SM Running continues to gain momentum across the Philippines, drawing thousands of participants to organized races and community events. Over the weekend, SM Supermalls emerged as a key hub for this growing fitness movement, hosting major race events that attracted large crowds.

SM Supermalls strengthened its position as one of the country’s premier running destinations as more than 32,000 runners joined two major race events in Cebu and at SM Mall of Asia. The strong turnout highlighted the increasing popularity of running as both a sport and a lifestyle activity.

FWD is the sponsor of the "World's Coolest Marathon"! Yes, it is the coolest, literally, because the marathon is happening in one of the below zero degree places in the world. Where else but the North Pole, the "FWD North Pole Marathon".

Another great news FWD Philippines brings is its campaign "Fearless in the Arctic". At a media event held few days ago, FWD Philippines introduced its representative runner for the FWD North Pole Marathon, Ms. Joyette Jopson.  During the media event, full support were showed to Ms. Joyette, from the squad member to FWD Philippines executives, to members and supporters. Ms. Joyette is a triathlete, 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines Filipino Elite Champion, and FWD Financial Wealth Officer. She will be flying to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the forthcoming FWD North Polo Marathon. Imagine the cold weather, the terrain, and the challenge.

“FWD is extremely proud to continue our support for this challenging and one-of-a-kind event, as it resonates our core values of empowering people to pursue their passions and explore a lifetime of limitless possibilities,” said FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes said. “Moreover, as a Pan-Asian insurer, we are a strong supporter of Asian achievement, endurance, and excellence.”

Jopson will be joined by FWD representative runners from Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, collectively called FWD Team Asia, as well as runners from around the world, in what is dubbed as one of the world’s most challenging and grueling sporting events.


“We chose Joyette as the Philippines’ representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon this year because of her indomitable spirit, something that will help her conquer the North Pole. As the first Filipina who is set to conquer the marathon, she will proudly bring both FWD and Filipino Pride to the world stage,” Grimes added. “Joyette has broken her own barriers as a triathlete, competing with the most experienced athletes in the world, and this is why we believe she is perfect to be the country’s representative this year.”

“As an FWD Financial Wealth Officer, I take to heart our mission to take care of our customers’ financial future and change the way people feel about insurance,” Jopson said. “I am truly grateful to have been chosen to represent FWD and the Philippines in the North Pole Marathon as this really will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me! Inspired by the FWD’s Get Ready to Live brand spirit, I will bring with me relentless courage and determination against the world’s harshest conditions as I aim to make my country proud.”

How extreme is the "World's Coolest Marathon"? Well, as what the Guinness World Record recognize it the "Northernmost Marathon on Earth" is a very unique and extreme marathon, it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. This marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS). Adding to its uniqueness, it is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.


Toughest marathons it may seems but we know Filipinos can conquer everything and Joyette, she'll the first Filipina to conquer the "World's Coolest Marathon".

My 2nd run after the unanticipated first official run in Quezon Province.  I think I'll be starting my running enthusiasm again.  Though this event is annually celebrated, this is my very first time to join the Race for Life event.  Thanks to Chris Sports for having us join this running event.

For some reason or perhaps due to the physical fitness program of the office where I'm working with some of my officemates were there also at the event.  At first I didn't know that the running event they are joining was the Race for Life.  Most of my co-workers are surprised that I was there and they've thought that I joined the run through my own means.   For the record since it was the fitness program of the company most of the employees who will join are covered by the office.  Well, good for those who truly and did run.  For me, I was delighted because Chris Sports were gracious enough to include me in the running event through the great effort of Jeman and Ms. Arlene.  Thanks to those wonderful people!


Waking up and traveling early dawn was something that I have missed.  It's been rare that I do travel at a very early dawn.  So for this specific day it was really an effort.  Aside from the venue is totally far away from my place, I'm not sure and familiar also with the transportation schedule, especially at early dawn.

I got to the place, relaxed and was able to met some familiar face whom I have not met for quite some time.  Also I took time to chat with some of the bloggers and my officemates as well.  Few minutes before the run I prepared myself with the notion of breaking my first 35 minute run.

Bang!  The signal for the 10k run echoed, afterwards 5k runners were called to the starting line.   I was still waiting for Ms. Arlene for the shirt when suddenly another bang boomed and people from the starting line commenced with the run.  Since I'm on the moved to break my record I hurriedly join the runners and run.

The path was flat, no uphill and downhill, and good that I was running on shoes this time.  So basically I got the advantage of break my 35 minute run.  I did get to the half mark and got the loop tag as proof that I did get to the first half of the race track.  Though I was running as much as I can there were times that my stomach weren't cooperating, causing some gastric reactions that hinders me from running more and slowing me down.  I feel bad about it.  A few more minutes and I'm near the finish line.  Looking at the clock... I got disappointed with the time.  It's 42 minutes!  Way too slow compared to my previous run.

Though disappointed I still get a relief that I was able to finish the run.  Lesson learned don't do anything foolish a day or night before the run it will really cause you problem.  Perhaps next time I need to prepare more.  I just hope to get a time to join more running events.