Energizer Night Race in Dagupan - A Sweet Night Run!

RACE DETAILS

INFORMATION

1.   Energizer Night Race will be held on May 21, 2011 (Saturday) at the CSI The City Mall Lucao, Dagupan City.
2.   The run is open to all individuals, with categories of 3, 5, and 10 kilometer distances.

ASSEMBLY, CHECK-IN, & GUN START

1.   Assembly, check-in, and gun start details for all categories:

Assembly Area	Check In Time	Gun Start
CSI The City Mall Lucao Parking Lot	7:00 PM	8:00 PM

2.   Participants who are late at the gun start forfeit his/her chance of winning but can still participate in the race.

RACE CURFEW & FINISH LINE

1.	Race marshals will pick-up participants who fail to finish the race within 2 hours. They will not be entitled to Certificates.
2.	As the runners cross the finish line, they will move to the chute corresponding to your race category (3K, 5K, or 10K). Race marshals will remove the tags.

PRIZES

1.	The top 3 male and female finishers per category will be awarded with medals and cash prizes. There will be a total of 18 winners in this night race. CATEGORY 1ST PLACE 2ND PLACE 3RD PLACE 10K 10,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 7,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 5,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 5K 10,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 7,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 5,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 3K 10,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 7,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs 5,000 + medal + Energizer gift packs
2.	Certificates a.    Individual Certificate of Participation will be given to all finishers. b.    Special certificates will be awarded to the oldest runner, youngest runner, biggest delegation and best in costume. Note: Employees of Energizer Philippines, Inc. and GMA Network, Inc. are disqualified from winning the cash prize.             Best in Costume             Oldest Participant                Participation             Biggest Delegation             Youngest Participant
3.   Medals
3k Champion Male Medal        3k 2nd Place Male Medal        3k 3rd Place Male Medal
3k Champion Female Medal        3k 2nd Place Female Medal        3k 3rd Place Female Medal
5k Champion Male Medal        5k 2nd Place Male Medal        5k 3rd Place Male Medal
5k Champion Female Medal        5k 2nd Place Female Medal        5k 3rd Place Female Medal
10k Champion Male Medal       10k 2nd Place Male Medal       10k 3rd Place Male Medal
10k Champion Female Medal      10k 2nd Place Female Medal      10k 3rd Place Female Medal
Medal Back                         Lace

PROTEST & COMPLAINTS

Protests or complaints related to the race will be accepted ONLY in written form. The race organizers reserve the right to reject, disqualify or withdraw any race participant before or during the actual race. The organizer’s decision shall be final.
 

OTHERS

1.	There will be directional signages and marshals all over the route to guide the runners during the race.
2.	All runners must secure a ribbon at every designated turnaround point of their respective category.
3.	Water stations are located in strategic areas along the race route.
	Warning: Inadequate training, failure to pace and disregard for the importance of taking fluids have resulted in life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke in both experienced and first-time road race runners. If this is your first race or first experience in a warm, humid climate, take fluids at each water station.
4.	An ambulance with qualified medical personnel will be on stand-by all throughout the event.
5.	There will be a baggage booth located near the registration area. A baggage stub is provided in the race bib which must be detagged and surrendered upon check-in of baggage. The race organizers will assume no responsibility for items checked-in.
6.	No upgrading or downgrading of race categories.
7.	Washrooms will be available.
	Shirts                         Marshall                         RTV Shirt                             Staff                         Traffic Enforcer

Challenge yourself in 3k, 5k and 10k routes.

RACE MAPS

3K Route

5K Route

10K Route

Race route maps are subject to change. New race route maps will be given and racers will also be briefed
on the race day itself.

RACE FEES AND INCLUSION

Registration Fee is P450 for all categories.
Note: Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

REGISTER ONLINE and get P100 off Registration fee! Click here to register online!

RACE KIT INCLUDES:

     


1.   Singlet (for first 2,500 registrants only; sizes will be subject to availability)
      Singlet should be worn during the entire race.
2.   Race bib with race tag and baggage stub
      Race bib must be pinned in front of the singlet and must be visible at all times for the
      duration of the race. It is non-transferable. Do not fold or remove the race tag. Only race
      marshals are authorized to detag at the finish line for proper processing. All runners must have
      their race numbers marked by the official marshals upon check-in.
3.   Route map
      All runners must run according to the race route. Refer to the route map as reference.
4.  Energizer headlight
      Energizer headlight shall be worn by the runner all throughout the race. Briefing on how to
      use the headlight will be conducted prior to the race.
5.   Schick razor

RACE KIT CLAIMING

Runners shall claim the following at the registration booth located at CSI The City Mall Lucao Parking Lot on the event date. Said booth will be opened as early as 5:30 PM:
Energizer cap (to be distributed onsite)
Energizer headlight (only for those who would not be able to claim their headlight upon registration

WHERE TO REGISTER

Registration Dates:    APRIL 24 - MAY 15,2011

Registration Venues: CSI The City Mall Lucao Atrium

Eastgate Plaza

GMA Dagupan Station

REGISTER ONLINE and get P100 off Registration fee!
Click here to register online!

