MANILA, Philippines – The onset of summer marks the start of the Run United season this year, with Run United 1 2013 at the Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City, setting the pace of what is expected to be another active year for runners and enthusiasts.
Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and RunRio Inc. reallocated the slots from its usual 3km category to accommodate more slots in longer distance categories. This is in response to the trend that Run United participants are leveling-up and are now participating to longer distances. Race categories include the Ceelin 500-meter dash for the kiddie runners, Hydrite 5 km, Alaxan FR 10 km and Enervon Activ 21 km (half marathon).
“We have more progressive runners now, those who run to improve their personal records and get into longer-distance races. Run United 1 is their warm-up for a year of running so the race distances and schedules are plotted to allow runners improve their running skills the right way.†said Alex Panlilio, Head of ULAH.
Two more Run United events are lined up this year. These are Run United 2 on June 2 with 10km, 21km, and 32km distance categories; and Run United Philippine Marathon on October 6, with 10km, 21km and 42km distance categories. Both runs will still have the 500m dash for children.
The trend has been consistent, according to ULAH, as during the registration period, the slots for longer distances get filled up faster than its usual pace. In fact, registration for the 21km category of Run United 1 2013 was closed almost a month before the race. This is a sign of how the running community has continuously matured to where it is right now.
“The trend is in line with our goal to be part of the growth of runners—in terms of performance and the development of running as a key sports activity in the country. We expect more runners to sign up for our marathon in the last quarter of the year,†said celebrity running coach Rio de la Cruz.
Some of the new features of Run United series this year include the stylish race singlets, which are made from Active Health’s cool ware fabric designed to help improve the performance and comfort of the runners.
Useful items will still be part of the finishers’ kits. The three piece united finisher’s medal await those who finish the 21km, 32km, and 42km, categories of this year’s run united series. Completing the united medal shows the runner’s commitment in continuously exceeding themselves in their chosen lifestyle. Runners and spectators will be treated with a morning concert by Rivermaya and Pedicab as they sing their favorite hits.
Other ULAH activities that the active community can look forward to are: Tri United 2 2013 on July 7, 2013, Tri United 3 2013 on October 26, 2013 in Laiya, Batangas and Tri United 4 on November 24, 2013.
For more details please visit www.unilabactivehealth.com and like their Facebook fan page for future announcements and running tips.