Rio de la Cruz treasures running boom in the country

MANILA, Philippines – With the growing popularity of running in the country, almost every weekend there are running events being held in urban areas and the provinces.

Many of those who participate in such foot races range from the beginners and running enthusiasts to the so-called elite runners.

Running coach Rio Dela Cruz said running has been a popular sport among Filipinos because anyone can run injury-free with the proper training.

"Many have been avid runners nowadays. They even camp out in registration areas," he said.

Dela Cruz said that another reason why running attracts is that it’s a way to keep fit without spending too much.

"All you need is a good pair of running shoes and the right clothes and you're ready for the sport unlike basketball that you still have to learn to dribble," he said.

He advised beginning runners to start gradually from the shortest distance in an event, 3K.

"You can even walk but you have to finish it," he said.

Gradually, Dela Cruz said the runner would have to set a goal to better his previous time he finished a race.

"By the time you know it, you'll be running full marathon with the proper training," he said, noting a six month preparation is needed to tackle the 42K run.

Tomorrow, Sunday, dela Cruz and his company has partnered with Kaspersky Lab, one of the largest Internet Security firm, will stage the second leg of the two year old Run Rio Trilogy.

To be held at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City – the country’s running mecca – over 16,000 runners are expected to participate in the running event.