Desamito, Maquilan rule New Balance Power Race

Philippine Air Force serviceman Bernardo Desamito topped the 25K run in the seventh New Balance Power Race at the Clark International Freeport Zone recently.

Desamito, representing Team Bald, clocked 1:29:45 in winning the premier event of the New Balance race featuring precise timing system with the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) timing chips.

Marecil Maquilan ruled the women’s race with Monica Torres coming in second and Ellen Tolentino third.

Strapped at the left ankle of each runner, the chip automatically detects the time that each runner needed to complete the course, the total distance covered by each runner, and average speed of each runner throughout the race.

Gerald Sabal also of Team Bald topped the 5K event on the first day then ruled the 10K on the second day.

Annaliza Dysangco of Team David’s Salon won the women’s 5K run with a time of 22:19.8 while Ailene Tolentino of Team Bald ruled the women’s 10K event at 43:25.4.

The first day of the New Balance Power Race allowed kids and first time runners to run a 1.2K race around the parade grounds with their parents. The runners received a set of goodies after reaching the finish line, and they were entertained with the scientific wonders presented by Mad Science.

The 5K race provided an opportunity for first-time runners to indulge in a race, as well as a training session for the runners who took part in the following day’s main race.

“These two races are good ways to introduce running to kids and newbies alike,” said Anton Gonzalez, president of Planet Sports, Inc., authorized distributor of New Balance in the Philippines. “Running is a good way for families to bond. We’d definitely continue these two events for the New Balance Power Race next year.”

New Balance brand manager Bing Buenaventura fired the starting gun in the race sponsored by The Athlete Foot, Planet Sports, 100 Plus, Summit Mineral Water, PLDT my DSL, Smart, Department of Tourism, Alaska, Fitness First, Phiten, Cyrus Logistics Inc., Dole, Summit, Kellogs, Revicon, Mad Science, Dine Asia, Volvo and Diamond Fleet. The event was also backed by The Philippine STAR, Action & Fitness, Speed Magazine, Clark Hostel, Clear Water Country Club, Holiday Inn, Hotel Vida, New Well being Spa Resort and Paradise Ranch.

The course was a deceivingly flat asphalt terrain that led runners to rolling hills and uphill climbs.

As added attractions to the race, special booths and activities were set up for runners. A recovery area provided relief for the participants with the help of a group of College of Physical Therapy students from the University of the East - Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College headed by Dean Arnel Malaya.