Run for it

Running seems to be the “in” sport nowadays. This is probably because it’s mostly a solo endeavor, which makes it accessible to more people. Also, it’s easy: any kind of running can be done on any solid surface. In the Metro spots such as the ones in Fort Bonifacio, Makati CBD and inside the UP Diliman Campus are only some of the places that have grown in popularity because of an avid running community. And as a bonus the list of physical and mental health benefits acquired from running, when practiced correctly, are innumerable.

Yet, some people have found witty ways to take jabs at the sport. For example, Pulitzer Prize winner and first-rate columnist Mike Royko once said this about running: “It’s unnatural for people to run around the city streets unless they are thieves or victims. It makes people nervous to see someone running. I know that when I see someone running on my street, my instincts tell me to let the dog go after him.” That’s pretty funny.

Finishers in the Rexona Adventure divisions qualify to win one of three trips to climb The Great Wall of China.

It remains, however, that those who pour in the hard work and dedication are the ones who discover the true magic in any sport. One such person was Jesse Owens, Olympic gold medalist for track events and runner extraordinaire. Running for him was exciting: “I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.”

This attitude towards running exemplifies the spirit of the 2011 Rexona Adventure, which expects to attract approximately 12,000 runners in what will be the fourth leg in this year’s RunRio Series. Aside from cash prizes, medals, and bragging rights, all finishers in the 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K race divisions automatically qualify for the raffle to win one of three trips to The Great Wall of China — a certified adventure destination in its own right.

Scheduled for July 24 at The SM Mall of Asia, the Rexona Adventure 2011 will not only feature a run, but also an adventure hub where interested parties will be able to try other attractions such as zip lining, free falling, reverse bungee, wall climbing, and rolling around a Zorb Maze. The Rexona Adventure Hub will be open to all race participants. For those who are not race-registered, a simple proof of purchase from any Rexona Men Adventure product entitles the bearer to a full-access passport to the Hub.

Banaue’s rice terraces are some of the local wonders promoted in the Rexona Adventure 2011.

The Adventure Hub also gives participants the chance to win amazing barkada packages to local destinations like Mountain Province, Cagayan De Oro, and Bohol. These are places we can all be proud of as Filipinos, and they make great settings for epic adventures.

 “The Rexona Adventure 2011 is our way of giving everyone an adventure right in the city,” says Rexona brand manager Ann Remulla. “Each activity is designed to let avid adventurers, weekend warriors, or even regular Joes experience the thrill of adventure.”

Rewards don’t always have to come in the form of prizes. That’s because participants of the Rexona Adventure 2011 can help the cause of sports advocacy for school children. Each completed challenge at the Rexona Adventure Hub is equivalent to a sticker that is placed on Rexona’s “Commitment Wall,” which signifies the brand’s continuous efforts in its promotion of sports development in local school systems.

This is something that’s actually worth running for.

Cagayan De Oro is also part of the adventure in the Rexona challenge.

 Registration for the Rexona Adventure 2011 is ongoing until July 3 at RUNNR and R.O.X. stores at Bonifacio High Street, Toby’s SM Mall of Asia, Planet Sports Glorietta and TriNoma, The Athlete’s Foot Alabang Town Center and Robinson’s Galleria, and Stoked in Greenhills, Rockwell, and Gateway.