Merrell Launches New Collection For Women

Merrell unveils Pretty Strong campaign, launches new collection for women.

Today, more than ever, many women lead active lives. They are driven, passionate, goal-oriented, and influencers in their own right. They are versatile and have mastered the art of multi-tasking. They also excel in their chosen career paths and still find quality time for themselves. They can do anything if they put their minds and hearts to it. Simply put – women are pretty strong. 

Borne out of the belief that women are naturally born with an innate strength, leading outdoor athletic footwear brand Merrell reaches out to these women through its Pretty Strong campaign. 

Alongside the launch is the introduction of a performance shoe line specially-designed for women. Merrell’s women’s collection aims to keep pace with these active strong women with a line that complements their diverse lifestyles by providing tailor-made features, as well as durability and quality that they well deserve.

Merrell’s women’s new performance collection feature narrower and slimmer profiles. These shoes are made of durable, comfortable materials, and come in different color combinations. The collection is also versatile – great for everyday use, working out in the gym, and hitting the challenging outdoors training, running, and trekking. 

For women who are into serious running, Pace Glove 2 is highly recommended with its excellent ground traction and secure fit. For those who are into running and training, Bare Access Arc 2 is ideal with its M-Bound cushioning that assures comfort in every movement. 

On the other hand, Mix Master Move Glide is a flexible shoe built for multi-activity use. It is light enough to be worn during road and track runs. Meanwhile, for women who are looking for stable shoes opt for Road Glove Dash 2. It gives you the stability you need without the added weight and bulk.

Bare Access Arc 2 (comes in Pink, Green & White)

MixMaster Move Glide (comes in Blue Depths & Purple)

Pace Glove 2

Road Glove Dash 2 (comes in Blue, Pink & Gray)

Merrell’s Pretty Strong campaign reaffirms the brand’s commitment of continually inspiring people – especially pretty strong women – to get outside and see the outdoors in a new light. 

Merrell is available at Merrell stores in Trinoma, SM North Edsa Annex, Market! Market! , Festival Mall Alabang, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Harbor Point Subic, SM City Dasmariñas, Ayala Center Cebu, Gaisano Mall Davao, Abreeza Mall Davao, SM Lanang Premier and SM Ecoland Davao. Merrell is also available in leading department stores and sports specialty stores nationwide.

For more information, visit Merrell’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines or follow them on Twitter: @MerrellPH. 

Alaska IronKids Triathlon

Alaska IronKids Triathlon champions race once again

Close to 200 kids from ages 6 to 14 participated at the Alaska Ironkids Triathlon last October 20, 2013 at the Palms Country Club, Filinvest Alabang. Alaska Ironkids aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for kids today. The Alaska Ironkids is a series of races involving triathlon, aquathlon and running, which aim to promote a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle for children ages 6-14. For more information, log on to www.ironkidsphil.com or at www.alaskamilk.com and follow us on twitter @AlaskaSportsHub.

Run BGC 2013: Takbonifacio Slated on Bonifacio Day

To commemorate the life of one of the country’s most passionate heroes Andres Bonifacio, the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is holding an interesting and unique run entitled Run BGC 2013: Takbonifacio slated on Bonifacio Day, November 30, 2013. 

An afternoon of fun run with exciting obstacles await friends and families alike on this 5-kilometer adventure. Participants are encouraged to wear the best Katipunero or traditional Filipiniana attire while going through the unique run. To complete the 19th century setting, Gwardiya Sibil will be scattered around the obstacle course to provide the almost true-to-life challenges to the Katipunero participants.

Participants will be wearing a belt with life flags. Guwardiya Sibil will pose as threats when they attempt to get these life flags. Fun obstacles wait for the participants at the following places: San Juan (Guwardiya Sibil will be armed with water soakers to attack the participants); Pinaglabanan (An army of Guwardiya Sibil will be running after life flags instead of just standing around); Rizal (Participants should be on the lookout for Andres Bonifacio, who will be giving away free life flags); Marikina (Participants will climb up the giant inflatable slide and enjoy the way down! Or crawl inside the tunnels while Guwardiya Sibil awaits them on the other side); and Balintawak (Participants will express themselves and write why they are proud to be a Filipino).

