If pictures speak louder than words, then everything that the organizers of the Condura Skyway Marathon races promised proved to be true, plus more. I was quite impressed with how organized the race I ran, the 5k was. There were sufficient race staff to help participants find parking, guide them to the start area. The race announcer kept the crowd up to date and pumped up while warming up minutes before the race. The race started on time. There were more than enough water and gatorade in cups in the hydration stations (3 in the 5k).
The post race festivities were as much fun as the race itself. In addition to the finisher medal and loot bag, runners were showered more freebees. Fruit drinks, spring water, bananas, popsicles, powerbars were given out. I saw group of friends, whole families of runners, individual runners lining up to the numerous booths offering goodies or meeting famous celebrities. We enjoyed hot breakfast of tapa and tocino, garlic fried rice, eggs, hot coffee. Some people sat on the grass while eating like having a picnic.
My brother Lino, and his son, Kevin who ran their first ever roadrace had so much fun like myself believe the Condura run just converted them to be runners for life.
Overall, the Condura , based on my own experience is one running event that Pinoys should be proud of. The Concepcion brothers, Patrick and Ton did an excellent job showcasing to the country and the rest of the world that the Pinoy is capable of organizing a running event equal to or even better than some of the more prestigious races in the world.
Peace and love.
Great looking run. It really takes me away from the snow I'm running in right now!
ReplyDeletethank you very much for your kind words. i was hoping to meet you in person and we could have had a bit of chit chat and would have treated you and your friends to a little SilogExpress.!
ReplyDeletehopefully soon. can i grab some pictures in your blog and add it to mine pls ? again thank you regards
Hi Andrew! Thanks. Take it from me. If you ever think of running a race in a tropical country, run the Condura in the Philippines,a relatively young (just in it's 4th year) event that is well organized,with safe,scenic route, festive atmosphere, and run in beautiful weather in February. The country offers more in our pristine, beautiful white sand beaches, historical sites, delicious native cuisine and friendly people.
ReplyDeleteHey Patrick! That was one enjoyable and fun race. I looked for you everywhere for at least an autograph but had to content myself with Multisport magazine with you and Ton in the front page given by a friendly and smiling female staff. Sure, you can use any of the pictures. Congatulations again for a job well done.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Was looking forward to meet you in person, but the 42k I treated as a long slow distance training for my upcoming ultra distance race next month, that which made my running time longer. Anyhow, congratulations to you, your brother, and nephew for a great finish! Enjoy your stay in your home country.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for you too Roselle. I was lucky to meet Nora and nobody else among my favorite runner/bloggers. Congrats on finishing another marathon and good luck on your coming ultramarathon.
ReplyDeleteJealous that you were able to go back and run a race there. Great pictures and good to know about quality races in PI.
ReplyDeleteSigh, I missed you at the post race activities. I was looking for you near the finish line when the wave of 5km runners arrived, but there's just too many out there. After shooting some friends and a short walk at the activity area, I decided to make it a day, it was my son's birthday anyway.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Bong for finishing, I hope I could see you at the edsa run. And thanks for the bong pagong trademarked race pictures. Cheers.
Hey Rick! I'm still wondering when you'll finally decide to run an ultra here. The BDM would be a good test for you, the heat being a big factor as you run in races where the temperature do not go as high as here. Anyway, when you decide to run here I'd be rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Vener! If you waited for me at the finish line with the clock close to 30 minutes you won't see me for I came in at 34 minutes and change, a slow time. Nevertheless, I was happy with the result considering that I ran the race a day after arriving and it was relatively hot on race day. Hope to see you too at the EDSA Run.
ReplyDeleteBong! I hope you're still here. Still waiting for your call. 0928-5220565 and 703-6118. Hope to see you before you leave.
ReplyDeleteSayang. Right after you left, Patrick appeared on stage.
Oh wow! I'm so glad Denise told me about this blog! You three look so good!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, from the looks of it, the Filipinos do know how to put together a winning race. It would be wonderful to someday do that run.
Hi Nora! Nice to meet you at the Condura. We'll have to meet before I fly back to Toronto. Pangako, I'll call you.
ReplyDeleteMai, next time bakasyon lahat tayo dito sabay sabay. We can run the Condura together, you, Michael,Junjun, Uncle Ade and your cousins. Last time yata you ran the SF Half marathon, kaya we can choose to run a half or even a 16k or 10k. I visited your blog. You're a really good writer. Mana sa kin siempre, he he.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post this is... I have not been around to visit your blog for some time now, and suddenly here I am reading that you are back in our homeland... up to when ka ba nandito as Pilipinas?
ReplyDeleteI am often in Global City in Taguig or Greenbelt and Glorietta in Makati... lovely places to be proud of.
Well, it would be nice to meet you and your wife...
Blessings on your running endeavors!
Lidj
Thanks Lidj.
ReplyDeleteTime flies fast. Just like that our 1 month vacation is almost over. We'll be flying to Toronto tomorrow morning.
It would have been a blessing to meet you, my favorite writer and an inspiration always. Most of my time here, I spent juggling between my siblings (who are all here for a reunion), and other relatives and friends I have not seen in years even decades.
Take care Lidj.
Well, there is always a good reason to come back to your homeland... and besides I have heard that the Filipinos living in Markham are quite successful and prosperous daw, sabi nila... so I am sure coming back to visit will not be a problem for you and Jojo.
ReplyDeleteLet me know next time - I am serious. I could even invite you to my home in QC for a genuine Filipino meal of adobo rice, pinakbet, super sarap ginisang bagoong (ala-Lidj), pansit buko, and chiken binakol (an Ilongo specialty)... does that make your mouth water?
Thank God for the inspiration you get at my blog... keep reading (ha-he)... it's the frequent readers like you who also motivate me to keep writing (kasi sometimes I have felt it was time to put the blog to rest...)
Best regards to your lovely wife and daughters, and of course Yuki...
Blessings!
Lidj
Missed seeing you at Condura. Maybe next time...
ReplyDelete