The Tour of Hope 2010

Since I have developed an interest to biking, I have always heard or read about this annual event called “The Tour of Hope”. I have quietly wished that sometime soon, my biking skills will be that good enough and my time will be managed effectively so that i will have some to spare for joining an activity such as this.

At this delicate stage, I know that I will have to pass up on this chance to be able to participate. But then again, let me share to you folks this interesting event that you cyclists or cycling enthusiasts may want to venture into.

Basically, The Tour of Hope (TTOH) is an annual international non-profit initiative, made up of like-minded individuals who regularly set up biking tours as a charity project to help in fund raising efforts and awareness campaigns for Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Alliance Program of the Philippines (CECAP).

For more info on this year’s event, below is the letter from Team David’s Salon’s Joyette Jopson, a member of The Tour of Hope’s Organizing Committee. Many thanks to Team David’s Salon Team Captain Kaye Lopez for sharing this info.

The Tour of Hope 2010

Dear friends,

The Tour of Hope Philippines 2010, “360: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Full Circle” is all set on March 20 – 24, 2010. We will be riding from Makati City to Baguio City to help spread the word on the fight against the disease.

Originally done in Thailand, we started this tour locally 3 years ago with about 45 core riders from Vigan to Subic Bay. Last year we had 70 core riders that rode from Alabang to Camarines Sur. This year we hope to attract more riders, as we go back up north, with the tour’s highlight being every local cyclist’s dream (er, fantasy?) to be able to ride up to Baguio City.

How does a rider actually help?
1. We get pledges from family and friends (every P500 can screen 12 women from cervical cancer)
2. While we are on the saddle, lay lectures will simultaneously be conducted at the chosen stops on how cervical cancer can be prevented. By the time we finish the ride, the TTOH team would have talked to at least 1,000 barangay health workers, midwives, women.

The following is the itinerary:

March 20, 2010, Saturday

5:00am        Bikers registration and assembly, University of Makati Track Oval
6:30am        Programme Start
7:00am        Bikers flag-off
             
Bikers will ride along EDSA all the way to Monumento, and take McArthur Highway all the way to SM City Clark. 95kms.

10:00am       Start of lay lecture in SM City Clark
12:00nn       Welcome of bikers in SM City Clark
12:30pm       Ride 7kms to Holiday Inn Mimosa where the group will stay overnight.

After lunch, bikers are free to enjoy the facilities of Holiday Inn Mimosa, visit the Duty Free shops, etc.

6:00pm        Welcome Dinner

March 21, 2010, Sunday

6:00am         Breakfast
7:00am         Bikers send-off

Because Tarlac is not that far from Clark, we will ride the “figure-8 loop” inside Clark before taking the SCTEX to Tarlac.

10:00am        Start of lay lecture in Tarlac Recreational Park
11:30am        Welcome of bikers at the Tarlac Recreational Park
12:00nn        Bike 10kms to Microtel Inn in Hacienda Luisita

In the afternoon bikers are free to visit the Ninoy Aquino Memorial Museum, enjoy the amenities of the Hacienda Luisita clubhouse or simply hangout in Plaza Luisita.

6:30pm         Dinner

March 22, 2010, Monday

6:00am        Breakfast
7:00am        Bikers send-off

We will first bike around Hacienda Luisita before proceeding to the national highway towards Pangasinan. Then we will pass the towns of Bayambang, Malasigui and Calasiao before we reach Dagupan City. The roads here are less busy than the national highway going to Baguio, but expect some traffic as we pass through the towns mentioned.

10:00am       Start of lay lecture in Dagupan City Museum
11:00am       Welcome of bikers in Dagupan City Museum
11:15am       Bike 10kms for a seaside lunch
1:00pm        Bike to Lennox Hotel
6:30pm        Dinner

March 23, 2010, Tuesday

6:00am        Breakfast
7:00am        Bikers send-off
10:00am       Start of lay lecture in Diego Silang Hall, La Union Provincial Capitol
11:00am       Welcome of bikers in La Union Provincial Capitol
11:30am       Bike 5kms to Ariana Hotel
7:00pm        Dinner

March 24, 2010, Wednesday

6:00am        Take a huge breakfast =)
7:00am        Bikers send-off

We will take the national highway back south and take Marcos highway up to Baguio. Very hilly.

10:30am       Start of lay lecture in SM City Baguio
12:30pm       Welcome of bikers in SM City Baguio
1:00pm        Bike 5kms to Manor Hotel n Camp John Hay

Enjoy the nice and cool weather in Baguio, do a trail run, go horseback riding, shop for ube and strawberry jam, or just sleep 

6:30pm         Thanksgiving Dinner and Fellowship night

PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!!!

