Newest ‘Full Mary’ in Town Gets Rousing Welcome

Run United Philippine Marathon Races Off with High Marks



The first ever Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) raced off to a great start and finish on Sunday (Oct. 28). The newest “most creative” marathon in the running calendar gained the full support of the running community led by loyal participants of the Run United series of Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc.



“It took us nearly three years before we included a full marathon or 42km category in our races, because we wanted everything to be memorable and perfect. The long wait is worth it and all our preparations paid off. This is yet another milestone for us and for the runners as well. We are overwhelmed by the support of the running community, especially how they trained and went the distance.” said Alex Panlilio, head of ULAH.



The runners, especially those who ran the 42km category, could not have asked for a better finish—no less than a royal treatment, really. Full marathoners literally got a ‘red carpet’ welcome at the finish line complete with marching bands, ringing cow bells, colorful balloons, personal video/photo shots for posterity, and other surprises that made RUPM a marathon like no other they had before.



“The energy and excitement at the finish line was really different at RUPM. The festive atmosphere added to the thrill of finishing the race. We are happy that we gave the runners something special and memorable in our first marathon race. This is really one for the books,” said Coach Rio dela Cruz of RunRio Inc., who was at the finish line to welcome race finishers.



According to Panlilio and Dela Cruz, they are thankful that runners continue to patronize their races year in, year out despite the fact that there are races almost every week that are organized by others as well.



“This, being our last Run United race for the year 2012, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the loyal Run United participants for their support and feedback. We are privileged to be part of your journey, from newbie runners all the way to marathoners. We have bigger and better races in store for all of you next year,” said Panlilio.



RUPM is part of ULAH’s Run United series, co-organized by its race partner RunRio Inc. Run United started with only 6,000 runners when it was launched in March 2010 and the numbers have steadily grown in succeeding events. There were almost 12,000 registered participants at RUPM.



Besides finisher shirts and kits, podium finishers winners in the different race categories of RUPM also received cash prizes ranging from P1,500 to as much as P25,000. Raffle prizes, including a road bike and other items, were also given away during the event.



Run United 1 on March 4 started off this year’s RunRio Trilogy, followed by Run United 2 on June 17 and Run United 3 on September 16. Besides the run races, Unilab Active Health also has a triathlon series—Tri United, the third leg, and the most beginner friendly triathlon race among the Tri United Series, will be held on November 11 at Ayala Alabang.



Family members, friends and other spectators had an enjoyable time also at RUPM, which also featured a mini-concert. Participants were also kept busy with activities and treats at the Unilab Active Health Village’s Active Kids Zone, Health, Sports, & Leisure, Runners’ Lounge and iConnect.



RUPM also featured short and medium distance categories— the Ceelin 500m dash, Hydrite 3k, Dolfenal 5k, Enervon HP Recovery 10k, Alaxan FR 21k with the highlight, Enervon Activ 42k.



All categories except for 42k and 21k started and finished at the SM Mall of Asia while 42k and 21k had their gun start at Bonifacio Global City and finished off at SM Mall of Asia. 42K runners will got to run in four cities: Taguig, Makati, Manila and Pasay



For race results and photos as well as post-race discussions, please visit the following websites: www.unilabactivehealth.com or www.runrio.com.