Team 7-Eleven Philippines All Set to Conquer the Pattaya Marathon 2023

MANILA – A group of 18 Filipino runners, all qualifiers from the recently held Run 7-Eleven Philippines 2023 last February, are set to embark on another international running race.

The group, also known as the “Team 7-Eleven Philippines 2023”, is scheduled to fly to Thailand to compete at the upcoming Pattaya Marathon 2023. This year’s group presents a diverse and talented mix of qualifiers. Competing for the top spots in Thailand on Sunday, July 23, 2023 are:

Among the eighteen participants, ten are repeat qualifiers, two are returnees, and six have qualified for the first time.

“It is always an honor for us, especially the 7-Eleven Run Series team, to provide our runners with the opportunity to compete internationally and showcase their running skills. Bringing pride to our country, our runners have the chance to excel on the international stage, and we are delighted to be a part of their journey.”, said Ms. Michelle Saludes, 7-Eleven Run Series Project Head and Section Manager for Exclusives and Events.

The Pattaya Marathon is an annual race held in the scenic city of Pattaya, Thailand, renowned for its beautiful beaches. Thousands of runners, both local and international, gather to participate in this prestigious event. For our runners, it presents the perfect opportunity to exhibit their exceptional talent and proudly represent not only 7-Eleven Philippines but also our country, the Philippines.

“7-Eleven Philippines remains committed to its grass-roots program, dedicated to nurturing and supporting Filipino runners. Our goal is to provide them with opportunities to represent the country in international races, fostering their talent and contributing to the development of competitive running in the Philippines.”, shared 7-Eleven General Merchandise Division Head and Managing Director for Digital, Mr. Jose C. Ang Jr.

This year’s Team 7-Eleven Philippines is set to fly to Thailand on Friday, July 20, 2023. The delegation will compete, all expenses are paid for, with pocket money, and their needs are taken care of. Apart from this, runners who successfully finish in any of the top three overall spots in their respective category will not only bring home the race prizes but also receive a bonus cash prize from Philippine Seven Corporation.

This undertaking was made possible through the efforts of Philippine Seven Corporation together with the valuable support of Anta as Official Sportswear Partner, Selecta, Cornetto, Pocari Sweat, SIP, Nature Spring, Le Minerale, Kopiko Lucky Day, Cali, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mt. Dew, Summit, Absolute, Cobra, C2, Nova, Refresh, Coca Cola, Minute Maid, Wilkins, Motivo, Smart, TV5, and One Sport.

Team 7-Eleven Philippines Ready for the Ho Chi Minh City Intl Marathon in Vietnam

After two years of being relegated to a virtual race format due to the pandemic, the 7-Eleven Run Series had its much-awaited big comeback via the in-person/physical race format last September 25, 2022, at the Filinvest City in Alabang and in Cebu Business Park and SM City Davao for the Cebu and Davao legs, respectively.

This 2022 race series was very much anticipated by both recreational and competitive runners because apart from providing a very challenging but well-organized run, 7-Eleven Philippines, the run series’ prime mover, and with the support of their various sponsors has always prepared awesome post-run treats for everybody.

Out of the total 35,000 participants for all three legs, the top overall Filipino male and female runners from the 42k, 32km, and 21km categories will be given a chance to compete in an international race event. This year, the race will be the 5th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Seeing action this December 11, 2022 in Ho Chi Minh City are the following qualifiers:

Out of the 16 qualifiers, six are having their international race debut courtesy of 7-Eleven Philippines. Those who qualified for the first time are Florencio Lapiz ( 42km, 3rd overall male), Arlan Arbois and Jerome Casinillo (32km, 1st and 2nd overall, respectively) Rosalyn Tadias and Stephanie Cadosale (32km, 2nd and 3rd overall female, respectively), and Roy Laudit (21km, 3rd overall male).
Since its inception last 2013, The Run 7-Eleven Series became a channel for Filipino elite runners to show their skills and talent as runners and prove that they have what it takes to compete with runners from all over the world through an international race. The delegation will travel and compete, all expenses paid for, with pocket money, and their needs are taken care of. Apart from this, runners who successfully finish in any of the top three overall spots in their respective category will not only bring home the race prizes but also receive a bonus cash prize from 7-Eleven Philippines.