Obstacles for Takbonifacio:

Marikina - To the Valley

I. Task

• Runners will have to go through a giant inflatable slde, to simulate he climbing of a mountain and crawl inside the tunnels
• For the slide, runners have the chance to collect flags as they slide down
• For the tunnels, runners have to the chance to collect flags inside

II. History - Bonifacio and his troops regrouped near Marikina, San Mateo and Montalban. 

Balintawak - Tearing of Cedula

I. Task

• Runners will simulate this event's symbolism: Freedom
• Runners will stop by to write on our freedom wall what makes them proud to be a filipino or why they love the Philippines

II. History - Eluding an intensive manhunt, Bonifacio called thousands of Katipunan members to mass a gathering in Caloocan, where they decided to start their uprising. The event, marked by the tearing of cedulas as later called the Cry of Balintawak or Cry of Pugad Lawin.

San Juan - Supply Sabotage

This will also be the makulits/kids wave. This is the only obstacle the kids will have to partake.Situated during the first kilometer of the route.

I. Task

• Run through an area where our guardiya sibil will be armed with water soakers, so get ready to get wet.
• Run through an area where lots of guardiya sibil are situated.

II. History - On August 30, 1896, Bonifacio personally lead an attack on San Juan Del Monte to capture the town's powder magazine and water station (which supplied Manila).

Manila - Hanapin si Supremo

I. Task

• Runners will have to look for Bonifacio around the route. (Played by multiple actors). Bonifacio will be giving out additional life flags in return.

San Juan - Battle of Pinaglabanan

I. Task

• Our actors, dressed as katipuneros, will hold off an army of guardiya sibil while runners run through the area. But during the latter part, our actors will be overpowered and the runners will be eventually chased by the guardiya sibil.

II. History - The defending Spaniards, outnumbered, fought a delaying battle until reinforcements arrived. Once reinforced, the Spaniards drove Bonifacio's forces back with heavy casualties.

Registration for the event opens on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at any of the following establishments: 

• Toby’s Sports in Shangri-La Mall, Mall of Asia & Glorietta; 
• Runnr in Ayala Alabang Town Center & Bonifacio High Street; 
• Brooks in SM North EDSA. 

Registration Fee:

• Registration fee for participants is P500. 
• Special rates apply to residents and workers of BGC at P350, 
• Groups that form a battalion of at least 50 persons only have to pay P150 per head (registration and payment must be submitted at the same time), 
• Kids who are 5 to 12 years old only have to pay P150.

Upon registration, participants get a red neckerchief and race bib. Participants will get a Takbonifacio Souvenir shirt in their loot bag filled with goodies from event sponsors.

Top Takbonifacio Finishers will be given cash prizes as follows: 

• P 7,000 in cash each for the First Male and Female participants, 
• P 5,000 in cash each for the Second Male and Female participants, and
• P 2,000 in cash each for the Third Male and Female participants. 

Kids Category cash prizes are as follows:

• P 1,500 in cash each for the First Male and Female kid participants, 
• P 1,000 in cash each for the Second Male and Female kid participants, and 
• P 500 in cash each for the Third Male and Female kid participants.

Special Prizes will be given away including Best Costume to be determined by originality, inventiveness, intricacy & color, and fun. 

Best in Costume winners get cash prizes as follows: 

• P 5,000 for the Batallion winner, 
• P 3,000 each for Male and Female winner, and 
• P 1,000 for the Kid winner. The Biggest Battalion will be awarded a trophy.

Prizes to be raffled off are as follows: 

• 1 Grand Prize worth P 50,000, and
• 5 Minor Prizes worth P 20,000.

BGC Run 2013: Takbonifacio is open to anyone who wants to run for fun! Interested parties between the ages of 5 to 12 must have parental consent upon registration. Those with serious medical conditions must present a medical clearance to compete in the event. 

For more details on costume requirements and registration by groups may log on to www.facebook.com/BonifacioGlobalCityPH.

