Free clinics for QCIM hopefuls

MANILA, Philippines - Running clinics are underway at the UP Diliman Academic Oval in preparation for the first Quezon City International Marathon scheduled on Oct. 18 with the start and finish at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (Runnex) enjoins prospective participants to train for the multi-race first Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) at the club’s running clinic every Sunday at the UP Diliman campus. Runnex, QCIM race manager, said the clinic is open free to the public and is conducted under the guidance of noted running coach and triathlon standout Jojo Macalintal.

The clinic provides workouts and training systems to help beginners and advanced runners to successfully finish the race distances of their choice in the QCIM. Five, 10, 21-kilometer race distances, as well as the full 42-kilometer are on tap for the QCIM, envisioned to be one of the most prestigious marathons in the country this year.

The Runnex clinic has been a yearly affair since 1983 and has produced many runners who have successfully completed a full marathon. The 2009 clinic opened last February with champion track and field coach Jojo Posadas and his wife Elma Muros-Posadas, multi-gold medalist in past SEA Games, as guest lecturers.

The Sunday running clinic starts at 5:30-6 a.m. in front of the UP Abelardo Hall.

Runners can register onsite after which they will be assigned to training groups depending on their running experience. Tyros to running are grouped under “Beginners” and are trained to progress from 30 minutes to 1 hour of non-stop running after 10-12 weeks with the clinic.