Ronikage

Pocari Sweat Fun Run Experience

March 20th, 2010
Tags: 3k race, events

March 13, 2010; Jeff and I arrived at The Fort around 5:30AM and the first thing we said was, “May event ba?” This was my second time to join a run, first was Condura, and so I cannot help but compare. We had a little trouble finding the starting line as there was no starting arc that you usually see on race events. Pardonable for a 250PhP registration fee.

I usually drink a glass of water before runs and so it is inevitable to take a pee break. Sadly, there were no portalets! I wasn’t expecting that since the race detail says:

The Race Organizer rented the venue at a cost which is inclusive of toilet/washroom usage within the race vicinity. Rest assured, toilets/washrooms at the Bonifacio Global City will be open for the use & convenience of race participants.

The program started with the National Anthem (they did it right NHI!), a warm-up exercise, and a few speeches. With the exception of the contingent from the City College of Manila who came wearing their PE uniform, almost all participants were wearing the race singlet. We look nice. :D

Race for each distances were started with a gun fire. I do not know if the large plant pots that were lined up across the street were there to serve as starting line or they simply failed to move those obstructions.

On route, I saw no marshals that manned the traffic or to check the course. I guess the road, and the race, was all for our disposal. Some participants were cutting the route short. Hydration booths were nothing but visual relief for me. I passed by two of them and both were out of supply.

The 3km route previously published was not followed. From 11th Avenue, we were supposed to turn right at 30th Street, left at 8th Avenue, right at 7th Avenue, right to 28th Street, and right again back to 11th Avenue. Participants failed to take those turns and just went straight on 11th Avenue. Consequently, the 3km became 2.5km only.

Organizers were to monitor the time of the Top 10 finishers only so it’s all up to you to check the timer when you cross the finish line – mine is at 22:15. Hydration booth after the finish line was very chaotic. You can even see some people, participants and non-participants, hording supplies. I got my 350mL bottle of Pocari Sweat after much struggle.

The program ended with a “bring me” game, awarding of top finishers, and the handling of a 150,000PhP cheque to the Philippines Society for Crippled Children.

I wasn’t really expecting much fun fare from the event considering that the fee was very affordable but they could have worked harder to make the event more organized and systematic. For 250PhP you’ll receive a nylon bag, PET bottle holder lanyard, singlet, and race bib number. Considering such race kit, prizes for top finishers, and a beneficiary; I admire the organizers for being able to stretch the registration fee that far.

For more photos, visit Journeying James’ review.