Registration fee is P12,000.00* to include accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner for 5 days, jersey, water refills, and a Jun De Leon framed photograph (worth P20,000).
 
*Does not include gels, bars or other nutrition you may need, and a ride back to Manila. Please make your own arrangements for the travel back home. 

I’ve attached the registration form for those interested.

The Tour of Hope Philippines is a joint project of Bravehearts, Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP), GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Creative Juice, Geiser Maclang, in strategic partnership with Team David’s Salon.

For any question, please email joyette.jopson@gmail.com or text 0917.8827352.

Please also check out www.thetourofhope.com for more details. The local website is still being updated.

Thanks,
Joyette Jopson
Team David’s Salon
Member, The Tour of Hope Organizing Committee

Download PLEDGE SHEET
Download REGISTRATION FORM

FREE ChiRunning Clinic by RUNNR Academy

Before the previous year ended, I bet a lot of folks in and out of the running community may have read about ChiRunning from Jaymie, The Bull Runner’s blog. From what Jaymie shared in her post, it seems that ChiRunning is a pretty interesting new approach to running.

Now as it’s initial offering for the year 2010, RUNNR Academy will be holding a ChiRunning Clinic open to a limited number of participants. Here are the details as provided to us by Runnr’s Ms. Nicole Limon (thanks as always Nicole!)

TITLE:  An Introduction to CHIRUNNING (A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless & Injury-free Running
by: Lit Onrubia (First & Only Certified ChiRunning Instructor in the Philippines)

LAUNCH:   Jan 20, 2010, 7:00-9:00 PM
(FREE for first 100 participants to register)
Activity area in front of RUNNR

TOPICS:
- Overview of ChiRunning
- Benefits of ChiRunning
- Form focuses and techniques of ChiRunning

MECHANICS AND SCHEDULES:
1) Interested runners can register at RUNNR, Bldg B3, Bonifacio High Street.
2) Launch is open to the first 100 participants who register, for FREE. We can accept beyond 100 participants but they have no guaranteed seats.
3) Practical sessions 1 and 2 are limited to first 48 runners who purchased a minimum amount of p1,000 in RUNNR, from Jan 14, 2010-onwards. First come, first served for each batch. 

	PRACTICAL SESSION 1	PRACTICAL SESSION 2
	12 runners per batch
TOPICS	Practical application of Chi Running posture & biomechanics	Practical application of Chi Running gears, stride length, knee bends, & running cadence
BATCH 1	Jan 21, Thurs, 6:00-7:30pm	Jan 26, Tues, 6:00-7:30pm
BATCH 2	Jan 21, Thurs, 8:00-9:30pm	Jan 26, Tues, 8:00-9:30pm
BATCH 3	Jan 23, Sat, 6:00-7:30am	Jan 27, Wed, 6:00-7:30pm
BATCH 4	Jan 23, Sat, 8:00-9:30am	Jan 27, Wed, 8:00-9:30pm

The Century Tuna Superbods Run (UPDATED)

The Runrio Trilogy officially begins with the opening of the registration for its FIRST Leg, the CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS Run.

Dubbed as the “Run of the Century” and the “Sexiest Run of the Year”, this race is set to happen on Feb. 21 at the Fort Bonficaio Global City. Aside from the actual race, a lot of fun activities are in store for runners and expectators alike.

 Meanwhile, here are the race guidelines as provided by the organizers:

THE RUNRIO TRILOGY LEG 1: THE CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS RUN
February 21, 2010
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km
www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph

1. REGISTRATION INFORMATION

 

2. REGISTRATION SITES & CONTACT NUMBERS
TIMEX SM Mega Mall, 637 8438
TIMEX SM Mall of ASIA, 556 0167
TIMEX SM South Mall, 800 1273
NIKE PARK BHS, 856 2587
SECOND WIND, 799 2089

3. REGISTRATION PERIOD
REGULAR Registration: January 11, 2010 to February 8, 2010
Registration Centers (for Regular Registration):
a. TIMEX Shops
   – SM Southmall (Ground Flr., East Wing)
   – SM Mall of Asia (Level 2, Main Mall)
   – SM Megamall (2nd Level, Bldg. A)
b. NIKE Park Bonifacio High Street
c. SECOND WIND RUNNING STORE – 88 Maginhawa St., Teacher’s Village, Q.C.
d. Special registration every Tuesday from 5pm to 9pm at NIKE Running Clinic at the Ultra

LATE Registration: February 9, 2010 to February 15, 2010
Registration Centers (for Late Registration):
1. NIKE Park Bonifacio High Street
2. SECOND WIND RUNNING STORE – 88 Maginhawa St., Teacher’s Village, Q.C.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: January 11, 2010 to February 11, 2010
Register at: www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph or at www.runrio.com

