Unilab Run United 3 2012 Overview

Rains didn’t stopped the loyal Run United runners to attend and finish their race today at SM Mall of Asia.  I slept at Paco Manila to be able to attend this event with my niece.  This was my first time to try to run at 5K pace, so I was excited to know if my body can take the challenge.

Before going at MOA early this morning, I checked the Unilab Active Health Facebook page if the running event will push through or not. It was nice that the facebook page admin updated everyone that they will continue the event rain or shine, and the marshalls have already set up the lighting and water stations as early as 1AM.

We arrived at MOA at 5:30AM and the gun start for 5K was at 5:45.  I thought that because it was raining it will start late so my niece and I could eat our breakfast first. Unfortunately, Runrio committed to the scheduled time and started the race on time. And because of that, I was late.

One day before the race, I saw this at Runrio page:

In response to the concerns of runners and non-runners alike regarding littering during race events, another RunRio innovation will have its “debut” at the 2012 Run United 3 – the RunRio rectangular trash bins/containers! These bins will be strategically situated in between hydration stations/tables for runners to easily throw their used cups/banana peels without having to stop running.

Unfortunately, maybe not everyone saw this post and because of that there were still lots of used plastic cups at the floor at every hydration station.  This was a nice idea by Runrio, maybe next time they should tell this from the very start so that more runners will be aware.

Another new activity that runners are not that aware of was the FREE Unilab Active Health Tote Bags.  Finishers can get this bag after completing 10 stamps by visiting 5 major sponsor’s booths and 5 minor sponsor’s booths.

I will not know about this too if I did not opened the duffle bag that I got after the race, and saw the paper inside with the rules on how to claim the FREE Unilab Active Health Tote Bag.  Some runners went home after the race, while some didn’t want to fall in line anymore because of the continous rain.  This bag was supposed to be for the first 2,000 runners only and when we got home there were still lots of bag at the redemption area.

There were lots of things I realized this day.

1. That I should not eat 15 minutes before running.  It should be at least 30 minutes or an hour (argh!!!)
2. To be punctual even when its raining especially if the organizer is Runrio because they strictly follow the scheduled time.
3. It is better to start the race when you are in front, it is more fun to know that you are ahead of other runners hahaha.
4. That if its raining, I can finish the 5K distance even without water, because I can drink the water running from my face already LOL
5. That I should wear pants or shorts with adjustable belt when it is raining because when wet, the shorts/pants gets heavy and there is a tendecy to fall down (I need to hold on to it to stop it from falling down)
6.  Not to bring any gadgets.  I can’t use my camera while running so why bring it along.

Unilab have released their calendar of activities for next year, and surprisingly there are no slots for 500 m dash for kids and 3K.  The shortest distance is 5K, so if you want to join next year’s event and you are running for 3K dash now then you must train yourself to level up to 5K dash and up.

I envied all the 21K and 32K runners who have medals on their necks, I hope I have the courage to do the same next year.

Oh, by the way, the 500m dash for kids did not push through because of non stop raining.  There were lots of kids who arived today, but nevertheless I hope they enjoyed the fun activities at the Day Care station.  My niece was quite disappointed because after winning 2nd place at the Run united 2, she was looking forward to get a medal again this time.

In the end, we went home wet and no shoes but still I can say that running in the rain is more fun at Run United 3.