MANILA, Philippines - When it comes to championing good food and a healthy lifestyle, Kenny Rogers Roasters leads by a mile. This was once again proven through the success of Kenny’s Open 2009 Urbanite Run held recently at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
The event drew a throng of close to 4,000 running enthusiasts — including iamninoy and takbo.ph runners, celebrities, businessmen, students, and yuppies.
Kenny’s Open 2009 Urbanite Run was held in the evening and became the first night run to use a state-of-the-art timing chip device that recorded the runners’ progress and distances of 5, 10 and 15 kilometers.
Shortly before the starting gun, Frederick Siy, executive vice president of Kenny Rogers Roasters, welcomed everyone to this one-of-a-kind event that demonstrated Kenny’s vision to continuously promote healthy eating and the importance of keeping fit and active.
Kenny celebrity endorser and program host Marc Nelson led the countdown. The run kicked off with the 15-k race led by Marc’s buddy Rovilson Fernandez.
The runners passed through the streets of Bonifacio High Street in their sleek Urbanite Run singlets done in Kenny’s signature black and red colors and glow-in-the-dark bracelets dancing like fireflies! The 15-k race was then followed by the 10-k and the 5-k races. Exhilarated after the run, sweating profusely and ecstatic at having finished their respective races, the participants then queued up for their certificates.
Marc and Rovilson hosted the exciting games. Model/actress Paula Taylor assisted them with the raffle and gave away gift certificates from Fitness First and watches by Timex.
The fastest runners were then awarded their cash prizes (P5,000; P3,000 and P2,000, respectively for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placers in the men’s and women’s categories); trophies, Fitness First gift certificates and Timex watches.
The top runners were : for the 5k Run (Men’s and Women’s Category): Christopher Olboc, 1st place; Abraham Barcarse, 2nd place, Roger Denolo, 3rd place; Nhea Ann Barcena, 1st place; Merlyn Lumagbas, 2nd place; and Annie Lyn Rivas, 3rd place.
For the 10k Run (Men’s and Women’s Category): Carlo Jose Pedrosa, 1st place; Gregg Vincent Osario, 2nd place; Ritchie Alava, 3rd place; and Maricel Maquilan, 1st place; Kim Mangrobang, 2nd place; and Liza Yambao, 3rd place.
For the 15K run (Men’s and Women’s Category): Elmer Sabal, 1st place; Cresenciano Sabal, 2nd place; Bernardo Desamito Jr., 3rd place; and Aileen Tolentino, 1st place; Monica Torres, 2nd place; and Luisa Yambao, 3rd place.
The event was more than your usual marathon and the fun and action did not end at the finish line. Everyone enjoyed the bang and percussion stylings of Tribo Manila while they enjoyed their favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters meals.
Kenny’s Urbanite Run fund “racing” will benefit Hands-On Manila and 57:75 Movement.
Kenny’s Open 2009 Urbanite Run was presented by Kenny Rogers Roasters and co-presented by Coke Zero. For participants’ time records and other information regarding the event, visit www.kennys.com.ph.