Not Just Another Running Beach

I just had a refreshingly tart calamansi muffin rom Boracay's Real Coffee for breakfast, compliments of my brother, who just got back from his week long stay in paradise. Lucky duck. A very apt start to blog about beachin', eh?

While last year had me enjoying the intense summer heat running at the Boracay Skyathon Beach Run, this year it's just Manila-bound for me. No beach running trip in store... or is there?

A different beach, a different run, same ol' dose of summer fun. The Zambales 400th year FUN RUN. Now, that's one more "trip" to consider.

{Gorgeous Magalawa Island Shoreline}

{Breathtaking Mt. Tapulao}

Press Release:

Be a part of the “ 1st Mayor Ad Hebert Deloso Iba Zambales 400th year FUN RUN” on May 29, 2011 Sunday in Iba Zambales. The FUN RUN is in partnership with the Municipal office of IBA ZAMBALES as part of the celebration of its 400th year anniversary. The Run aims to promote the different tourism sites of the Zambales as an alternative venue for vacation and recreation spot in Luzon.

The province which offers rich tourist destinations such as its perfect surfing sites, Mt. Tapulao a virgin mountain 8,000 ft above sea level a perfect site for trekking. Another must see paradise island is Magalawa Island, a virgin white sand island with crystal clear water. Zambales also offers Crocodile farm tour for families and camping experience at the beach front through its tent city.

The “ 1st Mayor Ad Hebert Deloso Iba Zambales 400th year FUN RUN” offers 4 categories for the run. Categories are 2.5k/ 5k / 10k / 21k which will be followed by the awarding ceremony after the run and an after party at night.

A tent city will be offered for the adventure seeking tourists as well as hotel accommodation that may fit your budget.

First 50 who will register per registration outlet is entitled for a raffle entry to win a slot for “50 guests to enjoy an island tour at the MAGALAWA ISLAND right after the fun run on MAY 29, 2011!”

List of lucky winners will be posted at the 400th year IBA ZAMBALES facebook site.

Another promo is 6 registration gets 1 registration for FREE. Valid until May 15, 2011.

Registration Outlets are:
Timex SM Megamall
Timex SM Baguio
Timex SM Clark
Iba Zamables Municipality Hall

Running Beach (Skyathon Boracay Beach & Surf Run 2010)

When a hectic workload filled up my days, and the summer heatwave started to burn up the metro, it was as good a time as any to semi-retire from racing for a while. At least that was my plan for a couple of months. Not by choice, but by necessity. I needed a rest. And sad to say, I just couldn't find the time and energy to fit running in.
But then there would be fun runs. And when donuts or costumes or dogs (and more dogs) were involved, how can you resist?
Then there's also this thing called a beach run. And not just any beach-- on Boracay's powder soft, I-just-wanna-roll-on-you-like-an-espasol, cool, white sand. So when my friend invited me to the Nestea event with a side order of a run, I was sold! Like I said, I needed a vacation anyway.

The Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run is a run for the clean-up of Boracay. It’s the first of its kind on the island and every runner will help ensure that the white beaches of Boracay Island stay clean and pristine with a clean-up activity right after the 5/10K run.

As the day broke, armed with 1 1/2 hours of sleep (Hey, it is Boracay, after all!) and a digital camera, I happily took on my role as unofficial photographer for the run. Little did I know, I'd be the first one starring on "candid camera". If you've been to Boracay, then you would be familiar with those massive sand castles that talented beach architect/entreprenuers would build and light up. And how do they build the castles? Why, by digging up lots of sand, of course! So, three guesses who ended up falling into a 2 ft. deep hole while running to the starting line? (Click here for the answer.) Hey, it was still kinda dark. Literally espasol.The race area was brimming with about a hundred excited runners. It was infectious. The friends I was with were mostly newcomers (and hopefully not just visitors) to the running scene. I couldn't have asked for a more festive first time run for them. It was great!

The 5K route took us from Guilly's (Station 1) to La Carmela de Boracay (Station 3) to Boracay Terraces (Station 1) and back to Guilly's. The weather started off cool and cloudy, but still reminiscent of the heat from Manila. The course, with the uneven terrain and soft sand, was more challenging than it looked. My legs felt heavy and unstable on the soft parts, so I'd just run on the moist flat areas. I could only imagine how it was for those brave souls who ran barefoot, especially when we reached the pebbly part of the route. Ye-ouch.
I finished the 5K race a little under half an hour, and managed to squeeze myself into the 4th women's slot (23 seconds short of 3rd- Aaargh!). No prize. Still, not too shabby for an overworked sleepyhead. But more than anything, I was happier to see my newbie running friends immensely enjoying the whole marathon mania-- spankin' new PRs, loot bags, free breakfasts, rewarding beach clean-ups and an overall fulfilling experience.
We all know what happens (that lovin' running feeling) the first time you finally cross that finish line. This time, however, I hope it doesn't stay in Boracay. ;)

{Newbie racers ready and rarin' to go!}

{Bolong, Gab, Vinci, Buwi, and the lone barefoot runner, Billie}

{First Time Racer}

{Good luck, Vinch!}

{Against a backdrop of blue. Beautiful!}

{Febe running strong on pristine white sand.}

{Woo hoo!}

{Almost there, guys...}

{Finishers!}

{Runners take part in the Boracay beach clean-up.}

{Getting crabby after the run? What, no more endorphins?}

{Running into Tail Runners, Macky and Grace}

{Capping off a terrific morning run with breakfast}

{...ironically packed in not so eco-friendly styrofoam. ;)}