This is the first time that Philippine Seven Corporation will be sending a Team 7-Eleven Philippines delegation to an international race again after taking a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” 7-Eleven Philippines will continue with its grass-roots program to nurture and support our Filipino runners who aspire to get the chance to represent the country in an international race,” shared 7-Eleven General Merchandise Division Head and Managing Director for Digital, Mr. Jose C. Ang Jr.

The delegation, composed of the 16 Filipino elite runners together with executives from Philippine Seven Corporation, is scheduled to leave for Vietnam on Friday, December 9, 2022. This gives the runners enough time to get settled and prepare for the race on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

Run Ortigas 2022

I am currently trying to get back to running. By “get back to running” I mean joining 21K runs and hopefully finish sub 2 eventually. I never really stopped running but I know I am slower than my usual self. Thanks to pandemic weight gain and unhealthy choices. The longest I ran so far is 10K.

When the chance to run 16K came via Run Ortigas 2022, I immediately said yes because it will force me to run longer. It is also a good preparation for Run Rio Leg 1 on Dec. 5. Its a new route and I really wanted to race.

So after sleeping longer on Sundays, there I was awake at 3AM just like the old days. It was raining but just like the old days, the rain never really bothered me anyway (at least on race days). The lights of Tiendesitas welcomed us to the starting line. It was like saying: welcome back to your life before Covid.

It was a reunion of sorts. Happy to see a lot of familiar faces during the run. It reminded me of that exitement I usually feel before gun start. And we started running!

The route as I said was new. It was a bring your own bottle race so no paper cups were used. The hydration stations had enough water and gatorade. The marshalls were really nice greeting and cheering the runners. I walked when the road was going up and ran when it was going downhill. I just enjoyed running and greeting the race marshalls and before I knew it, I was already on my way back to the finish line.

It was a fun experience running with the other 1,300 runners who joined. I was able to run longer than the usual 10K and I was able to catch-up with running friends. Thank you Ortigas and Co, and Runrio for the oportunity. So I guess this is the start of race weekends!

Running friends!

7-Eleven Run 2022 Registration Closing Soon!

Last chance to register for the two-day physical event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao on September 13

After two years of running virtually, the 7-Eleven Run Series is finally back on the road.

The leading convenience store is bringing back the fun and thrill of running together with its 10th installment and 5th simultaneous event in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. To celebrate the grand comeback of the two-day physical event from September 24 to 25, 7-Eleven is preparing exciting cash prizes, major freebies from sponsor brands, and a chance to run in an international competition.

There are nine (9) distance categories to choose from: 3KM, 5KM, 5KM Buddy, 10KM, 10KM Buddy, 16KM, 21KM, 32KM, and 42KM, with medals and cash prizes ranging from P2,000 to P25,000. The top three (3) overall male and female Filipino winners from the 21KM, 32KM, and 42KM will get a chance to run and represent the country in an international marathon competition.

Participants can do a quick grocery run with the amount of freebies they can grab from over 30 sampling booths courtesy of 7-Eleven’s brand partners. On the two-day simultaneous event, specifically in Filinvest, Alabang for the Manila leg, Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center for the Cebu leg, and SM City Davao Ecoland, Davao City for the Davao leg, partner brands will offer their favorite snacks, drinks, daily essentials, and more for FREE.

Participants can register to join for FREE by collecting 15 e-stamps through the CLiQQ App to redeem one (1) registration code for their chosen category. 30 e-stamps are required to redeem a registration code for each buddy run category.

A P100 minimum purchase of participating items is needed to get one (1) e-stamp. This also entitles the customer to one (1) e-raffle entry per e-stamp, for a chance to be one of the 3,000 winners of products from the run’s major sponsors. This includes freebies from Cornetto, Pocari Sweat, Kopiko Lucky Day, Nature’s Spring, Gatorade, Summit, Del Monte Fit N Right, Le Minerale, Cali, C2, Coca-Cola, Absolute, Nova, Pepsi, Re Fresh, Cobra, Mountain Dew, Wilkins, Nutri Boost, and Selecta.

Participants can also opt to register by paying the corresponding fee per run category starting at P500 each. Once paid or the required number of e-stamps are collected, the participant can claim their Race Kit at their chosen 7-Eleven store.

Registration period is until September 13 only. It doesn’t matter if one is a newbie, a pro runner, or just joining for fun alone, with a friend, or a group, everyone’s welcome to join and run as one community.

Run to the nearest 7-Eleven store or register online at www.run711.com to join!