Registration Fee: P450.00*

Online registration is also available on this website:
http://www.energizerbatteries.com.ph

ONLINE REGISTRATION

1. Fill-up the e-Reg form then click submit.
2. A copy of your e-Reg form will be emailed to your specified email address. Print and sign the e-Reg form.
3. Deposit payment at any BPI Family Branch nearest you. Bank account details as follows:

Bank Name                           :     BPI Family
Account Name                     :     The WebSideStory
Current Account Number  :   679-1-00722-2

4. Claim your race pack @ GMA TV Dagupan, GMA Complex, Claveria Road, Malaued District, Dagupan City. Please present your original deposit slip and submit photocopy of deposit slip and signed e-Reg Form.

Important Reminders:

1. Registration is confirmed only upon payment of race fees. Receipt of e-Reg form via email does not guarantee a slot in Energizer Night Race Dagupan Leg.
2. To check if you are officially registered, please go to athlete’s info.
3. Online registration is only limited to 200 successful registrants. Online registration will close upon reaching this allotted number.

Want to run this race with your barkada for FREE? Heres how:

Schick Philippines Inc is a proud sponsor of Energizer Night Race In Dagupan!

Like Schick Philippines Fan Page and get a chance for you plus 3 of your friends to experience one of the most exciting running events in the country! The Energizer Night Race in Dagupan! Share your most memorable bonding moment with your barkada, post and share your photo in Schick Philippines Fan Page wall. Don't forget to tag 3 of your barkada that you will bring to the Energizer Night Race!

The best bonding moment photo that adhere the most to the theme plus the number of likes/comments wins!
*Like Schick Philippines Fan Page and Post a bonding moment with your barkada then Tag three (3) of your barkada that you want to bring to the night race. (Make sure they also like Schick Fan page)
* Submission of photo entries will be from May 4 to 17. Announcement of winners will be on May 18, 2011

Photos will be judged based on the following criteria:
* Adherence to the theme: 70%
* Schick Fan favorite: 30%
*"Likes" will be verified and if found coming from fictitious or questionable FB account, the contestant would be disqualified.

The best Schick smooth running entry will win four complimentary registrations with race kits in any race category 3k, 5k, or 10k run on Energizer Night Race in Dagupan plus accommodations, and round trip Transportation Manila-Dagupan City.

Experience a race outside the Metro at night! REGISTER NOW!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Sweet Sweat! My Thoughts on Running and Hydration

"You did not sweat much, your training is not enough..." I was told by my coach after doing the drills on our training session one Thursday evening. Surprisingly, my other groupmates who ran the same distance as I did were sweating like a wet sponge and me, none! I'm as dry as though I haven't started running and to think I was so dead tired already.

Why is that so? My coach told me "You're dehydrated".

After that session I assessed myself. Am I really dehydrated? I know I am drinking water on a regular basis and my skin is not dry. But why am I not sweating much even after a tedious exercise?

Then I started to research about running and dehydration. While researching, a name Remus Fuentes appeared on my top results.

Who is Remus Fuentes? According to the my readings, he is the 21K runner who died of severe dehydration in the recent 34^th Milo Marathon last July 4, 2010.

I remembered when I was new to the running community I heard about this news, and some of my runner friends even know Remus personally. Some even saw him and some even witnessed what happened to him on the race. A lot of speculations arises and I've heard a lot of insights from them. But what really happened that fateful day of July 4, 2010? Here is the statement from his father. 

REMUS FUENTES died of multiple organ failures as result of heatstroke secondary to severe dehydration two days after he ran the 21K in the recent 34^th Milo Marathon last Sunday, July 4, 2010.

His death was the result of fatal mistakes, incompetence and negligence in the event organized by Organizing Team.

