Is a full marathon too long and a 10k fun run too short for you? Then check out RUNRIO’s latest offering: a six-leg series of half-marathons to be run all over the Philippines.
Running enthusiasts who are looking to gradually up their distance targets will be pleased to know that a series of half-marathons, or 21 kilometers, is in the offing.
The more popular distances of five kilometers and 10 kilometers are still in demand, but recent data has suggested that there is now a growing market segment of runners who are ready to move on from short distances but aren’t quite ready yet for a full marathon.
Realizing this, on Wednesday, leading running events company RUNRIO announced a partnership with Puma to promote half-marathons. Officially known as the Puma Philippine Half Series, the event will feature six half-marathons spread all over the country.
“Running, worldwide, is really booming,” said RUNRIO general manager Andrew Neri. “Every month, it’s increasing. And what we noticed, especially with the longer-distance categories, 5K and 10K, most of them want longer distance. 15K and 21K. Even 42K. So that’s something we’re preparing.
“When we made our forecast, we based it on last year. And apparently, this year, the forecast has changed. And that’s something of a positive note, that people really want to improve and run longer distances.”
The legs will be held in Manila on October 4, Davao on October 19, Cebu on October 26, Cagayan de Oro on November 23, Iloilo on November 30, and Clark on December 14. The six legs are meant to showcase the country’s diverse culture as well as promote local tourism.
“We encourage everyone to run, visit, and enjoy the Philippines through events like this,” said Department of Tourism Director for Golf Tourism and Special Projects Lyle Fernando Uy.
Added Neri: “The main criteria when we’re choosing the cities, the iconic cities in the Philippines, is safety and security. If we’ve done races before there, we have local partners as well. For our races, that’s always our top priority: that our runners are safe and secure when we conduct our races.
“The second reason is we also look at in terms of local tourism. If they go there, if there’s something worthwhile that they can do. For example, in Cagayan de Oro, they can go rafting, in Iloilo they can visit local places. So, that’s also one reason that we’re looking at.”
Puma Philippines country manager Paolo Misa said, “My dad will always tell me, the best way to get to know a city, a new destination, is to run. Because you’ll really see everything. So we hope to see everyone there and all the races, and we hope to do this long term and visit more places with our partners.”
Since there are only six legs, slots for the Puma Philippine Half-Series are limited.
“The total six races we have, we’re currently encouraging about 26,000 runners to join,” Neri said. “Unfortunately, though the organization is working on more slots, it won’t be possible this year. But it will be something we will do next year.”
Banner images from Sid Ventura