Run United 2: A memorable run

[Heidi Kleiber]

I had the chance to attend the Run United 2 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. This event was held byUnilab Active Health and Run Rio. In the beginning I was a bit ‘skeptical on how the run would turn out, especially due to the downpour of rain, hours prior to the event. To my surprise, despite this, the runners’ enthusiasms were at its height.  “Rain or Shine we will make this run memorable,” they said.

 The Run United 2 have different race categories, 500 meters (for kids), 3Km, 5Km and 21Km. The 21Km category started at Bonifacio Global City and ended at SM Mall of Asia grounds.  It took the runners almost 2 hours to complete the race.

 

The 500 meter dash caught my attention. This category is participated by kids ages 5-12 years old. Parents are also allowed to join in with their kids. I got the chance to talk to two of the parents. They informed me that this is the second time their child joined a race. Their first race was a 1 km dash.  I was surprised that at their young age they enjoy joining such races. The enthusiasm of their parents for these events must be catching. I admire these kids’ determination, that even if they stumble and fall in the middle of the race, they still get up and continue.

 The awarding ceremony was held after all race categories were finished.

 

21 Km Run

 1^st Place for Male category : Dancan Samuel

 1^st Place for Female Category: Esther Kipserem (01 hour, 23 mins, and 57 sec.)

 

10 Km Run

 1^st Place for Male category: Elliud Kering

 1^st Place for Female Category: Nhea Ann Barcena

 

 

5 Km Run

1^st Place for Male category: Allen Santiago (18mins and 23 sec.)

 1^st Place for Female Category: Ana Jane Tamayo (19 mins and 22 sec.)

 

3 Km Run

1^st Place for Male category: Michael Baco (9mins and 11sec.)

1^st Place for Female Category: Mercedita Fetalvero (11mins and 23 sec.)

 

 

500 meter Run

1^st Place for Male category (5-8 yrs. old): Jerico Empreso (2mins and 7sec.)

1^st Place for Female Category: (5-8 yrs. old): Princess Tyrus (2mins and 14 sec.)

 

1^st Place for Male category (9-12 yrs. old): Lee Andre Alvarez (1min and 45sec.)

1^st Place for Female Category: (9-12 yrs. old): Abby Viscara (1min and 57 sec.)

 

 

 

Aside from the race, a cheerleading competition was also held. 

 

Local bands also performed at the Active Health Expo.

 

It was noticeable that the strength and stamina of the foreign runners outdid the local enthusiasts. However, it seemed that for most of the local enthusiasts, it was not winning they were after, but the fun, the enjoyment, and the accomplishment of having finished the race. So I was of the impression, that the general ambiance in that event was not one of defeat, but of victory for all.