The recent Kenny's Open 2009 Urbanite Run was my first to race at night. The excitement from the participants added to the already high humidity that night making the venue hotter. With 3,000 runners, the place was surely on fire. People from all sizes came to participate, and some, to witness this first of a kind running event at the metro. Running enthusiasts with their reflective bib numbers and glow in the dark bracelets are fun to watch. I could feel the festive mood from everyone.
Two days before, I received my race packet from the organizers at the same venue. I registered for the 5km race to give myself time to recover for an lsd run with xty some eight hours after. It was a totally different experience because I will be running late by as much as 45 minutes as compared to other races where I usually start first. I have time capturing friends' excitement through photos and have a brief talk with them before they went off. Some pics here.
The heat is on, will I start the fire?
Since I'll just be doing a 5k, I made a short warm-up for myself to rev-up and inched my way afterwards to the front of the crowded coral. Humidity is on a high level at the place, my sweat kept on pouring even I'm just standing idle. After a while we were off, thousands of feet shared the road towards mckinley area, with elbows rubbing against each other. Running down near essensa the road widened as I slowly paced ahead. Running at dark is difficult, especially if your racing. The route down and up at mckinley hill was one of it. But the most difficult is to weave your way through hundreds of runners going towards you. It happened at lawton avenue on my way back wherein we shared a single lane. I ran at the left lane together with the vehicles just to avoid the runners going against my direction until it cleared somewhere at essensa. Running with my instinct, I finished my first night race. Somehow I knew, I started a fire and was burning after.
The race was a success, with celebrity hosts gracing the occasion, runners were treated to a wonderful experience. Everyone had their own time celebrating and partying with teammates and friends. Food and drinks were shared together with a live concert. I wish I had the time.
Six hours later, I did run again.
Wow, back-to-back-to-back runs! I missed Kenny's Open. Oh well, next time.
ReplyDeletehi sir vener, i ran 15k and had a hard time with the hills and the humid weather. plus the fact that i have poor vision made it much more difficult to run at night (trying to avoid potholes, rocks, etc.). and like you, i also had a wish, that i had the energy to stay after the run for the party. =)
ReplyDeleteSee you again Jon, thanks for the visit. Bitin din ako, di nakapag party eh.
ReplyDeleteHi Jet, you're getting stronger, keep it up. I saw you before the race but you're quite busy with your friends. Till then.
ReplyDeleteHi Vener - I finished behind you (way behind). It was difficult running back after Mckinley. The crowd was so thick and it was like swimming against the tide.
ReplyDeleteRegards Mark
That's true Mark, maybe if not with that enormous crowd that swarm against us, baka napaganda pa natin. I could recall those fast times when we ran the nike evening clinic. Congrats and regards to Tiffin.
ReplyDeleteGood recap of your night run Vener. PR? :D Well, as long as you had a good time, that's what matters. :D
ReplyDeleteWay below my 5km best Roselle, but the experience was good enough. First time to race at night. Thanks for being here, see you again.
ReplyDeleteHi Vener!
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see you before the race. It was a different experience for me (entertaining as well).
See you again soon!
Ray Abenojar
Hi Ray, its good to see you there. See you again.
ReplyDelete