Photo courtesy of his father

My son, 37-year-old Remus ran the 21K together with a running buddy when he collapsed at 19.9 kilometer mark. There was none of organizer’s ambulance nor marshals to respond in the incident. Policemen hailed for a taxi and they, together with his buddy, assisted in bringing him to the nearest hospital, Ospital ng Maynila. At the ER, the diagnose was suspected heart attack. My wife and me, upon being informed by his younger brother, Roy Fuentes, who also ran the 21K, rushed to the hospital and saw that Remus in coma, had seizures and struggled breathing in spite of hand-pumped oxygen and dextrose attached. His body temperature was 40 degrees C and when asked, the medical attendant told us he had fever. She introduced paracetamol intravenously twice at interval of about 15 minutes. Remus continued having seizures even until the arrival of Medical City doctor & ambulance attendants that we have arranged for his transfer. The Medical City doctor attending said his status was unstable, contrary to the earlier advice to her by the Ospital ng Maynila ER doctor. They rushed him  with the ambulance to Medical City at about 11:30 AM. There, a  series of tests were done, including blood chemistry, CT scan, etc. Cardiologist told us his heart was strong and no intervening medicine was necessary. Blood Chemistry results showed positive findings on creatinin level, an indication of  kidney failure. They suspected liver failure too. To stop his seizures, Remus was put on full sedation for 12 hours. Kidney functions further deteriorated after 36 hours. Blood pressure and heart rate went erratic. Doctors attending him in the ICU asked our permission to do dialysis and blood transfusion to stabilize his blood pressure.  Seven hours later, ICU nurse woke us up and asked us to rush to the ICU. We saw 18 medical people around him, several taking turn doing the CPR. Failing to revive him, the doctor asked our consent to stop the CPR after 15 minutes. We begged them to continue hoping for a miracle. 30 minutes further, doctor told us again that all numbers in the monitoring board “were bad” and asked again the consent to stop the CPR. Finally, we relented. Few minutes later, his heart rate monitor went flat. All these happened in front of his mother and me. We lost Remus 48 hours after he collapsed into coma which he has never recovered. His young wife and his eight-year old son took the news very badly.

About Heatstroke:

It usually happen in extreme sports like basketball, football, boxing and marathon.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical condition. The person’s cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, stops working and the internal body temperature rises to the point where brain damage or damage to other internal organs may result. The body temperature, usually at normal 37 C, goes up during the exertion of effort as result of the increased heart rate. When it reaches 40 C, the person is in danger of getting heatstroke. Above 40 C and mostly at about 42 C, the person can collapse into unconsciousness.  If nothing is done within few minutes, he can slip into coma and brain damage may occur. The proven first aid response for heatstroke is cooling the body rapidly in whatever means to the level of below 40 C before bringing him to a hospital.  Ice and water is the best way to do this, the same way it is done for a child having high fever who has convulsion.

Another way of understanding heatstroke is comparing it to the performance of car engine. At idling, the engine temp is low and safe. At sustained high speed, engine temperature increases rapidly but because of the cooling system, the heat is continuously dissipated in the radiator and safe temperature level is maintained. But when the water in the radiator is gone, Undissipated heat will rack up the engine temperature and ultimately exceeds the safe limits. At this condition, engine breakdown will occur in minutes starting with broken piston rings, rods, pistons, etc.

With the human body, perspiration cools down the body so hydration by drinking water is essential. Without water, perspiration stops and body temperature goes to critical level and into heatstroke and then organs and brain begin to fail.

Big obvious difference between human body and car engine is that you can always overhaul the engine but you cannot do that on the human body.

Why Heatstroke is More Dangerous in Marathon than in other Extreme Sports?

In basketball, the player exerts extreme effort only in bursts, stopping or slowing down intermittently which slows down heart rate and cools down the body. At timeout, they drink to replenish lost body water hence you always have the waterboy. Heart stroke is rare but ask any PBA player what they do when a player collapse. They don’t move the body but cool them off with water or ice before bringing him to the hospital.

The same is true in football and in many similar sports.

In boxing, in between rounds of three minutes, boxer rests and drinks water. We can only wonder what will happen if the rule of the sport is drastically changed and will only end when one is down and out.

In Marathon, the risk of heatstroke is much higher for the following reasons:

1. The long distance runner aims for shorter time as a goal and therefore motivated to keep a sustained effort, not unlike cars at high speed in the highway.
2. Furthermore, the target minimum time set by the organizer adds more to the motivation to run faster. The cut-off time added more pressure to the marginal marathon runner, meaning if you are used to run above the target time, the tendency is to do better time, probably at pace unproven by your body in practice. (Milo Marathon set the target for 21K medal at 2 ½ hours or less. Remus collapsed at near 20^th km. with time of 2 hours 10 minutes when his previous record was 2 hours and 27 minutes. ).
3. The more critical factor is that the hydration management is not in the control of the runner. He has to rely on water availability at the water stations provided and planned by the organizer along the route. ( In this 34^th Milo Marathon, several runners including Remus brother, Roy and Remus running buddy asserted that practically there was no water to drink in the last 2~3 kilometers before the finish line, a fatal failure for Remus by the organizer when they changed the route resulting in merging and over-traffic near the finish line. There were record 28,000 runners on that day and the organizers failed to anticipate the complexity of hydration management. Milo’s last year marathon participants were well below 10,000 runners.)
4. The correct life-saving response for heatstroke depends on few knowledgable people who may happen to be around the person. To mitigate this, the organizer deploys ambulances with water & ice for cooling heatstroke victims and is expected to respond within minutes. In addition, marshalls are provided along the route to assess runner situations continuously. (Obviously, the organizer failed again on this aspect because Remus was helped by policemen and his buddy instead. By this time, Remus is probably already brain damaged as evident by his seizure at the hospital. No Milo people knew of Remus case on that day until Roy, his brother, sent an email informing the organizer of the incident in the next morning)
5. The Sun Factor adds to the danger in Marathon. Running under the heat of the sun in tropical country like ours cannot be underestimated. To minimize the effect of the sunheat, Marathon run is planned to finish in the early morning avoiding the heat at later time. Organizers usually take this into consideration. (Milo organized the 21K to start at 5:30 AM , a departure of common practice of  other marathons which started at 5:00 AM.  Remus collapsed at about 7:57 AM. Roy, who is a better runner than his brother Remus, complained that it was unusually hot that morning even if he was able to finish it earlier in 1 hours 45 minutes )

