QCIM to jumpstart Nike 'Human Race'

MANILA, Philippines - The first Quezon City International Marathon firing off Sunday will jumpstart the Nike “Human Race” set Oct. 24, an event celebrating runners and their sport, much in the same way that the local road race commemorates the 70th founding anniversary of one of the country’s premier cities.

“The QCIM is privileged to bring Philippine public awareness to the worldwide Nike ‘Human Race’ that follows our own run,” said Art Disini, Runners Executive Club Runners (Runnex) and QCIM race manager.

In its second year, the Nike spectacle will be staged simultaneously in 30 countries. It aims to surpass the 780,000 participants in the 2008 inaugural edition for what promises to be the largest worldwide running event, Disini said.

“Perhaps it is timely that as this Nike event marks the deep bond among runners of all nations and races, we are also celebrating the 70th founding of this progressive city under Mayor Sonny Belmonte,” he said.

Among the groups that have pledged to compete in Sunday’s contests are schools from UST, San Beda, Adamson, FEU-Recto, Jose Rizal University and University of the Philippines that have all taken part in previous Nike running clinics.

As a major partner of the QCIM, Disini said, Nike has committed 1,000 “graduates” of its clinics to see action in Metro Manila’s biggest marathon sponsored by San Miguel Corp., The Philippine STAR, New San Jose Builders, GMA Network, Puregold, Ayala Land, Robinson’s Land and Shoemart.

Moreover, Nike will be giving special edition shirts worth P1,000 to each finisher of the 42-km full marathon and 21K race as added incentive to the participants of the event also supported by Maxima, Salonpas, 100 Plus, Manila Water, Timex, Nissan Navara, Fitness First, Nature Valley, Fern-C, Fern Slim, Flapjacks and Universidad, Disini said.

The QCIM race manager also reminded that today is the last day for groups to register at the Quezon City hall ground floor.

Participants get a singlet, race chip, an instruction leaflet and a crack at the P3 million in cash and juicy prizes in store for the winners of the different running categories.

“This should also encourage a lot of our schools to field more entries and have a chance to win the top P50,000 prize for the biggest delegation,” he said.

Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, FEU-FERN, University of the East and Diliman Preparatory School were the first schools to confirm participation while University of Makati, PSBA, Lourdes School and St. Theresa’s College, among others, are also expected to join this multi-category event.