Another great running event organized by Unilab Active Health and RunRio Inc., The Run United 2. It is the second leg of the trilogy and runners who've joined the first run would have already completed two thirds of the pie medal.

Early dawn of June 17, 2012 came a bed weather. As much as I wanted to stay in bed and curled under the sheet, duty calls, plus I wanted to see this well anticipated running event. Rain starts to shower when I left the house, then it pours a bit harder while travelling off to SM Mall of Asia.

The Start and Finish Line

The road was wet and the whole venue were still dripping with rain water. Though the weather was not good, still, runners are coming in and piling up for this running event. Some were still with sleepy eyes and some are already eager to run. It was around past 5 AM when runners started looking for their category areas. Great that the whole venue are well mapped out with signs and banners to easily locate category areas.

Runners looking for their category area.

Runners getting ready for the run'

Few minutes before 5:30 AM, runners for the 10K Category run started to gather in the starting line and they were given a little warm up and some few reminders before the run. Then the gun fire was shot. Bang! And they're off.  Few minutes after, it was time for the 5K Category run.  Everyone lined up in front of the starting line and as a routine runners need to get warmed up before engaging to a run.  Everyone pump up their joints and ligaments with the beat of the music.  Runners settled and waited.  Then the much awaited gun shot fired! The 5K Category run has most number of participants which took time before the area was cleared.  As much as I wanted to join the run, I'm well aware that I wouldn't catch up with the fastest runner and I might not catch the winners crossing the finish line. So, I've stayed behind and waited.

It's the right decision to stay behind and waited because just a few minutes after they've been off to run, the fastest runner for the 10K Category run was already visible from the finish line. Few more seconds and he reached the finish line. Followed by the fastest runner from the 5K Category.  Two of the 5K Category runner were Filipinos and the other one is a foreigner.  They are just minutes away from each other.  Panting for their breath, marshals placed an ID tag on them to indicate that they were the top three fastest runner for the 5K Category Run.  Top three fastest female runner for the 5K Category run were also given an ID tag for proper distinction.  Few more minutes and most of the runners already crossed the finish line, mostly are 5K Category runners.   Different runners, different styles and different tricks to attract attention but they all have one common goal... to cross that finish line.

Great way to celebrate FATHER'S DAY with Dad!

Since the 5K Category run has the most number of participants, runners built a traffic in getting their loot bags.  Thanks to the marshals it was immediately addressed and avoided longer build up of traffic.  Some of the runners who runs the 5K Category is the Father and Son tandem (see the picture above) in which the son is proudly wrote "MY DAD" and a line pointing to his father on his chest.  He sure was aware of the Father's Day.

After covering the runs it was time to roam around the event area. Get to try different facilities and brand booths. Most of the brand booths were engaging enough for the runners, kids and parents. It is indeed a great place to enjoy by the whole family, especially in a very good weather. While doing round ups with the booths I was able to interview different runners and get their insights about the entire event. Three of whom I've interviewed were first timers who take down the challenge of running the 5K Category run and two were a couple who happens to be celebrating their wedding anniversary that day. They enjoyed the run and they assured that they'll be joining again on the next run. I was able to interview other runners who have joined the first leg and they were very happy to have completed the second leg and they are looking forward for the next leg of the run. All of them agreed that it was a great running event, though there were some recommendations raised. Some of the recommendations were:

• To have more tables and staff in providing loot bags and giveaways for the runners. 
• To have more kilometer marker.

John, first time to join a run.

Sweet couple, first time to join a run.

After an hour of booth hopping and interviews it was time for the announcements of winners. The first few awarding was enjoined by Zoren Legazpi and Carmina Villaroel together with their kids. Trophies, medals, and other prizes were given to the winners. In between of the awarding, participants for the Cheerdance Competition does their routine. Here are the winners of Run United 2 in different categories.



Great that the weather cooperated with the event which enables the runners and organizers (Unilab Active Health and Ranrio Inc.) to make the entire activity a success. What I like about the event is the whole shebangs. They were able to grasp the interests of runners not only during the run but also after. The thirst are not only quench but also the hunger for fun and exciting activities.

