I remember back when I was just in my beginning years of running, my boyfriend told me of this cool run where runners would be given a chance to personalize their singlets. Apparently, this run was organized by a website called Takbo.ph. Registrations started and ended as early as May for a run that was happening in July. I was amongst the lucky ones who found out about it in time. Little did I know, I was becoming part of history!
Takbo.ph Runfest 2010
At first, Runfest to me was just like any other run…except of course that I got a personalized singlet. But then, I started paying more attention to Takbo.ph after I first met its owner, Jinoe Gavan. You see, I put down “Cheryl Golangco” as the name to be printed on my singlet upon registration, a few weeks after, I realized I wanted to put down “Teacher Cheryl” instead. So I emailed the Takbo.ph and asked if it could be changed. Normally, you’d expect someone else to respond, but in this case, Jinoe himself was the one who replied. He was very nice and friendly, even starting up small conversations through email. He happily told me that it wouldn’t be a problem since they haven’t started printing. I was thrilled that he allowed this, but more than that, I was impressed at how nice the guy was.
Come race day, I remember being impressed at the festive feel of the entire place. There were banderitas all over with each runner’s name! It was fun watching everyone walk around with their head up as they tried to find their banderita!
Takbo.ph Runfest 2011
Thrilled with how it turned out the year before, I once again decided to register. Takbo.ph’s Runfest was the first 16km run I joined! I was ecstatic! Not only was everything well organized, but the post-run party was a blast! Everyone seemed to know each other, it was a big reunion for the running community and I was honored to be part of it. Check out my race review on Runfest 2011 HERE.
Takbo.ph Runfest 2013
This year marks the 7th anniversary of Takbo.ph, and of course, I wouldn’t dare miss out on it. Again, runners were given personalized race bibs to make the event more memorable than it already was. This year also marked the first year RunFest opened a 21km category. Another opportunity I dared not miss!
Unfortunately for me, I recently hurt my back. Apparently, I had scoliosis and had no idea until I just couldn’t get up one day because of extreme pain on my back. When I had it checked, the doctor said there was nothing wrong in having scoliosis and it just so happened I overworked my muscles that week. I was not allowed to engage in any form of workout until the pain was completely gone. So I obliged and felt deprive of my workout. I was in dismay as I had to pass up races one by one. But then RunFest was coming up! I absolutely DID NOT want to miss this. There was still little pain, and I knew I’d survive a short run, but I was curious if I’d survive a 21k run with no training and coming from an injury. Hmmm…. I ran anyway.
Thanks Photo-ops for the amazing photo!
I had to walk most of it as I didn’t want to risk getting injured, causing me to finish the 21km race in more than 3 hours instead of my usual 2hr, 30min. So much for a personal record. haha! Nonetheless, I still had so much fun! Thanks to Titanium Runner and CJ Lampad for keeping me company! The best part was the last 100m of the run when CJ (runadoboking), Sir Rene (jazzrunner) and I raced like little kiddies to the finish line! heehee
It was such a refreshing site to see different running groups all gathered together. A lot of groups even had their reunion that day! Several runner friends, particularly the Team Kamote Runners (who also celebrated their anniversary today) also volunteered as marshals, making the race extra special!
Happy Anniversary to you Team Kamote Runners!
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Dance showdown from Running Groups
Different running groups also prepared short presentations for this momentous occasion! It was so cool to see these runners showing off other talents!
Photo-ops
Last but not least, what made this run special was the participation of Photo-ops. Photo-ops is a group of photographers who most of us are already familiar with. These professionals decided to band together and give birth to Photo-ops. With them present during fun runs, you’re sure to find a good photo of yourself as a souvenir every time! (Just make sure to smile!) Find your RunFest photos from Photo-Ops HERE
I’m definitely excited to see what Takbo.ph/ Leadpack has in store for next year’s RunFest. An even farther distance perhaps? 25k or more? Let’s see! Happy running everyone!
