The Sin Tax Run was organized by RunRio (probably the country's most popular race organization company, of Coach Rio de la Cruz fame) in support of the Sin Tax Bill (which eventually became the Sin Tax Law, click here to view the article).
The registration fee for this event is ridiculously low: you only need to pay PHP16 to get a race bib and a timing chip. As if that wasn't enough, you also get a free visor after finishing the race. So, why 16 pesos? It's simple - see RunRio's explanation below:
In addition, Coach Rio says: “This race is part of our CSR (corporate social responsibility). It is our way of giving back to the running community. Our goal for the running community is to make it bigger and to sustain it. There are races almost everywhere, but the quality and the experience (is not always topnotch). When someone has a bad experience in an event, he or she will no longer encourage his or her friends or family to join the race. But if they have a good experience, they will keep on going." Click here to view the article.
The event was held at SM Mall of Asia. Also, the race has only one category - 6 km. Why 6 (instead of the usual 5K), I have no idea. Probably to make the race more challenging, especially to those who haven't gone beyond the 5K distance? I don't know. I understand why there's only one category, though - much easier to organize, less logistics and planning involved.
Looking at the race results (which you can view here), there were less 2300+ people who participated. I think they were gunning for 5000 runners to join the event; however, there was at least one other race which took place on the same day. I hope more runners join an event with a worthwhile cause (such as the Million Hectare Challenge) - this way, we get fit AND make a contribution at the same time. I remember back in college, some organizations would sponsor a fund run, wherein people would pledge a certain amount (say, PHP5) per given distance (e.g. one whole run around the Academic Oval will be four laps). Maybe the race organizers can do something of a similar sort? Hmm...
Back to the Sin Tax Run. Below are my observations:
Nonetheless, I managed to take a couple of shots. Enjoy!
The registration fee for this event is ridiculously low: you only need to pay PHP16 to get a race bib and a timing chip. As if that wasn't enough, you also get a free visor after finishing the race. So, why 16 pesos? It's simple - see RunRio's explanation below:
Photo credit here
In addition, Coach Rio says: “This race is part of our CSR (corporate social responsibility). It is our way of giving back to the running community. Our goal for the running community is to make it bigger and to sustain it. There are races almost everywhere, but the quality and the experience (is not always topnotch). When someone has a bad experience in an event, he or she will no longer encourage his or her friends or family to join the race. But if they have a good experience, they will keep on going." Click here to view the article.
The event was held at SM Mall of Asia. Also, the race has only one category - 6 km. Why 6 (instead of the usual 5K), I have no idea. Probably to make the race more challenging, especially to those who haven't gone beyond the 5K distance? I don't know. I understand why there's only one category, though - much easier to organize, less logistics and planning involved.
Looking at the race results (which you can view here), there were less 2300+ people who participated. I think they were gunning for 5000 runners to join the event; however, there was at least one other race which took place on the same day. I hope more runners join an event with a worthwhile cause (such as the Million Hectare Challenge) - this way, we get fit AND make a contribution at the same time. I remember back in college, some organizations would sponsor a fund run, wherein people would pledge a certain amount (say, PHP5) per given distance (e.g. one whole run around the Academic Oval will be four laps). Maybe the race organizers can do something of a similar sort? Hmm...
Back to the Sin Tax Run. Below are my observations:
Strengths
Well-organized - I have attended a couple of races organized by RunRio this year (i.e. Run United, Nike), and I must say, they have been very consistent in delivering a well-organized race. The race started on time, there was a good number of marshals, even Coach Rio himself was going around during the race on his motorcycle. And, the fact that there was a timing chip was awesome (remember, the fee was only PHP16)!
Adequate hydration stations - despite this being only a 6km run, there are enough hydration stations spread throughout the race course.
AFIs
None! - honestly, I couldn't think of any glaring lapses from the organizers. Kudos, RunRio!
Overall, it was a GREAT run! I didn't stay long after crossing the finish line, so I cannot comment on the awarding ceremonies/program. I bumped into running friends of mine as well, which was a good surprise. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture with them, though. Nonetheless, I managed to take a couple of shots. Enjoy!
Start/Finish Line at Seaside Bay (back of MOA)
Finishers waiting for the other runners before the awarding ceremonies.
Keep running,
Earl Patrick
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