Nike Manila Women Run 2015

 For the first time Manila was included on Nike Women Run series. For the previous year, we only had the We Run series however last yearManila was not included. So it was a big hype to all women runner enthusiast to have the Nike Women Run series in Manila. 20 cities all over the world is part of the run and 20,000 women are expected to run. The run started in March 8 in Nagoya and willclose in San Francisco.

Last night, Filinvest was filled with women in orange shirt. From teenagers to mothers, all women flocked to Festival Mall which is the assembly place of the event. A dome was also built just outside the Festival Mall for the event. The parking space was used to distriibute the Finisher shirt, baggage counter and lounge area. Marshalls are all over the place assisting runners and showing directions.

The rain did not stopped the women to proceed at the starting line. Fireworks signaled the start of the race. 

It was bit hard to run at first because of the large number of runners. I haven’t reached 1 kilometer and I already saw runners walking and panting. I started wondering if all those who participated in the run joined to really run or just join because of the hype of the event.

There is already a hydrating station after 2 kilometers. Even though it rained, the air is still humid making it harder to run. Another challenge is that thereare area where there is water on the ground. After some kilometers, I also saw runners being treated by paramedics some are needed to be brought out of the race.  Then there are runners who would stopped by at the middle of the road so that the photogaphers would take a picture of them.

The track is very challenging. There are several uphill and downhill, areas that have puddle of waterand stones on the ground, and dark streets. What I like about the race is that there are streets where you can smell the flowers. I just don’t know the name of the tree where the fragrant smell is coming from. It somehow relaxes me while I run. There are also tarpaulin along the track with inspirational message from runners.

Spectators cheered the runners as we approached the finish line. We settled for a few minutes in the baggage area after we had claimed our shirts and belongings. We also took the opportnity to have some photos.