WHILE running as a sport is mostly done with personal pacing and goal-setting, its advanced execution, like running a marathon, requires proper preparation, too.
With more and more Filipinos becoming fascinated with running, the community continues to grow as brands provide opportunities for them by conducting race events year-round.
The first leg of HOKA Trilogy Run Asia was the latest in the scene joined by over 8,000 participants last weekend at the Mall of Asia complex.
The event had three categories, 5KM, 10KM, and 16KM, and all finishers got a one-third piece of the medal.
With the highest category noticeably shorter than usual, its participants are expected to run in the second and third legs with 21KM and 32KM distances respectively, to earn a slot in the full marathon (42KM) in the National Finals by the end of year.
This concept was formed by organizers RUNRIO in 2017, with a goal of guiding runners towards a proper marathon journey.
"We want to have a sustainable running campaign in the Philippines, especially now that the community is bigger than ever. Before, we had runners who ran 5KM, then next month ran 42KM, they did that without training and it was an unpleasant experience," founder and president Rio Dela Cruz explained.
"So, as a coach, I thought of a program, and we created this trilogy with an objective to prevent injuries and accidents, and promote commitment to the sport."
Dela Cruz also bared that proper preparation for a full marathon is at least nine months.
Philippine team athletes dominate
National team members Richard Solano and Christine Hallasgo reigned supreme in Leg 1.
Solano recorded the best mark among males in the 16K race, clocking 50 minutes and six seconds, two seconds faster than second placer Ricky Organiza (50:08) and distant third Kevin Cruz (53:28).
Hallasgo, meanwhile, stamped her class on the females with her time of one hour, one minute and 47 seconds. Trailing her were Nhea Ann Barcena (1:03:13) and Maricar Camacho (1:05:52).
James Orduna (32:03) and Maria Jona Lina Abutas (42:24) topped the 10K race, while Noli Tore (16:14) and Jonezamie Sustituedo (23:13) were the fastest in the 5K race.
“It’s fantastic. It’s encouraging that many people in the Philippines are taking fitness seriously,” said Derek Wyllie, Map Active PH Country General Manager.
Remaining legs
Leg 2 of the Manila race will be on June 2, while Leg 3 is on August 4. There will be other races from June to October in Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod/Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, before the TRA National Finals on Dec. 8 which will have 10K, 21K, and 42K races.
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