Clearly, Marathon is an extreme and dangerous sport even to the young, healthy and trained runners. This is not the “fun run” many people confused of.

The organizer has clear life-and-death responsibility to make sure that the conditions the runners will run under item 3, 4 and 5 above are done properly. Obviously they did not do their job properly in the 34^th Milo Marathon. In my opinion, being the father of Remus, Milo Marathon Organizer have failed my son. It is their incompetence and negligence of their duty that results in the death of Remus …an unneccesary death.

About Remus:

At the time of his death, he was an IT project manager of Hewlett-Packard (HP) responsible in computerizing big companies like Unilab, Coke,  etc. including installation of hardwares (servers, etc.) and software system. He used to work for Intel for 10 years before he moved to HP 3 years ago. He graduated in Computer Engineering. He left a housewife, Takako and two children, Raphael, 8 years old and Therese, 4 years old. Raphael is enrolled at La Salle Greenhills. He played basketball with his brothers regularly on weekends. He has been running since his high school days in Lourdes School of Mandaluyong. He has run many 10Ks and two 21Ks before these, the “Freedom Run” in June 13 and “Nature Valley” in May 20 only this year. He has no history nor complaint of illness and he lived clean.

My Questions for the Marathon Organizer:

1. How many died in the 34^th Milo Marathon last July 4? Is it true that there was another runner at 42K who collapsed at 33 km and later died?
2. How many runners collapsed in that marathon due to heatstroke who later survived but now are no longer the same person as before due to partial brain injury? At Ospital ng Maynila, we saw a 2^nd runner brought in unconscious and woke up later but he can no longer recognize his family. Do the Organizers knew this? What happened to him. Are there more?
3. Is it true that another 36 year-old runner, Fidel Camson, who ran the 42K 31^st Milo Marathon in November 2007 collapsed near the finish line, brought to the Ospital ng Maynila and died later of undetermined cause? If true, what did they do to avoid a repeat which apparently did not happen in this 34^th Milo Marathon? If true, why do they still keep the same Marathon organizer for 10 years until now?
4. Do they keep tally of deaths in the 34 years of Milo Marathon? Do they study the statistics and establish how many died of heatstroke, the preventable one?
5. What is the corporate culture of the Organizers regarding its respect of the value of life? Upon knowing the death of my son Remus, A Senior Vice President of the organizing team, who head its Beverages Business Unit went to see me and among other things, he told me that the Marathon is continuously improved and but sometimes “lapses occur and they will learn from these lapses”. Lapse is defined as  a ‘mistake’. People learn from ‘error’, a deviation from being correct but a ‘mistake’ is caused by a fault: the fault could be misjudgment or carelessness.  We learn from ‘error’ but we take action on ‘mistake’ and more drastic action when people die of this ‘mistake’. So death in my son’s case is a mere  learning process for this person? Is this the culture that pervades in their Organization? or only in him?
6. Is the measly “humanitarian” offer to help the family shoulder medical & funeral expense to the family had become an SOP too often? Was it their expectation that as appreciation of this help, the family will keep quiet about the whole thing? Do they really think that the waiver signed by the runners protect them from being liable? Do they know that this waiver won’t apply if negligence of their duty as organizer can be established? 
7. What did the Organizers do, if any, to keep the news of Remus death from appearing in the media even after one week? Not one news item of his death appeared in the newspaper, TV or radio. Could  the news  of “ HP Manager Died of HeatStroke during the Milo Marathon” not interesting to the public? Were they afraid that the bigger news is when the subline “Father charged Milo Marathon Organizer of Incompetence and Negligence” which may damage the public image of the company?

The answers to these questions will help enlighten the public whether Milo Marathon is safe or not for the runners. To the runners, their parents, wives and relatives…they all better ask these questions before the runners decide to run in Milo Marathon.

Last Words from Remus Father:

I am not condemning the sport but the organizer who failed to make sure runners will not die of heatstroke, when the risks can be greatly minimized with proper route planning, hydration management and quick medical response. I am condemning the contribution of the apparent culture of the sponsor of diminished value of human life as indicative of its senior executive’s attitude that my son’s death is a result of lapses. My hope is something good will come out of Remus death and as result of improved organizing of the marathon run,  few lives will be saved from heatstroke. My other hope is to get justice and for the Organizing Team to  answer for his untimely death. I am working on it.

