Energizer Night Race - The Island Edition

South Korea, Argentina, South Africa, Malaysia, The Philippines. The fifth installment of Energizer’s “Keeps Going and Going” global ad campaign was staged in Mandaue City in Cebu on July 10, 2010. Some 2,500 eager runners, sporting glow in the dark singlets and headlights, took the streets and spiced up an evening earlier drenched with rains. Judging by the reaction, the crowd composed largely of onlookers seemed to have enjoyed the sight.

Collaboration

The foundation head and the beneficiaries

The event was a joint project of Energizer and GMA Network, with the former providing, among other things, gears and the latter, the entertainment. It kicked off with GMA Kapuso Foundation chair Mel Tiangco’s handing over mercury-free hearing aids to some hearing-impaired children. Pre- and post-race, runners were treated to a variety show which featured live bands and performances from the network’s stable of stars. Ana Maris Igpit, Rico Robles and Bela Padilla acted as hosts.

Parokya ni Edgar, Simon Losiaboi and Katrina Halili

Highs and Lows

The distribution of headlights and caps went on smoothly. For some quarters, the free headlight was the only reason they signed up for the race. The courtesy booths were also helpful, the staffs were very polite. I just find saying “you’re welcome” and “come again” in unison funny but a bit annoying. It’s the first time I took advantage of it and would probably use it again next time.

The race was supposed to start 8:30pm but race gun was fired a bit later. This is what usually happens when everybody wants that 15-minute fame or when event involves celebrities (lahat gustong magpasikat!). Runners were positioned according to category, 10K followed by 5K then 3K, to allow order upon leaving the starting line. But some people just couldn’t follow simple rules. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

The race course was well-secured, one lane was allotted to the runners, exclusively. To some extent, it caused heavy build-up but I’m sure people who witnessed this rare occasion were forgiving at that time. Marshalls were also on hand to assist. There were plenty of water stations and abundant water supply except at the last one where cups ran out I had to drink from the pitcher (without kissing the lid, of course). At finish line, more water flowed but food has gone completely AWOL.

The 10K race distance was short by 600 meters. Those who thought made new PRs were surely disappointed.

Ka-Blog, Ka-FB, Kapamilya, Kapuso, Kapatid

The running community is growing and so is social networking. Apart from sharing a common interest, another good side of it is actually seeing them actualize their passion. Just before the race, I bumped into Any Given Sunday's Ling Abella and chatted for awhile. Plus picture-picture.

Ling (3rd from left) with Team Yellow Jersey

I noticed Katol V. of A Shoe Story when he called Max Limpag of Sun Star who was standing next to me at the holding area. He was with fellow ARC and Daily Mile Runners. We paced for the first 2K or so of the first lap.

Katol (with blue towel) with ARC Runners

I would soon label her “The Overtaker”, in a good way. Why? During the final 1.5K in the Planet Sports Run, she acknowledged me by saying “hello” then went past me. In last Saturday’s night race, I returned the favor by saying “hi” just before the final lap of 10K. She turned, smiled then sped away. That’s Ged!

Ged (middle) with friends

I said it before and will say it again – any race won’t be complete without Twinkle Gonzalez Ignacio. I have already run out of superlatives to describe your love for the sport. So just continue what you’re doing because it’s just amazing! And by the way, saw your interview on TV. Wow! Ibang level ka na talaga!

Twinkle in another fascinating ensemble

People came in droves. Mom and Dad with kids in tow.  Barkadahan who chose to spend their Saturday night on a good cause.  Club runners. Competitive runners. Recreational runners.  And those who simply just love to run.  The event made for perfect bonding.

Nene and her family

Finally, it’s a welcome change to see friends from work outside the typical environment. I’m certain they all experienced a sense of fulfillment and pride crossing the finish line. The Yellow Jersey hopes to see more of them in future races.

Amy, Jinky, PJ, Rhea, Leo, Mildred, Diosyl

The Elites

Mary Joy and John Philip

She’s often called the other Mary, in reference with a champion runner who goes by the same name. But in no time I think, she will dominate and gain stellar billing, soon. Mary Joy Tabal topped the 5K Women’s category with a time of 20:49. Meanwhile, John Philip Duenas placed 3rd in 10K Men’s (not a lucky night, huh). I admire these young athletes (I used to train with their group). Despite the accolades that continue to pile up and their impressive resumes, they remain grounded and humble. Keep it up, guys!

Other winners include Mary Grace Delos Santos (10K Women), Adonis Singson (10K Men), Kenyan missionary Simon Losiaboi (5K Men), Aiza Suaybaguio (3K Women) and Jorry Ycong (3K Men).

Milestones

Drumroll - The Yellow Jersey salutes these landmark runs:

Team Yellow Jersey

• Ricky bravely accepted the 10K challenge and finished it convincingly (partida pa yan ha, no preparations). It’s only his 2nd race, the 1st was 7K (Che and Dahyan, are you listening?).
• Alex ran his 6th 10K race and 8th overall and did it less than an hour (sub-1). Wow! We should really be ready for our half-mary in September.

Dahyan, Tina, Che, Amy, Jinky, Daisy, Alex, Ricky, Leonette

• 
  
  Daisy ran her 2nd race, her first was the early morning Fair Trade run. Energizer Run was her first night race. Hmmmm…puro firsts ha.

• Che and Dahyan ran their 7th 5K race, and 8th race overall. Their other race was the 7K Kapamilya Run. They’re now contemplating about moving a notch up.

TYJ with Energizer mascot

• Jinky ran her 5th 5K race, Amy her 4th 5K. It’s also the 6th 5K race for Tina and Leonette. I know they will soon get out of their comfort zone and shift to longer distance runs. Kaya nyo yan, ladies.
• Shildy and Co. are our mountaineer friends and once in a while they dabble on running. It’s Shy’s 2nd run with Team Yellow Jersey.

Shildy and friends

• As for me, it’s my 14th race since I started in March 2010.

Prayers for Alex

Our condolences to the family of Alexander Landero, a 19-year old runner from Danao who died in a freak accident at the city’s district hospital. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the comfort of his family.

Stay safe, people. Stay together.

Add'l photos: Dexter Samolde, Diabel Rodriguez, Claudio Monceda, Nene Lansang and Ged Gejon