Cavinti Road and Trail Adventure Marathon

Cavinti Adventure Trail Marathon

November 30, 2013 @ 4:30AM

Cavinti Town Plaza, Cavinti, Laguna

42K/21K/12K/6K

Organizer: Cavinti Sports and Tourism Council

Registration Fee:

•   6k – P300.00 
• 12k – P 500.00 
• 21k – P 800.00 
• 42k – P 1,200.00

- Inclusive of Singlet, Finishers Shirt/Medals (42k and 21k), race bibs, packed lunch and guidelines

Registration Sites:

• Second Wind Running Stores (All branches),
• ARC Manila Running store (Quirino Ave cor Roxas Blvd)
• 100 Miles Cafe 2/F Fort Pointe,Bonifacio Global City.
• Trinity Bikeshop Quezon City,
• Green Planet Bikeshop San Pablo City,Laguna
• AX Fitness Center (Sta.Cruz, Laguna)

The first ever Cavinti Adventure Trail Marathon will be held on November 30, 2013 in the beautiful, centuries-old town of Cavinti, Laguna Province and starts at the Town Plaza, fronting the historic Our Lord Parish Church.

The town is hosting for the first time a trail run marathon with runners completing a scenic loop deep within forest trails and rough roads, woodlands, rivers, falls and a lake that will surely mesmerize runners completing their respective distances.

The course for the 42k runners will have moderate to steep rolling hills, several river crossings, one of which will lead to the Cavinti underground river. Mild to cool temperatures, expansive views of surrounding mountains, rolling hills, moderate elevation gains, a beautiful lake and wildflower meadows will be some of the highlights of this race.

The start will be at the Cavinti Town Plaza where the town mayor and the townsfolk of Cavinti will be on hand to send-off the runners in their adventure run while the finish will end at the Bumbungan Eco Park Falls where runners will be treated with a sumptuous lunch after they cross the finish line.

The organizers will just be setting up conveniently placed refilling stations in different points of the route. No cups will be provided to ensure an environmentally friendly race.

So runners are encouraged to bring their own hydration bottles, Hydration back-packs, hydration belts or any hydration gear.

Cut Off Times:

• 42km/10 hours 
• 21Km/ 5 hours 
• 12km/ 3 hours 
• 6km/ 1.5 hours

There will be a 10+1 Promo for groups of ten (10) runners who will register together. For every group of 10 runners, One (1) race packet will be given for FREE for a distance not exceeding the longest distance a member has registered in. Ex. If a group registers for 5x12k and 5x21k, 1 Free race kit for 12k or 21k shall be given. 

Promo will last up to November 16,2013/Saturday only! So Register now!

Siargao It Up Half Marathon

Shore It Up presents the Siargao It Up Half Marathon, a run for the benefit of Del Carmen Mangroves. Be the first to register! Join Shore It Up in supporting the effort to protect and promote the Del Carmen Mangroves in Siargao.

Siargao Island has a total mangrove forest of 8,620 hectares. Of these, a single block consisting of 4,200 hectares is found in the Municipality of Del Carmen. Also found in the mangrove forest is the endangered crocodylus porosus.

"The best way to protect the mangroves of Siargao is to educate the children. The more knowledge they have about mangroves, the more they appreciate its importance, the more they will protect it."

Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II  

How can we help him. RUN!

Shore It Up is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Metro Pacific Investment Foundation from the MVP Group of Companies and is celebrating its 5th year anniversary this year.

Race Details

Date and Venue: 

November 16, 2013, Numancia Central Elementary School Grounds, Del Carmen, Siargao

Distance and Fees:

400 meter dash (Inclusive of Singlet and Race Bib)

Bring 10 empty plastic bottles for free registration

5K (Inclusive of Singlet, Race Bib and Finisher Medal)

Regular Rate – P350

Local SRC Member – P250

Student Rate – P150

21K (Inclusive of Singlet, Race Bib and Finisher Medal)

Regular Rate – P550

Local SRC Member – P300

Student Rate – P300

Singlet Design

Medal Design

Registration Sites:

• Siargao Island Tour and Travel

Siargao Office
Sto. Nino St. Dapa Island
Tel. No. (02) 871-9929
Mobile No. 09178928687
Skype / YM: siargao.adventure
Email: siargao.adventure@yahoo.com

• Surigao Office

Stall #8 Surigao Pavillion Center, Luneta Park, Surigao City
Mobile No. 09175120050
Skype/ YM: suriga0.adventure
Email: surigaoadventure@yahoo.com

• Without Limits Office

Unit 24F Malingap St., Teachers Village, Quezon City
Tel. No. (02) 383-7658
Mobile No. 09053112389
Email: Secretariat@withoutlimits.ph
Online: Without Limits (http://withoutlimits.ph)

