On your mark, get set and go for the Run United 2013

MANILA, Philippines - Mark your calendar, runners, as the 2013 Run United series brings in more excitement and a lot of surprises. Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc. promise longer distances that are big on fun and prizes, starting off with 2013 Run United 1 on March 17 at the Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City.

“We noticed a trend during the previous years’ races that the slots for longer distances get filled up faster. There were instances when we had to open up more slots. So, by focusing on longer distances, we will be able to accommodate more runners,” says Alex Panlilio, head of Unilab Active Health.

Coach Rio dela Cruz adds: “This is in line with our plan to be part of the growth and journey of Filipino runners. It just goes to prove that the local running community is more mature, that is why we also launched the Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) last year. Filipino runners have leveled up.”

Thus, there will be no more 3km category in Run United, but it will retain the 500-meter dash for kids to make them start having an active lifestyle early on. The race categories for 2013 Run United 1 include 5km, 10km, and 21km; for Run United 2, 10km, 21km, and 32km; and for Run United Philippine Marathon, 10km, 21km, and 42km.

Better and useful items will still be part of the finishers’ token. And the unique United medal will still be given away to encourage participants to complete the series. Of course, the Unilab Active Health villages will still be jam-packed with activities and freebies for the participants and their families.

The complete Run United 2013 race schedules are as follows: Run United 1 on March 17, Run United 2 on June 2, and Run United Philippine Marathon on Oct. 6. Prior to these, The Bull Runner Dream Marathon will kick off on Feb. 24.

For triathletes, Tri United 1 2013 on March 10 and Tri United 2 on July 7 will both be held in Playa Laiya, Batangas. Tri United 3  on Oct. 26-27 will take place in Subic while the fourth and final leg of Tri United will be fired off in Ayala, Alabang on Nov. 24. The Unilab Active Health Duathlon will be on Sept. 8 at SCTEX, Clark, Pampanga.

For more details, visit www.unilabactivehealth.com.