Takbo.ph Runfest is an annual event with Leadpack as the organizer. This is also one of the running events that run enthusiasts are always looking forward at the start of the second half of the year. Regardless of the venue, they always own the third Sunday of July as their run schedule.
Takbo.ph caters 21Km, 10Km and 5Km distances. One good reason that attracts runners to join this particular run is the medal for all finishers. They certainly come up with unique designs of their medal and singlet that for every runner is one GO factor in joining the event. Only runners of 21Km distance will receive finisher’s shirts though.
With all the freebies, I am able to convince Feby, Philamer, Ryan and Edwin to join the event. Though they choose to run the 5Km distance only, they are then excited to be receiving their first running medal. As usual I will be running the 21km category.
July 17, 2016
As early as 3:30am I am already at the parking lot near the race village in BGC. The route will cover running from BGC to SLEX via Buendia then back to BGC taking right towards McKinley, U-turn slot before Libingan ng mga Bayani then going back to BGC towards the finish line at 32nd St.
The gun start is right on schedule at 4am. As usual I am not wearing the official singlet. This time, I am wearing neon green Adidas running singlet. So far, I am a bit comfortable with the route because I already run the route on NatGeo Earth Day Run. My target for now is to beat my previous 21km running time on record at 2:40 during the last Run United Runrio Trilogy Leg 2.
By the way, I am alone in my 21Km category because all my friends are running 5km only. No other Team Homebuddies running this time. I am just looking forward meeting my friends along the route. Actually I did meet them all at the Buendia Flyover. Ryan is running ahead of them then Feby and Philamer, and finally Edwin not from afar.
My friends will all be at the finish line ahead of me because the time we meet at the route, I still have 10kms more to run while they only have 2.5kms. No pressure on my part, I just enjoy the road while trying to speed up a bit aspiring for at least 2:30 time. It’s exhausting!
At the 19km marker, I send them update on my location thru FB messenger. They are all at the finish line waiting for me. Ryan and Edwin already have a selfie with Rodjun Cruz while Feby and Philamer are having a rest at one place.
They already have an idea on my target arrival time; they are all waiting for me at the finish line. We are happy seeing each other when I cross the finish line. After taking my loot bag, we wait for the program to finish hoping that we can win one of the prizes at stake. When done, we have the chance to pose at the stage with the podium, that feeling of being the fastest runner.
Not quite a while, we choose to have our breakfast at Kanto Freestyle in Pasig so we are now heading to the parking lot. While walking, Ysa is still on the road taking pictures on the remaining runners, so we also pose for one. Then we see the very last runner running towards the finish line, I really salute this lady. She’s a chub lady yet she manages to run all the way to the finish line.
Overall, the event is a success. I also successfully achieve my personal record, not 2:30 but only 2:37. Yes, it’s not the target yet I still beat my previous record for 21km. Thanks to Leadpack for organizing well the event.
Location: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Run Date: July 17, 2016
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