Ready, steady, go

MANILA, Philippines - Rexona Run 2010 at SM Mall of Asia attracted hundreds of participants who joined either the 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k distance runs. 

Mounted in partnership with Runrio Productions and SM Mall of Asia, the run was for the benefit of sports development among public schools

“Nurturing children who show the interest and passion for a sport also means cultivating in them a discipline that will help them in other aspects of life,” says Anne Remulla, Rexona brand manager. “Our country has produced many world-class athletes through the years. We want to keep that passion burning and make sure the youth are given the guidance and support that they need.”

A first for the Rexona Run was the use of D-Tag, a device attached to the runner’s shoe for easy time recording each time a checkpoint is crossed.

The Rexona Run also highlighted the latest variant for men, new Rexona Men Sport Defence, specifically designed to deliver protection for men with extreme passion for sports — whether on court or watching from the stands. Rexona gives extra protection to provide unbeatable defense against sweat. It’s not just for the players, but for the ultimate sports fan as well.

A rousing warm-up was conducted by Fitness First, while SM Bonus water was given out to quench the runners’ thirst and keep them hydrated. Inspirational messages from Rexona not only served as distance markers but boosted the runners’ morale as well. A drum ensemble provided a rhythmic and heart-pounding accompaniment. The National University Bulldogs performed a high-energy routine to keep the crowd’s spirits up during the program after the race.

Heralding in the wave of future runners were the 3k winners Leonalyn Laterta, Michelle De Vera and Liza Diaz who finished third, second and first place respectively. The winners of the men’s division were Patrick Gongob, Wenle Maulas, Michael Bacung.

Finishing third in the 5k division were Reggie Lumaong and Feliza Pauline. Second placers were Roldan Verano and Adjennie Rose Delos Santos. Coming in first were Jujet De Asis and Mary Anne Dela Cruz.

National University Bulldogs perform a high-energy routine to keep the crowd’s spirits up during the program after the race.

10k finishers were Alquin Bolivar and Luisa Raterta who placed third. Darwin Lim and Nhea Ann Barcena finished second, and bagging the first place were Rafael Poliquit and Irene Jeptu Chipchumba.

The challenging 21k route was not for the faint of heart, but seasoned runners Ally Quisay and Susan Jemutai finished in third place with Irino Raquin and Monica Arellano coming in at second, and leading the pack were Willy Rotich and Marecil Maquilan who proved their mettle and clocked in at first place. Hosts Anthony Suntay and Tricia Chiongbian awarded all the Rexona Run winners with a medal, a glass trophy, gift certificates, and gift packs.

SM’s Steven Tan, assistant VP of Mall of Asia, together with Unilever’s Chito Macapagal, VP of corporate affairs, and Fernando Fernandez, chairman and CEO, were also on stage to award and congratulate the finishers.

The Rexona Run 2010 boasted several “firsts” in the running community such as the use of iPads during registration. This hi-tech method efficiently consolidated a runner’s database. Another first was the use of the D-Tag, a disposable timing chip as used in the much-celebrated New York City marathon. The D-Tag is lighter and more accurate than most timing devices and is simply attached to the runner’s shoe. Time is recorded via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology each time a runner crosses time check points, eliminating long lines and waiting periods. The disposable tag also eliminated queuing after the race to return the chips.