My 2011 Favorite Races
I
wanted to do a top 5 out of the 21 races I've joined this year but I'm
getting 7 on my mind so might as well go with 7 on the list. This list
is based on how I enjoyed, the innovations made and the overall
challenge of the race.
Photo credit: Estan Cabigas
Runrio
could easily dominate any top list though for some scheduling
conflicts, I was only able to run 3 Runrio race during the year and 2 of
them would be in this list. Globe Run for Home had a unique treat of
running in the Ayala Avenue coming from the Fort area. This is my
second 15K run and it was a good arena as the race area was well
defined, hydration stations are sufficient and results came out
immediately.
Photo credit: Daisy Mae Castaneda
Greentennial
has also been creative and innovative in their races. Greentennial Run
was my first 15K run and it was fun with a capital F U N. It was a
photography haven with those jump and look back shots. It also had
sprinklers along the race course and hydration was overflowing. The
course was well plotted with a combination of the Fort and Buendia Area
in Makati.
The
running along the perimeter of Subic Bay and fresher air sets the Subic
International Marathon apart. Subic Marathon has been my first race of
2011 and was my first shot at closing in on sub 60 for 10K. I enjoyed
the race and running along side physically fit policemen makes it a
little more competitive. It's also refreshing to see the Subic Bay on
some areas of the course and it also helps that the course is straight
in chasing a good time.
Photo credit: Pinoyfitness
Scenic
Tagaytay Highlands was the backdrop. 2 to 3 kilometers climb was the
challenge. Environment friendly run was the advocay. This is what sets
Nathan Ridge Run apart. It was indeed a tough course or as they say
race redefined. Despite the difficult climbs you get rewarded by a nice
view of Taal Volcano in the cold mist of the morning. It was also nice
to take those suicide plunge on the descents to make up for lost time.
Photo credit: Leo and KB Photography
Phenomenon
is definitely the king of hardcore when it comes to race organizers and
the best of their brainchild is Corregidor International Half
Marathon. It's on a league of its own with an upmountain experience
combined with a trail run plus you get to see all the scenic and
historical structures in Corregidor and a view of the ocean at some
points. It does also give you an eerie experience crossing 3 times in a
dark Malinta Tunnel. It's definitely a great culminating race for your
running season.
Photo credit: Runners' Runner
Condura
will always be among the best race in the country in any year. Going
up the skyway and seeing the city from the top is not only thing that
sets the bar high when it comes to Condura. They also have seamless
execution of every race detail from singlet design, registration, water
stations, race marshall until you cross the finish line and claim your
finisher kit making the participant focus more on the run part of the
race. It always support a cause and aims to get better after every
staging.
Photo credit: Spartan Runner
On
the 2nd straight year, I selected Adidas KOTR as the race I transition
to the next level. I moved to 10K in 2010 and 21K in 2011. Adidas on
its own is one of the top races in the country but if you partner it
with Runrio, you get an unbeatable combination. It made the event
bigger with a S.E.A Championship accross 5 countries. The Philippine
staging was flawless to the tiniest details, even the weather cooperated
as it was a cool morning at race day. Definitely my top race for the
year and I did spend time to train for this one.
2011 RacingThere goes my favorite races for the year. Of course, each race I ran is a different story and experience and most of the time, I just focus on the positive part of the race. If there's one thing I learned on the races I joined is that it's my race, my responsibility. At the end of the day, what matters is that I gave it my best shot whatever race conditions are.
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