When women run for their health
MANILA, Philippines - While more marathons and fun runs are created to cater to everyone who loves to run, it is still quite unusual to stage a run exclusively for women. This is precisely why Women’s Health Philippines and Athena Milk for Women decided to team up for their first All Women’s Run held last March 19, at the SM Mall of Asia.
“We wanted to celebrate women and the things they can do, whether they’re doing something for the first time or are trailblazers in their fields,” says Women’s Health editor-in-chief Lara Parpan, “Running is huge in the country and by opening the race to women only, we’re providing a friendly, encouraging atmosphere for them to discover running and maybe even find a strength they thought they never had.”
Hosted by Magic 89.9 deejay Mia Bayuga, the Women’s Health and Athena Milk for Women All Women’s Run saw over 2,000 women of all ages run in the 3k, 5k, and 10k categories and race to the finish line. Spotted in this event were Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj, actress Pinky Amador, Athena Milk for Women endorser Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, avid runner Kit Zobel de Ayala, poet Kooky Tuason, Publicis Jimenez group account director Tats Caluag Cruz, and Ayala Corp. vice president Nona Torres. Team David Salon triathletes Jaja Reyes, Nina Dacanay, Mona Valdez, Beth Siojo, and team captain Kaye Lopez ran to cheer on and encourage participants. Running bloggers Noelle De Guzman, Vima Mendoza, Roselle Dadal, Gail Consolacion and Carina Manansala were also present and enjoyed the All Women’s Run.
The top finishers for the 3k race category were Ann Dela Cruz, first place; Merlyn Lumagbas, second place; Jolly Ann Ballester, third place. For the 5K race category, the top finishers were Raterta Luisa, first place; Marecil Maquilan, second place; Noelle Frances De Guzman, third place. The 10k top finishers were Mercedita Fetalvero, first place; Irene Kipchumba, second place; Peris Poywo, third place. Winners of the run received numerous gift packs from the event partners.
After the race, everyone took a breather at the festival area, where they enjoyed free skin, bone, and body mass analysis from Athena Milk for women; a free massage from The Spa; free manicure from Nail-a-holics; a workout demo and trial class from Barre 3; body fat index analysis and personal consultations with a nutritionist from Conair; and free makeover from Clinique, haircut from David’s Salon, and hairstyling from Rowenta. Exciting freebies from Playtex, Schick, Banana Boat, Hygienix, Goody, Lifestyle Gourmet, Tefal, Nova, and Unilab, as well as discounts from Sketchers Resistance Runner and Timex were also available at the festival area.
The Women’s Health and Athena Milk for Women All Women’s Run was presented by Athena Milk for Women, Run Rio, Unilab Active Health, and SM Mall of Asia with media partner Cosmopolitan magazine.
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