Rudy Fuentes, Father of Remus
(Source: http://www.baldrunner.com/2010/07/16/r-i-p-remus-fuentes) 

One main cause of his death - dehydration! After reading this article I said to myself "dehydration really is no joke and I need to do something about it". Now I realize it's importance. Some of us, including me don't even consider it as fatal. So, I did my own research on hydration and running, and then I started to follow a hydration therapy plan I created on my own based on those readings.

How to find out if you are dehydrated? Here are some of the symptoms...

• You don't sweat much during runs
• You have dry skin
• You don't urinate often
• You experience cramps during exercise
• You experience snowy vision
• Your blood pressure decreases (hypotension)
• You have cracking lips
• You experience constipation

What I did about my dehydration?

I planned my water consumption - I made sure I am taking as much water as I can all throughout the day. I am always keeping a 1-Liter bottle containing water on my desk at work and I finish it in 1 or 2 hours. At home, I also do the same thing on my bedroom side table so I can just grab and take a sip if I feel like it. I am not a fan of carbonated drinks and juices. I really prefer water over them. I stopped drinking coffee, tea, alcohol and carbonated drinks for a while since they are diuretics, they'll make you urinate more and they can dehydrate you.

Keeping a water bottle on sight will encourage you to drink more, even if you're not thirsty

Before I start doing my LSD runs on Sundays (Long Slow Distance, 16K or more in 3 hours time), I drink a glass of cold water. I make sure my hydration flasks are filled with fresh water. During the run, ever so often I took sips even if I'm not thirsty. That way I absorb more fluid that drinking the whole flask. Human body is like a sponge. How much we should drink during runs depends on the weather (heat and humidity), and how far are we running. The maximum amount  we should drink is the amount that can empty from our stomachs. Research shown that most runners' stomachs can only empty about 6-7 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes during running. If we drink more than that, the extra fluid will just slosh around in your stomach and not provide any additional benefit. We may be able to handle more or less than the average, however, it depends on the individual so experimenting with how much liquid your stomach will tolerate will be a good option.

I do this on a regular basis now even if I don't have upcoming races. By doing so I am maintaining myself hydrated all the time.

It's wise to strap around a Hydration Belt for instant access to drink plus a good storage of essentials like mobile phones, car keys and extra cash for emergency needs.

When I do my LSD's, I stop at convenience stores to grab an electrolyte drink - What is an Electrolyte drink? We commonly know it as Sports Drink. The famous brands are Gatorade, Powerade and my favorite, Pocari Sweat. Yes, water is good for hydration, but we cannot set aside the fact that there are some vital nutrients that water can never provide. One of those are electrolytes. 

When water is not enough, opt for a cold sports drink at a convenience store

What are Electrolytes? "Electrolytes are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart, muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across themselves and to other cells. Your kidneys work to keep the electrolyte concentrations in your blood constant despite changes in your body. For example, when you exercise heavily, you lose electrolytes in your sweat, particularly sodium and potassium. These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of your body fluids constant. So, many sports drinks have sodium chloride or potassium chloride added." (Source:  U.S. Dept. of Agricultural Database).

If I'm monitoring my sugar intake, especially on days where my spikes are very high (blood sugar suddenly goes up with no apparent reason), I opt to drink Lightwater. It's just water but with electrolytes in it. Ofcoure you won't be enjoying the fruity taste that Sports Drink has but it gives you the same benefits. It's also good option to consider if you are watching your calories.

Water plus electrolytes. A healthy option for sugar and calorie watchers!

If you feel that sports drinks are expensive, I found an alternative solution. Remember OreSol? Also known as the Oral Rehydration Solution. They come in three forms, liquid, powder and tablet. These are the ones we take in when we were little when we have Diarrhea to replace lost liquids in the body. I love seeing it sizzle when I drop it in a glass of water! Cool huh? I bet you did that too! The OreSol tablet has all the sugar, salt and electrolyte content of that of a sports drink, I think even better. You can put that into your flask instead of  buying a sports drink from a convenience store, but you wont enjoy the cool drink from their freezers though, and it does not taste better as well.

Oresol tablets costs P13.25 at Watson's

I watch my salt intake - Salt is important. It puts flavor into food and most of all, it retains water in the body for longer periods of time. But too much of it can make you bloated, and you don't want that. Before a race, I put an extra sprinkle of salt over my dinner and for my breakfast, I eat energy bars which has considerable amount of salt in it.

Salt is composed of sodium, a water retaining chemical

I give in to my thirst after a run - I drink to my hearts desire after a long and tedious run. I drink almost anything! may it be flavored or sweet. I need to give myself a break sometimes. Besides, I ran far. I need to reward myself for being such a sweet obedient girl! ^_^ 

Nai Cha Jelly from North Park is a sweet treat after a long and hard run! ^_^

After a month of sticking to my self-made hydration therapy, What I have noticed is that my acne breakouts were lessened, my skin is more radiant, my urine color is now lighter and I now sweat when I do physical activities. I know now how it feels when sweat drips down my face whenever I run. I never felt any better!

