Adidas KOTR goes through five SEA legs

MANILA, Philippines –  This year’s adidas King of the Road is going places.

As part of adidas’ commitment to the ever-growing sport of running, the King of the Road will take its runners from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

It’s the first time that the popular footrace, which took off in Manila 14 years ago, will cover the five Southeast Asian countries with the final stop set at The Fort in Taguig City.

The event was launched in style yesterday at The Hall, a Spanish fine dining restaurant at The Establishment of The Fort where the details of the 2011 KOTR were unveiled.

The event kicks off in Thailand on May 15, then in Singapore on Aug. 28, Indonesia on Sept. 25, Malaysia on Oct. 2 and the Philippines on Oct. 23.

It’s the first time the KOTR will set foot in Thailand and Singapore. The champions of the first four legs will be invited to join the Philippine leg.

Organizers said the Philippine leg will serve as the highlight of the KOTR with an expected field of 20,000 to vie in the 5K, 16.8K and 21K races.

Registration, which will be blocked off once the number of entries reaches 20,000, can be done online through the adidas Philippines facebook fanpage, www.adidasrunning.com and adidas stores in Metro Manila.

“This event comes at a time when running is becoming increasingly popular among Filipinos and across Southeast Asia,” said Marcus Chew, adidas senior manager for brand communications and sports marketing for Southeast Asia.

“Keeping up with this fitness trend, we hope to contribute to the vibrant sports scene in the Philippines and the region by cultivating sporting habits and an active lifestyle,” he added.

Yesterday’s launch was star-studded, graced by celebrities like Tessa Prieto Valdes, Christine Jacob Sandejas, Maricel Laxa Pangilinan and husband Antony, Vince Hizon and wife Patricia, Amanda Griffin and fellow models Kelly Misa and Brent Javier.

They all said they will participate in the event.

“I’ll be joining the 16.8K race. But it may take me the whole day,” said Javier.