Chafe Chafe Chafe

Kung matagal ka nang tumatakbo, nagbibisikleta, lumalangoy, o lahat ng sinabi ko at kahit anong laro, naranasan mo na sigurong humapdi ang singit o di kaya ang kili-kili pagkatapos maglaro. Yung pagkashower mo pagkatapos tumakbo ay bigla ka na lang mapapasigaw pagdaan ng tubig sa pwet mo. Chafing ang tawag dyan.

Ang Chafing ay resulta ng pagkikisan ng suot mo at ng iyong balat. 

I’m Getting Ready…

Cue in the Milo jingle…

That song played in my head first thing in the morning last Saturday, 25 May. Why? Because Lester Castillo of Milo invited us for some running drills with Coach Rio Dela Cruz. Just like the old times, Lester added. I was tapering for the Subic Iron Man 70.3 so I said yes for old times’ sake. So there I was early morning in UP Diliman with a lot of familiar faces who I’ve met during running events eager to start with the morning’s activity.

We started with running drills with Coach Rio followed by two loops around the academic oval. During breakfast, we were given information about the 2019 Milo Marathon.

This year, Milo Marathon catches the 2019 SEA Games bug with its theme:
“One Team. One Nation. Go Philippines!”
Milo wants to encourage the entire nation, to rally the Filipino athletes competing in the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 SEAG. Part of the Philippine contingent is six-time consecutive National Milo Marathon Queen, Mary Joy Tabal, who continue to bring pride to our country. She also used to participate in other MILO programs at a younger age where she was able to strengthen her values in pursuing her ambitions such as discipline, confidence, and teamwork. The MILO Marathon encourages people, especially children from all walks of life, to get into sports and prepare for a larger arena called life.

Milo Marathon will have 10 qualifying races this year starting 14 July in Urdaneta City with the National Finals Scheduled early next year (19 January) in Tarlac. The National finals was moved to January to give way to the SEA Games in December. Manila Eliminations is scheduled on 28 July.

The Manila Eliminations will have a 42, 21, 10, 5, and 3K categories. While the provincial Eliminations will have no 42K category. Race kit inclusions are shown in the photo above. In line with the theme, the race singlets, finisher shirts and medals have the National colors.

Finishers of the 42K (sub 6 hours) and 21K (sub 2:30) categories will get a medal, certificate and loot bag. 10K runners who finish sub 1:30 will also get a medal and certificate. 5K and 3K runners who finish will get a finishers certificate.

Registration is now open! Check out https://www.milo.com.ph/events/milomarathon for details.

 

 

 

Now Open: Specialized Elite Store in SM By The Bay

Specialized Philippines, in partnership with Gruppo Innovare Corporation, the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines, officially opened the newest Specialized Elite Store on Wednesday, October 17 at the SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Present during the event were the Gruppo Innovare team headed by its Managing Director, Mr. JL Gavino and Sales Director, Mr. Ritchie Santayana, Mr. Gino Abano, Commercial Director of Specialized SESA was also there to grace the event.

“We are proud to be opening the first Specialized Elite Store here at the SM by the Bay, a perfect location as it is a biker’s haven especially in the morning. As Specialized has striven to make the best bikes for riders since 1974, the Philippine riding community can expect the best one-stop bike shop experience the moment they walk in our store.”, said Mr. Santayana.

During the opening, Mr. Abano presented highlights of various Specialized bike products such as the Venge, the fastest road bike, and the Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand.

For those who love off-road riding, the store also has the Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike, and the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails.

The highlight of the day was the special preview of the all-new 2019 Shiv Disc. Guests were given a sneak peek on an actual setup of this limited-edition triathlon specific bike, which promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

“We are very fortunate to be able to present to everyone here today an actual set-up of the all-new 2019 Shiv Disc. This complete tri bike will be available globally as a limited edition product and reservations can be placed until October 31, 2018.”, shared Mr. Abano.

The Specialized Elite Store offers worry-free purchases, and a complete “Specialized experience” through the store’s full scope of services: providing expert advice in choosing the best bike, experiencing the bikes first-hand through their bike test program, bike servicing by trained staff, and the Retül Match and Vantage system, the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market.

The Specialized Elite Store in SM by the Bay is the first of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are promised to come throughout the country over the next few years.

For further information, about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/.

Specialized gears up for SM Mall of Asia Store Opening

Specialized – a bicycle brand made for riders, by riders – gears up for its store’s grand opening on Oct. 17 at the SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Considered to be a biker’s haven especially in the morning, SM by the Bay is the perfect location for the first of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018.