Picture taken by a Greentennial Run Photographer at Run with Doctors Race in MOA. Grabbed a cold bottle of water a few meters from the finish line. Who cares about PR's now? It was scorching hot!

Now that the climate is getting hotter, we need to make sure that we stay hydrated at all times. It is important, not only for optimum performance but for overall well-being too. A lot of health concerns starts to arise when a person is dehydrated, and worst, it can lead to death. So start hydrating and get the feel of sweltering out this summer! Have a Sweet Sweat! Enjoy!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

A Sweet Run For A Good Cause - Run 4 Life 2011

"I run for a cause, and I support runs for a cause!" -The Sweet Life Runner

Westgate, Alabang - One of the most memorable race routes I've had because I had my first 10K race here at the Run for Love, Run for Life Race, where Sir Patrick Concepcion (a.k.a. The Running Shield and one of the proponents of The Condura Skyway Marathon) commented and congratulated me on my blog entry. I lost my breath for a while when I read it. I was so stunned. I never realized someone as popular as him would visit a small blog like mine. So happy!

 

So, another chance is coming up again. Another race in Westgate, Alabang is gonna happen soon, and not to mention, it's for a very good cause!

Run 4 Life 2011 - A Run For A Cause

Sunday, May 15, 2011, 6am – 10am

3k, 5k, 10k, and 16k

The Serenity Place, Westgate Center,

Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa

Put on your running shoes and join our Fun Run for a Cause. Achievers of 3km runners contribute to the Satellite School Program, 5km runners to the Medical Mission and Patient of the Month beneficiaries, 10km runners to the community library and 16km runners to supports coach Jojo’s soccer program; we will provide uniform and other accessories for his team compose of children of prison guards in Muntinlupa.

The more achievements you make in your run, the more lives you help change. Aside from the fun aspect of a run, isn’t changing lives worth running for?

Categories, Assembly Times, Gun Starts, Maps and the Causes it supports:

If you Run 3K, you support:

Sattelite School Program

The Satellite School program is part of Lifeline Foundation’s Community Initiative. Lifeline Foundation aims to provide an environment where children are shaped into solution-finding and creative individuals. We encourage these children’s artistic expression, as well as give them, at the very least, a few hours where they feel like they’re special and are heard out. We gather underprivileged elementary students and help them master the basics of reading and math. Think of it this way: a better education equals more job opportunities, a direct path out of poverty.

You too can help these children when you run for Run4Life’s 3K division.


If you are a teacher/tutor/mentor and you just waiting to come out, you can help further. Call the Lifeline Foundation’s office at 836.2514, or call Ernest dela Cuesta at 09273763692, and be a volunteer today.

If you run 5K, you support:

Lifeline Foundation's Medical Missions

Barangay Medical Outreach — Giving back to public servants (policemen, firefighters, tanods, barangay workers, traffic aides, teachers, health workers, etc.) in our local city government; providing medical aid and health education.

When Lifeline Foundation brought the medical outreaches to the local barangays, we found that so many of the young policemen, family men in their 20’s and 30’s, have extremely high blood pressure—to the point that one of our doctors called them ticking time bombs. Lifeline Foundation not only provides medication to these men, but also teaches them lifestyle changes in diet and exercise, in order for them to have long, happy and healthy lives.

Mangyan Missions — We regularly go to Mindoro province to aid the Mangyan tribes there, providing medical assistance as well as health education.

These indigenous tribes, found on the island of Mindoro, are a simple folk who have no guile. They are extremely thankful for whatever is given them—slippers, rice, sardines, mosquito nets and the like. We have brought both doctors and dentists to these tribes people, bathed their babies and dressed them in clean clothing. Many of them have had to cross mountains and rivers in order to come to us for medical care, and we have a great need for medical specialist —dermatologists, ophthalmologists, pediatricians, etc., so we can give them the best care possible. For these missions, we leave in the middle of the night and get home late the next day, and yet, so many Lifeline Foundation volunteers come back year after year for the Mangyan Missions, that is how rewarding this experience is.

Patient of the Month Initiative

Each month Lifeline Foundation sponsors a person who cannot be productive by reason of a medical liability. We team with doctors who sponsor their services and we provide the operating expenses of any surgery needed and the medicines required.

If a man wants to work and provide for his family but cannot because he cannot see any longer, this is where we step in. Children who have had their future endangered by blindness have had laser surgery with Lifeline Foundation. The truth is, medical resources are plentiful and there are many skilled doctors willing to donate their time and energy. Our job is to connect patients with our volunteer doctors and in doing so, we help others help themselves. Know more about the patients we are supporting here: http://www.ineedalifeline.org/patient-of-the-month/

You can help these patients when you run for the Run4Life’s 5K division.

