Foot-scans for runners

Three Japanese podiatric technicians from Asics will be in town tomorrow to conduct foot-scans for runners interested to find out what shoe fits them best.

Anil Buxani of Sonia Trading says it’s a rare opportunity for runners to tap the expertise of the Japanese technicians and Asics is making it possible. The foot-scans will be done starting 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Condura Run Village Asics Expo in the parking lot fronting R. O. X., 29th Avenue corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, the Fort Global City, Taguig.

The Asics Expo opens today at 3 p.m. and will run until Sunday noon. It will showcase Asics’ 2010 spring/summer running shoe collection and offer the latest models at a special price for Condura participants. The Expo will close at 8 tonight. It will reopen tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 a.m. to 12 noon.

Buxani says Asics is bringing in the technicians in line with the Condura Run for the Dolphins set this Sunday.

“The Condura Run is the country’s premier running event,” says Buxani. “Asics is proud to be a major participant in the top elite run. From all indications, we’ll get at least 8,000 runners for the five runs at three, five, 10, 21 and 42 kilometers.”

It will be the first time a full 42-kilometer marathon is in the Condura Run calendar. To avoid mad dashes to the finish line, organizers have mapped out exclusive routes for each run. There will be two running zones – one for the three and five-kilometer events and the other for the 10, 21 and 42 kilometer runs.

What makes the Condura Run, now in its third staging, special is it’s the first and only event that goes through the Southexpressway Skyway. “No traffic, no pollution, excellent roads, truly a runner’s wish come true,” note the organizers. “We also created a signature Condura race route for the three-kilometer (race) with kids and families’ safety in mind. No running through any major thoroughfares. No crossing major intersections.”

To spice up the activity, at least five marching bands will perform along the race routes and at several cheering zones. Organizers are also setting up at least 15 mineral water and hydration stations and 30 portalets. Over 500 volunteers will be deployed to assist the participants and ice cream will be given each runner after the races.

The top male and female finishers in the 42-kilometer marathon will receive P60,000, a pair of Asics shoes, a Timex watch and a Herbalife goodie bag each. Cash prizes will be given to the top three male and female placers in the 10, 21 and 42-kilometer runs. Asics shoes will also be awarded to the top three male finishers in the three and five-kilometer events. Medals will be given to each finisher in all the runs.

This year’s Condura Run is for the dolphins of Bohol. In the first Condura run, funds were raised for the Tubbataha Reef. The second was for the whale sharks of Donsol.

“Condura’s advocacy comes two-fold – running and the marine environment,” explain organizers. “Running is a sport every Filipino could easily prepare for and participate in and the marine environment is a trove of infinitely many treasures, a rich diversity of aquatic life. Within the span of three years, Condura has set high standards in organizing running events and at the same time, in helping in the conservation of marine life, one race at a time.”

Buxani says Asics will open its own exclusive store at Greenbelt-3, Makati, in April. The complete Asics line of footwear and apparel will be on the shelves. The shoes won’t only be of the running type but will cross the entire spectrum of sports where Asics is considered a brand leader.

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Registration for the annual PBA Press Corps sportswriting contest is now open to all bona fide college students in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The competition, supported by the PBA commissioner’s office, is scheduled during the semifinals of the Philippine Cup. Interested parties may call the PBA office at tels. 470-27-68 and 470-27-69 and ask for Mich Flores or Hazel Ancheta.

A one-hour crash course on news, sports and features writing and a brief seminar will precede the actual contest and students are advised to monitor developments in the PBA conference. Deadline of registration is at the end of the best-of-five quarterfinals. Cash prizes and plaques await the top three winners. The project co-chairmen are Joel Orellana and Dennis Principe.

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Former PBA or PBL players with at least 72 earned units in college or college graduates with or without officiating experience may apply to join the PBA Referees Academy. Applicants must be within the age range of 25 to 35.

PBA supervisor of officials Ramil Cruz and operations/technical assistant Junior Bengua may be contacted directly by applicants during office hours at 186 Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Libis, Quezon City or through tels. 470-27-68 or 470-27-69.