4. FREEBIES UPON REGISTRATION
All participants will use disposable timing chips
Singlets will be given to the first 4,000 registrants. There will be no guaranteed size of singlets for the late registrants. (click HERE to see the singlets)

5. FREEBIES UPON FINISHING THE RACE
3km-Water, Gatorade, Lootbag (contents: 2pcs. Nature Valley Granola Bar, Century Tuna hand towel & Century Tuna Product), Free download of pictures from Photovendo, Race Statistics & Personalized race analysis from RunPix.
5km-Water, Gatorade, Lootbag (contents: 2pcs. Nature Valley Granola Bar, Century Tuna hand towel, & Century Tuna Product), Free download of pictures from Photovendo, Race Statistics & Personalized race analysis from RunPix.
10km-Water, Gatorade, Lootbag (contents: 2pcs. Nature Valley Granola Bar, Century Tuna hand towel, & Century Tuna Product), Free download of pictures from Photovendo, Race Statistics & Personalized race analysis from RunPix.
21km- Water, Gatorade, Lootbag (contents: 2pcs. Nature Valley Granola Bar,Century Tuna hand towel & Century Tuna Product) Free download of pictures from Photovendo, Race Statistics & Personalized race analysis from RunPix, Finishers medal & RunRio Trilogy Collectible Dri-Fit Finishers T-shirt

6. ELECTRONIC TIMING CHIPS
Official time will be based on the disposable Timing Chips provided in the race packet. The chip must be secured by participants to their shoes prior to the race. No chip, No time. Without the chip, the participant is not qualified to win the prize.

7. PHOTOVENDO & RUN PIX ANALYSIS
After the race, participants may download photos from Photovendo and retrieve official race results and analysis form Run Pix at www.runrio.com and www.centurytunasuperbodsrun.ph.

8. SUPERBODS GO-SEE
A Go-see for the next Century Tuna model will be held all throughout the race. Go-see requirements are the following:
- The go-see is open to all male and female, of Filipino lineage, 18 years old and above.
- He/she must be a race finisher (any category) and must be valid race registrant.
- Videos and photos of the shortlisted candidate will be posted in www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph
- 2 males and 2 females will get a chance to be Century Tuna’s brand ambassadors and image models.
-  Winners will be given P100,000 each.
- View complete mechanics at www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph

9. RAFFLE-FOR-A-CAUSE 
A grand raffle draw will be held after the race for all runners and guests. Interested participants must present as many Century Tuna labels at drop-off areas at registration venues and at the event itself. Each label must have the following information:
Participant’s name,  address,  contact number and signature.
One label corresponds to one (1) raffle entry.
For every label dropped, a corresponding donation will go to UNICEF and WWF.

10. PRIZES

 

Top 3 winners will also receive Nature Valley Gift packs
-There will also be Special Awards to be given on the event day. Awardees will receive Century Tuna gift packs.
Visit www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph for the complete list of Special Awards.

11. BENEFICIARIES
Part of the proceeds will go to UNICEF & WWF.

12. OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES
a. The biggest go-see
b. The most exciting raffle-for-a-cause for runners and guests
c. The Century Tuna healthy lifestyle
* Deliciously, healthy Century Tuna dishes will be available for runners and guests.
* Celebrate the Century Tuna healthy lifestyle with Capoeira, yoga and running sessions.

The Runrio Trilogy

The recently successfully held Timex Run 2009 ushered in what is now to be known as the “The Runrio Trilogy”. It is a series of three running races which will be held within the year 2010. The first two running legs of the series will feature the same set of race distances while the last leg will have what they have dubbed as the Afroman distance of 32 kilometers.

Why the unusual 32km distance? According to the Runrio Trilogy release, “It has been said that a large percentage of runners, who have attempted a marathon, usually “hit the wall” during the last 10km of the 42km distance. Running the Afroman is a chance for marathon hopefuls to race at their marathon pace without having to worry about that notoriously painful last 10 kilometers. For those who have intentions of finishing the full marathon distance, the Afroman is a perfect training race leading up to their target event. “

Aside from the Afroman race distance, each leg also features shorter race distances which is meant to encourage first-time runners to try the sport and enjoy running with friends and family. What’s more, it has been said that a lot of surprising innovations should be expected for the whole series.

