Subic marathon to succeed in spite of storms

In the face of all the turbulence and hardship plaguing our countrymen, particularly in Luzon, the Subic International Marathon (SIM) is going to exceed expectations and clearly surpass its ambitious intended target number of runners.

“Based on the number of registrants we have right now, we could safely say we will hit our goal of more than 10,000 runners,” proclaims Adi delos Reyes, whose company, E-ventologist, is the organizer of the race.

To date, SIM has received more than 100 foreign runners from Singapore, China, Korea, Malaysia, Australia, the US, Taiwan and Thailand, with the biggest contingent coming from Kenya. The Kenyans, numbering no less than 30, are expected to dominate the elite race, with Micah Kipserem Chuma, winner of the Pattaya Marathon in Thailand leading their charge.

As of this writing, more than 700 runners signed up for the 42-kilometer run, more than 1,000 for the 21 km run, more than 1,000 for the 10 km event, and in excess of 2,000 participants for the 5 km and 3 km fun runs.

“We expect this week that the registrants will pour in,” delos Reyes continues. You know how Filipinos are, always waiting until the last minute. But we will limit the 42 km run to 1,200 runners.”

Because of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, organizers lost two weeks of weekend registrations, and are receiving numerous requests to extend the deadline for entries. Delos Reyes says they will extend their registration up to October 21 or three days before the race. Entrants will still avail of the regular rate of P350 for the 42 km, P300 for the 21 km, P250 for the 10 km, 5 km and 3 km events for SMART subscribers and P450 for the 42 km, P400 for the 21 km, P350 for the 10 km, 5 km and 3 km for non-SMART subscriber. On-site registration will also be accepted, but they will be classified as fun run participants and will not qualify to win any of the events. To register, visit www.subicinternationalmarathon.com

What enlarged the field is the runner-friendly course, which has made it more inviting for first-time marathoners. To date there are close to 300 runners who will make their marathon debuts in the Subic International Marathon.

On another front, the Nike Human Race has joined forces with SIM, further boosting participation, starting and ending at Remy Field inside Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). All participants have to do when they sign up is indicate that they are joining the Nike Human Race in the space below the categories section. Computers will be set up at the venue so that runners will be able to register their times at the Nike Human Race website.

Nike will be giving away P10,000 worth of Nike gift certificates to the first prize winners of the men’s and women’s events, P8,000 worth of Nike gift certificates to the runners-up, and P6,000 worth of Nike gift certificates to third placers.

What started out as an advocacy of the leadership of the Philippine National Police as part of their reform strategy, has now become one of the most prestigious running events in the Philippines. Race partners are hoping it will also prove the resiliency of the Filipino in the face of unprecedented extreme adversity.

Interested runners may proceed to RUNNR, Chris Sports, Seconwind or to the E-ventologist office at the JAPA Bldg. at 2256 Chino Roces Ave. Makati City, or call 5839893, 0928-6009930, 0928-7602834 or 0918-9104565.