Marathoners exceed themselves at 2013 Run United Philippine Marathon

In all its races, Unilab Active Health (ULAH) is urging participants to exceed themselves. In doing so, it also exceeds expectations, such as in the second offing of its Run United Philippine Marathon (RUPM) on Sunday (Oct. 6). The 3,000 or so marathoners in particular were in high spirits as they were given VIP and even royal treatment before, during and after the race.
    
“We really pulled off a lot of surprises and extras for this year’s RUPM. We know that there are many marathons organized throughout the year and we want to offer something out of the ordinary, as a reward to runners who loyally support our races year in year out,” said Alex Panlilio, Head of ULAH.
    

The newest marathon in town endeared itself even more to the running community with the array of extra treats it provided the participants. The red-carpet finish for the 42km finishers was really a hit. This year, the organizers made it even more special since marathoners were given an opportunity to have a picture-perfect finish line moment.
    
“As runners ourselves, we understand that completing a full marathon is a big milestone for a runner, and even part of some people’s ‘bucket list’.  So, we made sure that at RUPM, it will be something that is truly worth remembering,” said Lester P. Castillo, ULAH Sports Event and PR Executive.
    
Marathon finishers were applauded by spectators as they come out through the tunnel, constructed right under the main stage, while the crowd watches the entertainment provided by True Faith and Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree on stage. Prior to that, they were given a chance to hydrate, freshen up and look their best at the grooming station. Each finisher is also assured that their finish line moment is immortalized in photos.
           
Rest and recovery as well as post-race talks on hydration and other topics as well as stretching facilities were also available at the Enervon Activ Marathoners’ Lounge where they even got a pair of free limited edition RUPM commemorative slippers. Staff of University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Rehabilitation Sciences were also around to provide physical therapy services inside the Active Health Village.
    
RUPM marathoners and half marathoners were among the first to try and taste Active Health's latest offering in its Sports Nutrition Line - the Active Health Sports Gel, which was launched during the race. When ingested, the Active Health Sports Gel can help provide fast and sustained energy for maximum performance. Gatorade, ION Energy Drink, water, sponges and bananas were also provided at certain points of the routes.

And finally, loyal long-distance finishers completed their UNITED medal at RUPM, together with their two other medals from previous half marathon (21km) or Afroman (32km) distance categories/races of 2013 Run United Trilogy series. RunRio will hold a special awards’ night for the said finishers.

    
More than 12,000 participants of the other RUPM race categories namely: Ceelin 500m, Hydrite 10km, Alaxan FR 21km and Enervon Activ 42km availed of activities, games, free product samples in various sponsors’ booths at the Unilab Active Health Village.

Runners’ safety and comfort remain the topmost consideration at RUPM, the last leg of RunRio Trilogy. “Our aim is always an injury- and accident-free race. So, we always put in place an efficient system in place. We are happy that the logistics (from the buses to the loot bags), particularly the medics and marshals, functioned according to our plan and preparation,” said Rio dela Cruz, President of RunRio Inc.

Besides the strong turnout and positive feedback, organizers also acknowledged a good number of foreign participants, from only 17 last year to 37 at this year’s RUPM—who came from 17 countries. The top three foreign finishers were also awarded in the marathon category.
          
The top three male and female RUPM winners received cash prizes plus gifts and gift certificates: for 10km winners, (P4,000/P5,000/P6,000); for 21km winners (P6,500/P7,500/8,500); and for 42km categories (25,000/P18,000/P12,000) for Filipinos and Non-Filipino winners.

RUPM wraps up the run races of ULAH, but two more events are up ahead in ULAH’s active calendar—Tri United 3 and the Enervon Activ 226 Bohol Triathlon. Tri United 3 Elite and Age Group Championship in Subic on October 27, 2013 will feature standard distance (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run) for elite and age-groupers triathletes. It will also accommodate teen triathletes with age categories 15-16 and 17-19 years old.

Enervon Activ 226 Bohol Triathlon, sponsored by Enervon Activ, organized by Bikeking, is slated for December 7, 2013. The 3.8km Swim—180km Bike—42km Run triathlon will be held in Anda, Bohol.

ULAH has also released its race calendar for next year. That and other race information and results, are available at ULAH’s official website: unilabactivehealth.com as well as it Facebook and Twitter accounts.


Press release and photos from Unilab Active Health