race that should be replicated in all other future races.

On the PIOLO PASCUAL fever of the TIMEX RUN, I was surprised that he completed the 10k in 47min54sec placing 21st in the male category, wow! he does have the legs and the lungs to go with the looks. He is not only good looking, but, an accomplished runner as well. I like in particular how he delivered the opening prayers prior to the race. I think he is in good company when he teamed with Coach Rio.

Congratulations TIMEX and most especially to Coach Rio for an excellent job! If this is a prelude to the RunRio Trilogy then we have only but great things to expect.

Sharing to all the following pictures;


VINCE MENDOZA givings instructions on the program sequence


COACH RIO, all smile even on tense situation.


COURTESY TENT for the Manny Pacquiao and Cotto Fight


STATIONARY MARSHALS getting their IDs and uniform


Posterior View of PIOLO PASCUAL and COACH RIO 10km in 47minutes GREAT!!!


Incoming 10K and outgoing 21k at the KALAYAAN BRIDGE


LONG TABLES and in the middle of the road for Hydration


Both INCOMING and OUTGOING RUNNERS can use the hydration table at the same time


DAVID SALON GIRLS at the Finish Line to welcome you.


Festive mode at the grounds after the race


twenty four (24) Portalets


And a Finisher's Medal for the 21k runners