
the timex run launch backdrop
It was a showbiz press launch! Complete with TV cameras and professional photographers, showbiz reporters and road managers.

Papa Piolo and Papa Rio
That folks was my general impression when people started coming in at the Max’s Glorietta function room where the press launch of the Timex Run was held yesterday, October 20. Only a handful of bloggers – maybe those only known to Timex Sr. Marketing Director, Gemma and Coach Rio were present. But nevertheless, we all had a grand time ogling at Piolo (oh sige na nga, only us girls!) and catching up with a lot of kuwento with each other and most especially to the ever busy Coach (and now Papa too) Rio.

the duo being interviewed by the showbiz media
Basically, the launch was really for the press/media and we runner bloggers were just invited to witness the event and meet “Papa Piolo” who was nice and very handsome, sigh! Hehe… You really have to give it to me folks, anyway i own this blog. haha! And what have we gathered out of the press launch?
1. that it will be Piolo’s first road race ever. He runs but haven’t participated in an actual race.
2. that Piolo will be running a 10k, which is also a first he being always comfy with running a 5k.
3. that he will be training under Coach Rio specifically to get ready for this race.
4. that Coach Rio is really becoming a celebrity on his own right. Aba, both Papa P and Papa R got equal share of the limelight. Ayos!
Lol! I could go on and on with our up close and personal Piolo and Rio experience but I will definitely sound like a giddy fan. Before I really turn into one, let me share to you instead the official press release of the 2009 Timex Run with Piolo Pascual and Coach Rio.

jaymie, piolo, me, marga, coach rio, raymund and jay... of course we wouldn't let this chance pass!
Oh but before that, let me express again my thank yous to Timex headed by Ms. Gemma Pagsibigan for the invitation.
Photos? Check all pics here.
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PIOLO AND RIO SPRINTING TOWARDS THE 2009 TIMEX RUN
Fresh from the triumph of prized athletes it backed up in the very first Ironman triathlon held in Camsur recently, Timex, world renowned makers of high quality time gears, will once again help fun-loving sports enthusiasts defy their limits, prove its dominance and create history as it launches its very first running event, The 2009 Timex Run.
With the gun start set to fire on November 15, 2009 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the race which is co-presented by Robinsons Land and marathon organizer Runrio aims to gather runners from all walks of life, to spark up competitive athletic spirits and to unleash hardcore rivalries. In fact to make the running event even more exciting the 2009 Timex Run brings together two of the country’s most loved icons in the world of entertainment and running respectively: heartthrob and sports enthusiast Piolo Pascual and multiple champion runner and coach Rio dela Cruz.
In a press conference held last October 20, 2009 in Max’s Restaurant in Glorietta 2 Makati City, the two Timex ambassadors formally announced before the press that they will be among the very first ones to arrive at the race grounds and dash to become fit and healthy. Both Piolo, a first-time runner who admitted being so excited to join the run and Rio who studied Human Kinetics in the University of the Philippines and is a well-known running coach of some of the country’s well-known celebrities and business tycoons will be joining in the 10K category. All ready and set to go, this race will give enthusiasts the chance to run side-by-side with Piolo and Rio and try their luck to challenge and to get past them.
Divided into four race categories, athletes, race fanatics, and casual runners can choose from the 3, 5, 10 or 21 kilometer half-marathon event and begin the dynamic chase to make and break records in a test that is sure to measure their strength and endurance. The 2009 Timex Run, just like its reliable time gears assures participants of accuracy in timing and a host of other novel innovations. One of which is the disposable “champion” chips, timing devices attached to shoe laces specially designed to let runners monitor their starting and finishing times with stern accuracy. Functioning only soon as the runner steps on the designated ground matting, the recorded time is sure to be precise. Another is the Runpix analysis which is a record of interesting running statistics unique to each individual who ran. This will be available after the race at www.runrio.com and www.timexrunning.com. Photovendo also makes the run more fun by giving runners a full view of the experience as it will be providing run shots which will be available online for viewing and optional purchase.
Aside from the breathtaking action set to unfold in the race track, those joining can also expect a finish line filled with great prizes. While all finishers will take home Nature Valley loot bags, those who will emerge on top of the pack will get cash prizes and their very own Timex watches, activity and time-tracking gears that gives wearers nothing less than the optimum when it comes to style and functionality. A total of 50 watches shall be given away, 24 for the winners and 26 for the raffles. Top three finishers in every category will also get gift certificates/gift packs from Nike and other sponsors. Timex partnered with companies such Nature’s Valley Granola Bar, 100 Plus Isotonic Drink, Summit Distilled Drinking Water, Finish Line, Photo Vendo, Nike, Fitness First, Flojos, Nesvita, Men’s Health Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine to make this anticipated race possible.
One of the Timex watches to be given away to victors during the competition is the Timex Ironman Race Trainer Digital Heart Rate Monitor, the latest time gear meant to be every dynamic individual’s ideal running mate. A huge hit among Ironman Triathletes since it was launched, this one of a kind heart rate monitor boasts of a superior quality functions that aid in an athlete’s everyday training matched with uncompromising sleek and slim styling. This runner’s favorite is incredibly comfortable on the wrist and unlike others, is very simple to use. The heart rate monitor wirelessly transmits its wearer’s heart rate performance while one does his activity to the Ironman watch. Timex Ironman Race Trainer HRM incorporates all the features that fans have all become accustomed to with Timex sport watches, including an Indiglo night light, 10 work-out memory, 50-lap chrono with average heart rate per lap, and five interval timers with individual heart rate target zones. Other features including a countdown timer and three alarms are still included as well.
With the brand that ultimately understands the desires and expectations of true athletes organizing a race only for the country’s active and most competitive sports enthusiasts, one can expect high energy and passion flaring as each battle for the win and for a chance to be of help to our fellowmen as part of the 2009 Timex Run’s proceeds shall go to the Timex-UNICEF school in Masbate and victims of typhoon Ondoy.
Only the first three thousand to register will be given event singlets. So hurry and register at selected Timex shops, located at SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, Glorietta 3, Nike Bonifacio High Street, Robinsons Land Showroom, The Trion Towers Showroom or online at www.runrio.com. Regular registration is from October 4 – November 9, 2009 while late registration is from November 2-9, 2009. For more information, call 7031736 or visit www.timexwatches.com.ph.
Filed under: Event, launch, running, special | Tagged: piolo, rio, timex run, timex run press launch | 8 Comments »