Ronikage

34th Milo Marathon – Manila Elims

July 8th, 2010
Tags: 5k race, adventure, events, friends

I’m getting ready, getting ready,
Oh boy what a day it’s gonna be!

The last run I had with my friends was more than two months ago and so I was looking forward running with them on this event. I wasn’t targeting for a PR, I wanted to experience the fun in this run.

Since Milo Marathon is the biggest, longest, and grandest running event in the Philippines; I was expecting a lot from them as far as organization is concerned. Anyway, they have 34 years of experience tucked under their belt. Sadly, I was wrong.

When the gun was shot and the 6AM-runners took off, it is only natural that one starts wishing that slots were made limited. One lane of Roxas Boulevard was not enough to accommodate the reported 20,000 5k participants. However, that might also mean fewer children receiving new shoes. So next time, I’ll happily lower my expectations when it comes to cause-oriented race with unlimited slots.

Because of the large number of 5k runners, rehydration areas were so crowded. I only stopped once for water on the last booth. Cords given at the turn-around area was poorly managed. There was one large plastic bag full of red cords and runners were left to themselves to get one. It was chaos! Cords were just thrown out to the crowd to supply those who cannot reach the bag. That explains why you have probably saw some runners wearing a lot of cords.

From the turn-around, I decided to just walk the rest of the course as the road going back is still very crowded. I checked-in the finish line with 1:09:++ at the timer. I timed myself at 59:35. It looks like it took us 10 minutes to cross the starting line since the gun was fired. After a few more minutes, It was announced that the cut-off time for 5k has already elapsed and only those who were already in the check-in area will be accommodated. Five of my friends did not managed to make it.

I rarely leave things at the baggage area and I regret it soooo much that I did it on this event. I could easily look pass the inconveniences I said earlier but this one was hellish! There was already anarchy there and the police were called in to pose as… baggage personnel! Goodness, it was terrible! It took me more than an hour, sun burned skin, and sweat exchanges with other claimants before I finally got my bag.

Anyway, past is past. Let this just be a learning experience. I still dream of doing a HM with Milo in the future. Next time, I know better. Below are photos with friends at the 34th Milo Marathon Manila Elims.