The Race Kit
Includes race bib with the laminated time chip, singlet, route info, and two glow sticks.
The Singlet Design
If I were to grade it, I'd give it a 5 out of 10. Good material, cool design, but the printing made it heavy to wear. Also, I am not sure I liked how it felt when the print got soaked with sweat, because the print somehow felt like dampened sponge against half my torso. Ick. Cool reflectors on the back though.
The Race Course
The start and finish lines were on Aseana Avenue near Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, left on an unnamed road (per Nike+ GPS route into), right on Bradco, turning on yet two other unnamed streets, back on Bradco, another turn going to Aseana, and back to the start/finish line, where we were to turn around to follow the same race route two more times to complete fifteen kilometers. As there were no buildings around with the wide roads in excellent (newly constructed) conditions, it was a great course because there was plenty of space for running (unlike in the Nike We Walk este, Run Manila, where the pictures looked more like a rally than a fun run). No uphill or downhill routes--perfect for runners with knee issues. There were a lot of race marshals and hydration stations, to the point where a runner behind me, who for some reason felt that he had to drink water every time there is a hydration station, became exasperated. The marshals also cheered on the runners--very good for morale. It also helped me to know that I was running beside V for Vendetta, Wolverine, a mental patient, Cloud, and "Coach Rio" (the race was also a costume party). It was one of the best routes I've ran on so far, and I do hope that there will be more runs to be held there while the area isn't so urbanized yet. The only problem I have with it is that it is inaccessible to commuters like me (the closest that a cab can drop us off was about 1.25 km to the activity area, and upon going home to hail another one is to walk just about the same distance--not good after running fifteen kilometers).
The Post-Race Program
After the race, a series of bands took on the stage in between raffle draws, and acts like Ebe Dancel, Jeepney Joyride, Roots of Nature and many others kept a party going. The crowd wasn't so enthusiastic about it though, perhaps due to the exhaustion, though there was a lot of free Manila Beer. There were food stalls, a changing area, a booth for the St. Luke's medical crew, a baggage repository area, and booths that sold sporting goods. And no, there were no issues with the loot bags like last year.
Overall, I'd say it was one of the better runs organized this year so far.
Next reviews: The Energizer Night Race
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