Registration Period:

Online: October 5- November 8, 2013

Delivery Fee of P150-170

Expected Delivery Date: October 15 – November 13, 2013

Store / Office Registration

October 5 – 15 – Pre-registration or reservation of kits

October 16 – November 13 – Registration and claiming of kits

Prizes:

• Half Marathon

1st: P10,000 (Male and Female)
2nd: P5,000 (Male and Female)
3rd: P3,000 (Male and Female)

• 5 KM

1st: P5,000 (Male and Female)
2nd: P3,000 (Male and Female)
3rd: P2,000 (Male and Female)

• 400 meter dash

1st: P3,000 (Male and Female)
2nd: P2,000 (Male and Female)
3rd: P1,000 (Male and Female)

For race updates, visit Without Limits: Facebook Page and Website. Please also wait the updates for potential bundle promos.

Fast facts from Siargao Island

• Philippines' premier destination for sports and adventure tourism.
• Siargao = Surfing, Surfing = Siargao; For the past 18 years, Siargao hosted the International Surfing Cup.
• As a result, Siargao became a favorite destination for surfing. Many foreign tourists arrived in Siargao particularly the surfers from US, Europe and Australia.

Reasons why you should go to Siargao?

US Embassy And NBA Teams Up With Alaska Milk Corp., Holds Basketball Clinic

NBA Legend Ron Harper leads Alaska Milk and US Embassy basketball clinic

In partnership with the US Embassy and NBA, Alaska Milk Corporation held a Basketball clinic for the underserved youth last October 5, 2013 with NBA Legend Ron Harper. The Basketball clinic gathered more than 80 boys and girls from residential care facilities under the DSWD: Marillac Hills and Haven for Children. Alaska Milk aims to instill the values of determination, discipline, teamwork and hard work among the youth through sports. For more information, log on to www.alaskamilk.com or follow our twitter @ALASKAsportshub.

Join The Run And Win A Prize

Like their facebook page for a chance to win a Sony 32" LED Bravia TV. Click here for details.

MH Urbanathlon 2013: Most Challenging Race to Date

The country’s first obstacle laden course is back, and this time, with bigger and more challenging obstacles! Men’s Health Urbanathlon 2013 saw around 3,000 participants who took on the challenge and conquered Men’s Health Philippines’ toughest race. This unique event combines the rigors of a run with the tough nature of traversing numerous obstacles in an urban setting.

“We always want to take things a step further. And the 2013 Men’s Health Urbanathlon is a prime example. We have new obstacles and have improved the classic ones,” says Men’s Health Philippines editor-in-chief Peejo Pilar. 

Now on its 7th year, Men’s Health Urbanathlon challenged Urbanathletes with its staples such as the scaffolding maze, the 8x40 container van, and “The Wall”, wherein you need all your upper and lower body strength to conquer this 8-foot beast; as well as, with the new obstacles this year, “The Network” a net challenge going over a bus and “The Tower”, a 12-foot high rope climb to the bell on top. 

The SM Mall of Asia Grounds turned into a race venue and fitness camp combined as Urbanathletes aimed to conquer every challenge along the way and make it to the finish line.

“We hope that first-timers and hardcore runners enjoyed this year’s Men’s Health Urbanathlon. And of course, we’re excited to learn, upgrade, and make the 2014 Men’s Health Urbanathlon even bigger and better!,” exclaims Peejo. 

The Men’s Health Urbanathlon and Festival is co-presented by Century Tuna, Gatorade, Bo Athletics, with major sponsors Bridgestone, Emperador Light, and Schick, with minor sponsors Havaianas, The Athlete’s Foot, Nivea Men, and special thanks to Merrell.

Men’s Heath Philippines features Joseph Marco on its October issue cover, which is available in all leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide. You can also like Men’s Health Philippines on Facebook via www.facebook.com/menshealthphilippines, or follow us on Twitter at @menshealthph. You may also visit Summit Newsstand (www.summitnewsstand.com.ph/mens-health) to subscribe.

BGC Passionfest 2013

BGC will be hosting their yearly Passionfest this coming November 29 to December 1. It promises to be a fun activity-packed weekend.

This year, Passionfest 2013 also coincides with the 150th birth year anniversary of Andres Bonifacio. It is for this reason that most of our activities have been given an Filipino twist to honor our hero.