“We want to serve the riders where they are, and at the same time make it convenient for them to get that one-stop bike shop experience,” says Ritchie Santayana, Customer Development Director of Gruppo Innovare Corporation, referring to the choice of locations for the three stores. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are promised to come throughout the country over the next few years.

Since 1974, the brand has striven to make the best bikes for riders. The store is set to offer a comprehensive range of technically advanced products, such as:

• The Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike,
• the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails,
• the Venge, the fastest road bike, and
• The Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand.

The 2019 Shiv Disc, is also set to take center stage during opening day. The all-new triathlon specific bike promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bie ever made.

Riders can expect easy and worry-free purchases, and a complete “Specialized experience” through the store’s full scope of services: providing expert advice in choosing the best bike, experiencing the bikes firsthand through their bike test program, bike servicing by trained staff, and the Retül Match and Vantage system, the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market.

Fabulous prizes will also be raffled off while Specialized will give a 10 percent discount on all items on its launch day.

Gruppo Innovare Corporation is the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines.

For further information, about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/.

Run Rio Leg 3

Been running this marathon since it was still called Run United Philippine Marathon. This was the only marathon I joined since I started doing Iron Man 70.3s. So I signed up for it this year.

The decision to sign up was done with very little time to prepare but hey, i’ve been very active anyway so I guess I can wing it just like last year. Last year was a slow one. I had this pain in my lower back at the last 5K of the race that prevented me from running. It was really bad that all I could do was walk. I was wondering that time if it was the last marathon for me. I seem to have moved on from that experience as I only remembered that episode now that I was trying to recall last year’s experience.

I also signed up for a 32K race a month back and tried to do longer runs on weekdays in preparation for this race. I managed to average 25K per week in terms of training. Of course I still do bike rides and swims as part of my training.

Despite the swimming, biking and running, I was really apprehensive a week before the race as I feel I did not train as hard as I should have for this race. The 32K run was ok as I paced a friend who did it for the first time. It took us 4 hours ans 31 minutes to finish the distance.

The typhoon the weekend before the race prevented me from doing my last long run. The midnight start was a challenge as well as it was difficult for me to sleep real early. I tried sleeping all Saturday but only managed around 2 hours of sleep.

My plan was to only take walk breaks whenever there is a water station in the first 21K and to walk going up Kalayaan flyover and other uphill parts of the route. I was doing well in the first half of the route trying to stick to the plan. Bayani road was challenging as always but I was surprised that I was running most of the uphill parts of Bayani road.

I started to do more run walk when I reached the part going back to Mall of Asia (around kilometer 28). The runs were still longer than the walks and I was ok running. At some point I realized that I could still push harder but I just decided to stick with my plan.

I timed 3 hours 10 minutes in the 32K mark and I was feeling really good to I tried harder to run longer. Then I reached MOA again, then the finish line.

“I still got it!” That was my reaction when I crossed the finish line. I finished after 4 hours and 24 minutes. The results were released and a friend sent this to me:

It was a great run!

Endurance Weekend 2018

Kaya ba?

That question is usually asked by people before signing up for a challenge. This year, Filinvest City is once again providing MTB cyclists an opportunity to challenge themselves in the 6th Endurance Weekend. Happening 7-8 July, the Filinvest City Endurance Weekend challenges bikers to complete as many loops as they can in 6, 12, or 24 hours. The route is a 5 kilometer loop, a mix of trail and road that is familiar with mountain bikers who are regular in the area.

Around 500 cyclists are expected to participate in the event. There is a Solo (Male/Female/Elite) and a Team (All Male/Mixed) category. The team category is only for the 12 and 24 hours.

Registration will be online at https://reg.goorahna.com/#/event/endurance-weekend-2018. Payments can be done through credit card, bank transfer, or in the following payment centers:

• Cycling Zone, Shell Pacific Gas Station, Alabang Zapote Road, Muntinlupa
• Storck Store Manila, The Portal, Greenfield District, United St., Mandaluyong
• Paulina’s Bluebay, Bluebay Walk, Macapagal Ave., Pasay City
• Celeste Cycles, 188 Congressional Ave., Project 8, QC
• South Cycles, Greenworld Plaza, President Ave., Parañaque

The race kit includes a race jersey and a race bib.

Prizes await the winners while finishers will get a medal. All participants will also get a chance to win a brand new MOB bike!

Kaya ba?