SMDC-QC run lures big field

MANILA, Philippines - A big field of over 12,000 runners is expected to participate in the SMDC-Quezon City International Marathon 2012 set Dec. 2, serving as among the highlights of the celebration of Quezon City’s 73rd founding anniversary.

A brainchild of former Quezon City mayor and now House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, the event also aims to promote the city’s “blue campaign” to preserve air and water quality in the area.

“We are optimistic we can surpass last year’s field of 10,000 runners and are targeting 12,000 participants in the fourth edition of the marathon,” said Francisco Cayetano Jr., chairman and president of the organizing Executive Runnex Club, Inc. (Runnex), during the media launch at Max’s at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Cayetano said that hitting the number is possible with the all-out support of prime property developer and sponsor SM Development Corp. (SMDC) and the full cooperation of the Quezon City government led by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Considered a major reservoir and water supply source in the metropolis, the La Mesa Dam and Eco-Park is located in the city and will be among the sights, along with the rustic UP-Diliman campus grounds, that runners will be passing through during the race.

The event, featuring 5K, 10K, 21K and 42-kilometer full marathon races for men and women, will start and end at the Quezon Memorial Circle area.

Most of the running action will take place on Commonwealth Avenue, the widest major highway in the country.

“Since we expect a big field, we will put a premium on the safety and security of our participants while keeping in mind that motorists and commuters won’t be inconvenienced on the race day itself,” said race director Ian Alacar.

Registration for the event is under way at all SMDC offices at the SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia and Chris Sports stores at the SM North EDSA Annex, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila and SM Fairview.

Interested participants can also sign up at the Runnex office at the UP Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, QC, Fitness and Athletics at 9th Avenue corner 28th Street at the Fort in Taguig City, and All Terra Bike Shop branches at Club 650 Libis, QC, and MC Home Depot along Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City.

Registration fee is pegged at P400 for 5K, P500 for 10K, P600 for 21K and P800 for the full marathon. Foreign entries will be charged $48 for the 21K and $72 for the 42K races.  

Each race kit includes a 4th SMDC-QCIM singlet, race bib with B-Tag timing chip and safety pins while the registration deadline is on Nov. 26.