The following will compose the three legs of the running series:

The RunRio Trilogy Leg 1: Century Tuna Superbods Run
February 21, 2010: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km

The RunRio Trilogy Leg 2: Nature Valley Run
May 30, 2010: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km

The RunRio Trilogy Leg 3: The 2010 Timex Run
November 20, 2010: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 32km

And what more better way to cap the trilogy than to hold a Runrio Trilogy Awards Night. This is a formal-attire only event which is meant to celebrate the completion of the whole running series. This is envisioned to be a grand awards night of sorts and which might hopefully even include a fashion show. Finishers of three legs will be receiving a Runrio Trilogy t-shirt and a completion/finishers medal during the event.

Exciting isn’t it? But then, as of now focus will be on the first leg of the Runrio Trilogy. Will it be as successful and as well-organized as that of the Timex Run 2009? Or will it prove to be better? Hmmm…

THE RUNRIO TRILOGY LEG 1: THE CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS RUN
February 21, 2010
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Distances: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km
www.centurysuperbodsrun.ph

This first leg of the Runrio Trilogy will be up for a great challenge considering that participants’ yardstick will be that of the recently held Timex Run 2009. Will it be able to match or at best, surpass the achievements of the former race which was then said to be Finishline’s showcase of a race? With the following facts that were given, let us see if the said race leg is fit to be called the “run of the Century”:

• television commercial spots prior to the race for awareness
• fuss-free race registration which you can do on-site or online
• race kit (complete with race bib, timing chip and singlet) availability upon on-site registration
• race kit delivery options to be made available for online registrants
• use of ChampionChips, a high-tech timing system for fast and accurate race results
• detailed RunPix performance analysis complete with graphic illustrations and comparative results
• professional action shots by PhotoVendo to capture those precious winning moments
• loot bags to be given away upon registration and after completing the race
• race marshalls who not only direct and assist but CHEER as well
• runners can get the chance to be one of Century Tuna’s image models by joining the “Superbods Go-see”  which will be held as a side-event during the race
• FOR THE BOYS: Brazilian models to man the water stations. Isn’t this the best way to ease your thirst?
• FOR THE GIRLS: If the Timex Run has Papa Piolo Pascual, how does the idea of running with Papa Derek Ramsay appeal to you? Yep, yep, yep! This leg will have you running with not only the well-loved Coach Rio but the HOT Derek Ramsay as well!

So? These are the details that were initially made available to us. Knowing Finishline, other exciting details are bound to be announced as race day nears. Moreso, registration and other pertinent race details will also be available soon.

For now, let me leave you with these snapshots of the Century Tuna Superbods Run singlets.

Singlet for 3k

5k Singlet

21k Singlet

I have no available image for the 10k singlet but its color is said to be a black body and yellow side.

Happy Running folks!

Finishline and Runrio, Ready for 2010

A few days before the onset of the Christmas break, runner bloggers were invited by the Finishline/Runrio triumvirate – Rio, Kaye and Vince for a breakfast get-together at the Kabisera restaurant.

Jaymie with the Second Wind boys led by Hector and Neville

from left: Bards, friend, Dingdong and Harry

from left: Vince, Kaye, Jay Em, Miguel, Ipe, Bobby and Mon

Rio with Que, Jinoe and Roselle

All those who were able to make it shared a hearty and filling breakfast with a variety of catch-up “chika” for appetizers and desserts. After the meal, Coach Rio presented to us the races that will make up their team’s initial 2010 offering and other exciting updates.

Coach Rio while presenting the Runrio Trilogy

For starters, Finishline will be organizing the following races for 2010:

 - RUNRIO Trilogy of Races. This is the first of its kind running series which is said to be the brainchild of Coach Rio Dela Cruz. This series features three major races all set to happen within the year 2010 with the last leg featuring the Afroman distance of 32km. More details about this trilogy can be found on a separate post later.

- UNILAB Race to Wellness. A race featuring 3k/5k/10k and 21k distances to be held at the Bonifacio Global City on March 7, 2010.

- GLOBE Run For Home 2 . The sequel to last year’s race with the same title which first made use of the disposable timing chip, the Champion Chip. The race will happen on March 21, 2010. Other details will be available soon.

Coach Rio also acknowledged the support that runners gave to the races that they have organized in the past. He also added that they all take note of all feedback- whether positive and negative and make sure that they get to address these. He further said that these feedback/concerns help them improve the quality of their events.

Oh and before I forget, watch out for the Men’s Health Magazine issue for March. The cover will have no less than the kulot running coach Rio Dela Cruz. From last year’s Men’s Health feature, the afro coach now goes mainstream by being the magazine’s feature cover for March. Hmmm and mind you, that’s after Papa Piolo’s January issue stint at the cover and if I am not mistaken, Dingdong Dantes for February. Magkaka-level?

Happy running this 2010!