Running for transformation

The Smart-Subic International Marathon has already attracted a vast field of participants, even though it’s still two months away. The numbers are on track to beat the targeted 10,000 runners. There are a lot of intriguing features of the race which has drawn the attention even of the most competitive runners in the country,

Last year, the first edition of the race was held in the vast ecological reserve of the former US military facility, and more than 7,000 competitors from here and abroad took their chances, with Kenyan Nelson Kirwa Rotich prevailing, and the Philippines’ Eduardo Buenavista finishing second. This time, one of the interesting features of the Subic race is that runners will start along the quiet and scenic Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway or SCTEx.

On Oct. 24, the elite runners will start at Floridablanca, Pampanga at 4 p.m., and wind their way to Remy Field inside SBMA. Internationally renowned singer Luke Mejares and the best bands of Olongapo will perform at the after-party. The following day, competitions in the half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 3K, humanitarian and fun runs will be held simultaneously.

“We’re very excited about the event, because all the responses we’ve gotten, from sponsors to participants to the local authorities have been extremely positive, “says veteran race organizer Adi delos Reyes, who put the Subic International Marathon together with the help of the Philippine National Police. “What started out as an advocacy has caught fire with the rest of the country.”

He’s referring to the Integrated Transformation Program of the PNP, of which running is a big part. Spearheaded by retired Gen. Sam Tucay and PNP Chief Gen. Jesus Verzosa, the program has brought about massive change in the lifestyle of wayward policemen, and a huge reversal in the way they are perceived by the public.

“It’s part of our policy of hitting the ground running, “Verzosa said. “And the best runners PNP runners will also join.”

“We noticed that runners have a very wholesome lifestyle,” Tucay adds. “They go home early, because they have to wake up early to run. Therefore, they spend more time with their families. And they don’t have any vices. Plus, they’re healthier.”

Although the calendar for the last quarter of the year seems crowded with marathons, Subic has many advantages. First, the prize money matches that of recognized international events like the Boston Marathon. The winner of the men’s and women’s marathons will each receive $5,000. Second prize for each is $2,500 and third is $1,000. Secondly, the course is a new challenge. Third, the race will be in the afternoon, so times will be faster, and the temperatures will be more bearable. Fourth, registration fees were purposely kept low. For those registering within August, the entry fee is P 350, and only P250 for Smart subscribers. From September to October 11, the fees will be P450 and only P350 for SMART subscribers.

“We want to get more people involved in running, so we’ve worked to keep fees low,” Delos Reyes added. “This event will be a lot of fun for everybody.”

Several celebrities and athletes have also been invited to join the shorter runs as an added attraction. Smart will also be giving away cell phones to lucky entries.

The Subic International Marathon is presented by SMART and co-presented by Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, the PNP, SBMA, MNTC, Maynilad, Toby’s, Burlington BioFresh, Sports Armour, Christ Sports, Tsoko Nut Batirol, Timex, Pocari Sweat, Lighthouse Marina, Isuzu, Second Wind, Dusit Thani Hotel and TRX.

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This writer would like to thank MotorImage for the use of the impressive Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo for a recent out of town coverage.