I never thought that running will be this popular to many people, perhaps that's because they have made running more fun, especially in the Philippines. When I was still a bachelor, running has been one of my favorite activity. It makes me more energize and always on the go. Since I work inside the Clark Special Economic Zone there's nothing else to do but run. I do my run in the morning and in the afternoon. It was great gaining more grounds every time I run. It's like completing a level in a video game.

After marriage, my run has been reduced due to some activities that needs attention but I still make sure to have time to run or a brisk walk to keep me active. It was further reduced when my favorite running shoes were already worn out. It was its time to rest.

I know companies that are organizing fun runs but never knew that more and more will initiate this activity. Some do fun runs in their communities and others in known places. Last year it was my first time to join and experience fun run. It was an out of town run which I came unprepared but thankfully it went out well. Then the rest of the story is history. I'm running again!


Unilab Active Health and RunRio Inc. organized the Run United 2 this coming June 17 and is off to break the half-marathon category record set during Run United 1 earlier inI March. As registration closed over the weekend for the 21K category, the 5,000 mark has already been breached. It was expected to have over 14,000 registrants in all categories for the much-awaited run race.

According to Alex Panlilio, Head of Unilab Active Health “This shows the matuirty of Filipino runners, there are still many running enthusiasts who run with friends and families for fun. But long-distnace runners are keeping pace in terms of the turnout at Run United races.

RunRio President, Rio dela Cruz disclosed that “Run United 2 is slated to be the biggest 21km race in the Philippines. At Run United 1 earlier this, there were 4,000 21K runners. We are just getting bigger every year.” Also it was said that their target is 5,000 slots for the half-marathon or 21k category but they will accommodate some more runners if necessary.

The Run United 2 categories, namely the 500m dash for kids, 3k, 5k, and 10k will start and finish at the SM Mall of Asia except for the 21k which will start at BGC and will finish at SM Mall of Asia.

In-store registrants of Run United 2 will instantly received their singlets. The race kits will be claimed at the first ever Run United Expo which is a new enhancement to the Run United experience, patterned after well known international races. The expo will let runners experience the latest trends in the running industry and they can also avail of huge discounts from the exhibitors. A special line of Run United memorabilia apparel will also be available for Run United enthusiasts.  The Run United 2 Race Expo will be held from June 12 to June 16 at Block 51, 9th Ave. Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Claimants should bring their registration receipt or confirmation email when claiming their race kits. The specific schedule of race kit distribution at the race expo are as follows: June 12 to 13/2-8PM/Priority Lane: 21K/Regular lane: all other categories; June 14 /11-8pm/Priority 10K; June 15/11-8pm/Priority 5K; and June 16/11-8pm/Priority: 500m dash, 3K & 5K.





There will be some new concepts and services that will be introduce for the participants and their families at Run United 2 including the improved Active Health Expo with more areas to explore and services to avail. Regular activities such as photo booth, awards program, and cheer-dance competition will still be there.  The Active Health Expo will feature the following areas:

• Active Kids Zone: a daycare center where activities such as puppet shows, art classes, among others await the runners’ children.
• Runners’ Lounge Zone: after the race, runners can reward themselves here where they can try the ice cooling stations, free stretching services of physical therapists, among others for faster recovery.
• i-Connect Zone: where runners can share the Run United experience in social networking sites with free wi-fi connection in digital stations.
• Health, Sports and Leisure Zone: where runners can participate in activities and challenges that promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Participants also get a chance to win prizes.
• Food Zone: Food treats galore where runners can load up on protein, carbo and health drinks to recover fast and stay healthy.

All of the Run United 2 finishers for the categories 500m, 3K, 5K and 10K categories will receive an Active Health sling bag, drinks, and race analysis. 21K runners will receive a finisher’s medal, finisher’s shirt, Active Health sling bag, drinks, and race analysis.

For more inquiries on Run United and Active Health, check out these websites: www.unilabactivehealth.com and www.runrio.com as well as their respective fan pages on Facebook and Twitter to check more schedules with Run United. Race results will be available within three days after the race.