The 2009 Philippine International Marathon - Tales from the Run for the Pasig River

November 8, 2009 - the starting point of the Philippine International Marathon is the kilometer zero at the Rizal Park- the point where the distance from wherever in the country is measured against(ever wondered why those yellow markers on the road have kilometer numbers written on? we'll here is where it all started, the kilometer zero).

I had very high hopes for this run, for one, it was organized by abs-cbn and another is that the race director is Rudy Biscocho. I was right on that note, it was indeed a very organized run; two, that since it is a flat surface, probably I will be able to run smoothly and have a relaxed run in preparation for my half marathon on the 15th. Run smoothly i did, relaxed - check, but only until the 7.5 km mark. It was at this point (at 2.5km from the finishline) that it was pure impossible to run smoothly and relaxed, for this is the point where the 10k runners converged with the 5k pack. Since that the run was very well publicized and very well attended, there were hundreds or thousands who joined from the different schools in Metro Manila who were not actually running, they were just walking, walking along the park is a better description for it. Add to that that they occupied the whole width of the road. What we did was to crisscross between these runners/walkers (hehehehe) to pass them, and it required an intense maneuvering of sorts.

Finally on the corner of TM Kalaw, the 5k and 10k runners were again separated and that cleared our way to the finishline. It really was a welcome respite from the chaos of the last 1.5km, as the we approach the finish line in front of the Quirino Grandstand.

On the way to the finish line...............

But, all was not well, I thought chaos already left the event, but after finishing the race, I was looking for water stations but was denied because the supply was intended only for the 42k runners. Afterwhich, a welcome treat awaited the runners because there was a truck with a water tank spraying water to runners, I just stood there and had my whole body be quenched by the pouring of the water. It was indeed a very refreshing moment, especially when you are with a Kenyan who already finished his 42k run.

A cool shower after finishing the 10k...............

with the Kenyan runner

Another character who will not be missed at the finishline is the ever colorful Tessa Prieto-Valdez. Until now, I really get to wonder how she can run with all those bling attached to her body. But, she sure is a welcome sight in a place where everybody is tired and just want to get some respite.

When I reached our vehicle parked in front of Bluebay restaurant, I was surprised to see both my nephews, Bikoy and Paolo with She' taking a rest. Meaning they crossed the finishline better than their times in the adidas King of the Road two weeks back. That was indeed a proud moment for a very proud uncle and friend.

On the whole, the 2009 Philippine International Marathon - A Run for the Pasig River was a very important run - (1) my two nephew, Bikoy and Paolo improved on their respective PBs in the 5k category, (2) it was a great run for She' who is preparing for her first 10k at the Timex Run at the Fort on the 15th of November as her birthday gift to herself, (3) I had a great workout run as preparation for my first 21k run at the Timex Run also on the 15th, and (4) It was a run for a very good cause.

Before I forget, before the start of the 10k, in which the former President Fidel Ramos fired the starting gun, there was an orientation, and it was only then when I realized that the word Tagalog was derived from TAGA-ILOG. More and more giving importance to rehabilitating the Pasig River and other waterways that we have, not just as a way of protecting the environment but more importantly as a means of preserving our culture.

Next:
Timex Run.... My First 21k