One of our main events is the yearly run - RUN BGC. It will be an afternoon fun run called Run BGC: TAKBONIFACIO 2013. Dress up as a Katipunero and run away from the Gwarida Sibil lining the route!

Registration fee is Php500 but we have special offers for:

1. Residents and workers of BGC get it at less Php150

2. Groups that form a battalion of 150pax will only have to pay Php150 per pax

3. Kids (5-12 years old) at Php150

Full mechanics shall be released soon.

Introducing The Active Health Sports Gel

After the recently held Milo Marathon Elimination in Manila, I realized that I still have the crack to register a new personal best in a full marathon distance. By finishing in 03h3749s, a time that has been elusive to me for the past races, I was able to qualify for the finals this December. After the race, I immediately dug deep into my archives to find what made the difference and found out that a dedicated and strenuous training was the key. Having been immersed on that kind of training, my body needs food supplement to perform at its optimum. And believe it or not, sports gel played an important role.

I also registered a fairly respectable finish time at the inaugural event of the Run United Philippine Marathon a year ago. Inside the loot bag were five capsules of Enervon Activ multivitamins. Since I have been using the orange ones, I disregarded those black thingies and shelved them in my pantry. But when my orange supplies ran out, I switched and tried the Enervon Activ. This black multivitamin softgel capsule consisting of minerals, ginseng and royal jelly was formulated by Unilab to help promote an active lifestyle and was introduced during the RUPM 2012 season. This multivitamin worked wonders for me, thus I called it the black magic.

During the Clark-Miyamit Trail Ultramarathon of last year, it was the black magic that I have been taking daily during my training runs and ultimately during the race itself. They propelled me to a strong finish of the 50-mile event that covered 16 hours of mountain trail running, lahar and river crossings. It has been a bold testament that this product from Unilab had a proven advantage. I, myself, believe in the product, and had been using it since then. 

A year after, Unilab had once again introduced another product designed for athletes, the Active Health sports gel. It is a product that had been carefully studied and formulated for two years by the people behind Unilab. It is the first and only sports gel manufactured here in the Philippines with the approval of the Food and Drugs Administration. Designed to develop a fast and sustained energy, it contains maltodextrin and 60% of complex carbs for lasting energy. It also contains electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients lost from sweating to avoid the dangers of dehydration and muscle cramping. 

Since the nearest marathon event will happen soon, and had no more time to do my longest run, I intended to try my free sample during the MH Urbanathlon Race. It is a 21km running event with obstacles along the course. Midway during the run I consumed my berry mix flavored gel and felt in love with its flavor. It was not sugary, and the consistency was fine with me. Because I usually take the raspberry cream flavor from the imported brand that I use, the berry mix flavor became an instant favorite. But just like the other brands it is best to consume the gel with water. A day after the race, I went on a two hour spin and consumed my other sports gel. I guess the gel did wonders since I finished my run strong and wanting to do another for the day ahead. The tiredness that usually occur a day after a race was nowhere there. 

I always carry 4 gel packs during marathon and I take them at kilometers 16, 22, 28 and 35. I'm trying to get about 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, since that's about the maximum the body can handle, so taking a pack for every 6 to 7 kilometer intervals is just fine. The Active Health Sports Gel serves 29 grams of carbohydrates in each pack.

I hope Unilab will come out with some other variants and add a caffeinated one or two in their line up for that last final take. I always reserve a caffeine-flavored one during the last hour of my marathon run.

As a result, I still felt strong during the last stages of the run, considering the obstacles that we hurdled, an indication that this product is at par with those imported brands. I was even relieved from hunger that normally occur during long runs. Since I always intend to run light, slipping a couple of gels inside my pocket during training runs will be an added advantage. And I can also stash 8-10 gel packs inside my hydration bag without any added weight during ultramarathon races.

Since all energy gel products are almost identical in benefits, the verdict still will come from the athletes themselves. I believe the Active Health sports gel will surely give the imported brands a run for their money. 

And beacause the product came from a trusted source, the very same company who introduced me to the black magics, which is a part of my daily life, I can foresee that the Active Health sports gel will play an important role in my running life as well. I can't wait to try them during the Run United Philippine Marathon 2013 and the succeeding marathons therefater and register that new personal best.

See you all at the starting line.