This blogger has talked about races in the Philippines and the different promotions that put the races on.
In November 2017, I finally had the opportunity to take part in a Tabko.ph 20 Mile race in Pasay City.
This runner certainly was not in the best of shape going into the race. The week before, I participated in a race at UP Dilman. The 10K was the worst of my career although I had a blast. Having a chance to run The Oval is something that everyone whether Filipino or anywhere around the world should run. It is a place that this runner would train several days a week if I lived in Metro Manila.
The Takbo.ph 16K, part of a series of races that morning was really special. First off, I've known Jinoe and Que going back to 2008 when visiting the Philippines on a running vacation for the first time. They have always been nice and appreciative, not only to myself but with the running community. It was at a time when the running craze was growing in Metro Manila as well as Cebu. When I finally retired from working full time in 2017, Doing a Takbo.ph race was one of the top things when visiting.
Prior to the 20 miler, Patrick Concepcion and I were warming up in preparation and we eventually had a photo-op. We had a chance to meet up after both of us were completed and talked about running and visiting America again one day. I understand there is a duo photo of Patrick and myself in the two different events from the event. Honestly, am humbled greatly by this. For years, Patrick and I talked about training, races, and exchanged training methods. Also, Patrick was well known in the running community and was definitely great and kind with those that he knew.
A couple of weeks ago, I found out that he passed away and it hit really hard. For several years, this runner because of injuries, the covid pandemic and disinterest became out of touch with the sport and with the running community in the Philippines and in America. There was the Stripes Run 5K I did in 2023 in Pasay City and the local Bay To Breakers 12K here in 2024.
The race itself was well run, but this runner did poorly. I believe I saw Dennis and a couple of other runners out there on the course. The weather was good compared to some other long races when the humidity was a factor. The aid stations were perfectly run, the kilometer markers were perfect according to the Garmin, etc.
During the second half of the 16K, there were a couple of women that were struggling. They wanted to stop right there. Since I was not going to run a good time that day, the two runners actually joined in and slowly ran with me. The conversation from this runner was "you can do this!" When they needed to walk, I walked along with them just to keep them going. Both of them finished right in front of me at the finish (this runner didn't want to be macho!) so one mission on the race was accomplished.
Afterwards, I thanked Que and numerous staff members for the job they did on the race. For those reading this, Takbo.ph continues to have races throughout the year and they have their own website. Here is their website URL. Please click the link below this paragraph.
Afterwards, there were a few photo-ops, breakfast with several people including an old friend, Mon from the Happy Feet Running Club. A couple of days later, I headed back to San Francisco on another flight. It would be December 2022 when I returned to the Philippines.
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