If you run 10K, you support:

Community Library

As part of Lifeline Foundation’s commitment for the betterment of people’s education, we are partnering with the local government of Barangay BF Homes for the building of a Community Library. This project aims to bring accessible library for under privileged youth who have no access to expensive reading materials.

You can help in investing for our youth’s knowledge when you run for the Run4Life’s 10K division.

If you run 16K, you support:

Youth Soccer Program

Lifeline Foundation believes in the capabilities of Filipino youth to excel in the field of sports. We will sponsor a youth soccer team, these are teams who have the potential and spirit driven but lack the materials and support to continue with their endeavor.

Help out this out-of-school soccer team when you run for Run4Life’s 16K division.

Singlet Design

Bib Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Run4Life?
- Run4Life is a fun run for cause which aims to raise funds for Lifeline Foundation’s projects and initiatives.

Who are the organizers of Run4Life?
- Run4Life is organized by the passionate volunteers of Lifeline Foundation Support Team Inc. They come from varying fields of expertise, from management, sports, arts, education, IT and web, security and others that are just passionate in changing people’s lives.

Who is Lifeline Foundation?
- Lifeline Foundation Support Team Inc. is the organizer of Run4Life. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the relief of the oppressed and the empowering of the victim-minded. The foundation’s focus is in the areas of education, health and medicine, empowerment, as well as several other areas. You can know more them at http://www.ineedalifeline.org/ or call 836.2514.

I want to help Lifeline Foundation, but I can’t run.
We believe, running is for everyone but if you really can’t you can still help in many ways. Here are some of the ways you can help:

1. You can still register without actually running, just by supporting the event.
2. You can sponsor someone or a group (contact us for groups).
3. You can be an event partner (contact us for sponsorship packages).
4. You can donate to Lifeline Foundation Inc., email at info@ineedalifeline.org
5. You can be a volunteer! Visit http://www.ineedalifeline.org/

Registration Details 

Where can we register?
-There are assigned registration centers where you can register in person. In the south area, you can register at Lifeline Foundation HQ, Sujiivana Salon or Guhit Kamay Arts in ATC and for other areas; you can go to select Chris Sports branches. You can also register online, more details about the registration here: http://www.ineedalifeline.org/run4life/registration/

Can we get the Race Kit upon registration?
YES you can get the race kits upon registration. Be advised though that the singlet is available on a first come, first served basis. So register early!

What if the singlet ran out when I register, will I still get a Bib Number?
Yes with your timing chip on it.

How can I claim my Race Kit if I registered online?
Once you send us the proof of payment and we verified it, we will contact you for pick-up spots. Otherwise we can send it to you via courier but with additional cost.

What are the qualifications for joining is there an age limit?
The registration is open for all ages; however participants below 18 years old must have their entries signed by a parent or a guardian. Also please ensure that you have had sufficient training and that you choose a race category that best suits your current physical capabilities.

Can I send someone to register on my behalf?
Yes, just send the filled-out form and the payment to any of our registration partners.Details of the registration partners and downloadable registration forms here: click here.


Race Kit, Timing Chip and Singlet

What is in the Race Kit? What will I get upon registration?
Upon registration you will get the following:

1. Run4Life 2011 Singlet (Available on a first come, first served basis.)
2. Runnnigmate Race Bib with built-in timing chip.
3. Payment Receipt

Are you partnering with Runningmate again, and do we get the race results right after the race from their high-tech facilities just like last year?
Yes! After you cross the finish line, you can step at our Timing partner’s race result viewer and get your timing statistics on the screen. Make sure you are wearing your race bib and sensors are not blocked.

What is the proper way to wear the Race Bib with Timing Chip?
Attach the Race Bib on you Singlet with your race number in front.

How do I handle the Race Bib with Timing Chip?
The runningmate Race Bib with built-in Timing Chip should not be folded and don’t subject liquids and magnets.



Race Details / Race Day

Where do I get the details for the gun start?
Please click here for the schedule for each route.

Can I still register on the race day?
Yes, but there is no guarantee with the singlet/race kit availability.

Where can I find Information on the race day?
A registration / information booth will be open.

Will someone take my photograph and video?
We have volunteers that will take photos and videos.

Where do I get the race results?
Please refer to “Are you partnering with Runningmate again…” under Race Kit, Timing Chip and Singlet. The Race Results will also be posted in this website as soon as it’s available.

Are there other activities after the race?
Yes, there will be a program that will be held after the run. Some sponsors will also have promotional activities on their respective booths.

What do we get after the run?
Finishers get a loot bag from our sponsors and a certificate for joining the race and the opportunity to contribute to Lifeline Foundation’s initiatives.

Race Results available HERE.

Bring a book good for library use (fiction or non-fiction, for children and adults). Every book you bring, you get 1 raffle ticket. Prizes await!

