As running grows in popularity in the Philippines, Kenyans dominate Run United 2

If the number of participants in long-distance races can be used as an indicator, then it can be said that running is not only becoming a mainstream sport in the Philippines, but that it is also growing at a furious pace.

A prime example of this was the Run United 2 race, which started and ended inside the Mall of Asia last Sunday. 5,000 runners participated in the 21k event, with another 3,000 taking part in the 32k race. In addition, another 4,000 were involved in the "fun run" 10k race.

Traditionally, long-distance events like the 21k were the exclusive domain of elite athletes, but those times are changing. A new kind of road warrior is combining running with having fun with family and friends.

Runners, as Alex Panlilio of Unilab Active Health head said, are turning races like Run United into a "healthy mix of serious running with a lot of fun thrown in."

However, these athletes are heading to the starting line not just for the challenge of running long distances and beating their personal times. A huge come-on are the well-managed races with more-than-adequate preparations and logistics to suit the needs of the runners, especially those who wish to earn their stripes in the long-distance events.

"The early close of registration gave us ample time to really focus on the race preparations. It is also good to have an exact number of participants, way ahead of the race date, so there will be adequate provisions and logistics,” Panlilio added.

Run United organizer Rio dela Cruz echoed the same goal. Dela Cruz said that his company's commitment is "to organize a high-quality running event with emphasis on safety.

"We are also very supportive of the growth of running in the country, so we provide all the support we can give runners—from Unilab’s products as well as activities appropriate for them," Dela Cruz said.

But quantity has yet to translate into quality.

So far, local races are still dominated by foreigners, especially Kenyans who have decided to make a living out of local races.

The Kenyans have won most, if not all, of the local races, especially those with huge cash prizes. And last Sunday's race was no different, with Kenyans triumphing in the male 10k, 21k and 32k events.

Jackson Chirchir (one hour, 54 minutes and 39 seconds) of Kenya completed a 1-2 finish with compatriot Benjamin Kipkzi (1:59:09), even as Elmer Sabal (2:04:08) salvaged a far third-place finish.

The Kenyans also pulled off a 1-2-3 finish in the 21k men's division with Willy Rotich (1:11:09), Samuel Too (1:13:43) and Kavid Kipsang (1:14:50) picking up podium places.

Another Kenyan, Philip Ronoh (36 minutes and five seconds), dominated the 10k event as he relegated Carlos Pedegrosa (37:08) and Albert Valencia (37:09) to second and third place, respectively.

In the female category, Joan Alyabei of Kenya (38:40) likewise dominated the 10k event, while compatriot Irine Kipchumba (2:22:05) won the 32k race. Janette Lumidao's victory in the 21k stopped the Kenyans from dominating all the categories.

Should we expect the same outcome when the next Run United event, Run United 3, is held on October 6?

Hopefully, Filipino runners, especially the elite ones, will be challenged by the Kenyan invasion and begin producing more podium finishes.

And as for the weekend warriors, there more than are enough events to keep them busy, such as the Tri United 2, to be held on July 7, and the Tri United 3 on October 27, 2013 at Laiya in Batangas. - AMD, GMA News