Every peso made from Run4Life2011 goes to Lifeline Foundation's Mangyan and
Community Medical Missions; Satellite School Program for the youth of BF Homes;
Soccer Youth Program and the construction of our Community Library.

All proceeds go toward these very good causes that empower and uplift people's lives.

Now that the running community is getting bigger and bigger, we need to show that we have a good reason for running, not just for bonding time with friends or for our own self. It's high time to share what we have and make running a purposeful one. Do support runs for a cause. REGISTER NOW!

(Information credits to http://www.ineedalifeline.org)

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

Grace to Finish - A Sweet Race around Cuenca Park

Ayala Alabang Village, the most sought-after residential subdivision in the Metro South because of it's prime location, first-class facilities, easy accessibility to the business districts of Muntinlupa, Makati, Pasay and Pasig and it's great reputation even after 30 years of its existence. Having the upper class people as its residents, this place has become a status symbol of the rich and the famous. It has an area of approximately 700 hectares, this sprawling subdivision is located in Barangay Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City bordered by (Las Piňas City, Paraňaque City, and Bacoor, Cavite). It is connected by a network of 70 kilometers of concrete roads. It is, by far, bigger than all the primary subdivisions in Makati City put together, and in this place also lies Cuenca Park.

I remembered the time I was around Ayala Alabang Village when we were shooting for the Audio-Visual Presentation of the MultiSport 101 Event Series, I had a chance to come across Cuenca Park. The park is so beautiful! with all the richness of nature abound. The huge shady trees, green grass and the recreational facilities like the playground is perfect for families who wants to have a natural outdoor experience. Who would have thought that in the heart of this prime residential village, there is this park that captures the tranquility of nature? Impressive!

So, you want to see it for yourself right? But why just see if you can experience running the route?

Singles Aposotolate of St. James the Great Renewal Movement and powered by RunRio Inc., brings you Grace To The Finish - The 1st Fundraising Race Event.

When: June 05, 2011

Where: Cuenca Park , Ayala Alabang Village

Race Categories: 3k/5k/10k

Assembly Time: 5:15 am

Early Bird Registration

Runs up to April 17, 2011 (Sunday) - EXTENDED UNTIL APRIL 30

Registration fee = P450.00 (Individual) / P350 each (Group of 4)

*Register during the early bird rate period to be assured of your singlet size preference*

Regular Registration

April 18 up to May 8, 2011

Registration fee = P500.00 (Individual) / P400 each (Group of 4) 

Singlet Sizes Choices: XS – XXL

Race Packet Distribution: May 28-June 3

Goodies: Prizes await placers in all categories

Purpose: Fundraising for the following beneficiaries:

1. Singles Encounter Weekend Retreat (a retreat aimed to give individuals a personal encounter with God)
2. Sitio Espeleta, Muntinlupa (a community of relocated informal settlers that is in great need of our generosity and support)

Registration Forms can be downloaded HERE

For more details email gracetothefinish@gmail.com or visit the Grace To Finish Facebook Page.

"Let us continue supporting runs for a cause. Let's make our every runs purposeful!"  
-The Sweet Life Runner


Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^

A Sweet Deal From The Sweet Life Runner: FREE RACE KIT for Run with Doctors Race on May 1!

Labor Day should not be a rest day at home, it should be a perfect time to go out and run!

So, our good friends from RunRio Inc. and PCPF (Philippine College of Physicians Foundation) who are feeling generous today are giving away FIVE (5) FREE RACE KITS for the PCPF Run with Doctors on May 1, 2011 at MOA Grounds.

You can check out the Race Details HERE.

How to win? Well, it's pretty simple!

All you have to do is to choose from the following: 

1.Follow my blog, to do that click HERE. and comment this on this post: "I want a free race kit on labor day! choose me!" (If the link won't work, just go to the right side of this blog and hit follow).

and/or

2. Follow me on twitter (sweetliferunner) and tweet this: "I want a free race kit on labor day @sweetliferunner. choose me!".

Then, like my facebook page: The Sweet Life Runner and post on the wall in this format:

If you followed my Blog:
Blog Follower (Your Username), (Full Name, Distance, Birthday, Age, Gender, Email Address)

If you followed me on Twitter:
Twitter Follower (Your Twitter Username), (Full Name, Distance, Birthday, Age, Gender, Email Address)

If you do Both:

Blog & Twitter Follower! (Your Usernames), (Full Name, Distance, Birthday, Age, Gender, Email Address)

Following will earn you ONE (1) raffle entry. If you do both, you'll have TWO (2) raffle entries!

Winners will be raffled off through a random sampling method and will be announced on April 28, Friday evening on The Sweet Life Runner Facebook Page.

I know you want this one so what are you waiting for? Don't let this sweet deal pass you by. JOIN NOW!

Good Vibes everyone and Sweet Running! ^_^