Over 8,000 running enthusiasts are expected to show up when the second staging of the Asics Rock ‘n Roll Running Series Manila comes back at the stroke of midnight on Nov. 26, Saturday, at the historic Rizal Park.
Running at night under cooler weather, with the streets of Manila vibrating to the music of invited bands, is expected to make the experience more exciting.
Chief organizer Wilfred Steven Uytengsu said this during its launch on Tuesday at the Manila City Hall.
“First, it’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s starting at midnight. It’s going to be in Manila, the weather will be cool, and the streets are going to be lit,” said Uytengsu, who was with Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Asics Brand Communication executive Faith So and AIA Vitality’s Kats Cajucom.
A payment plan option is available for the 42km and 21 km participants with pre-allocated tiered slots per distance.
“The 42km run will not be an easy event. But I think it helps to have these done with music,” added Uytengsu.
General registration will commence of Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. and it can be done via email, sai.mayol@ironman.com.
The turnout is expected to be even better when it was first held last year.
Uytengsu said there were a lot of restrictions when the initial races were done due to COVID-19.
“People couldn’t train before. And that’s the big difference this year. And now people can exercise with no masks,”added Uytengsu.
Bigger, louder and more amplified, the global spectacle that combines running, music and community promises to be bigger and better in scope and in terms of participation and organization. It will dot Manila’s heritage sites with booming live music and runners in colorful costumes.
Kicking off on Feb. 16 all the way to the last registration calls in November, the event features a variety of activities for the community—from training runs with seasoned marathoners and ASICS coaches, medals and routes showcase, to the search for RNR Entertainers contest. Not only will it inspire participants to keep up with their training prep, it will also build a community that will bring the fun to the run.
“We are just as excited as the rest to host this Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series for the second straight year. Manila has so much to offer and the local government and the Manila Police District will closely coordinate with the organizers to guarantee the safety of the runners and spectators alike,” said Manila Mayor Lacuna.
The event is the world’s largest running series, held annually in various countries around the world featuring performance, recreation, lifestyle and budding runners.
“As our brand’s mission to inspire as many people to experience the impact of running and its benefits to mind and body, we’re excited for the runners of all skill levels and abilities to combine their collective efforts for another fun run known for live music every step of the way along the course,” said Anil Buxani, Chief Executive Officer of Sonak Corp., distributor of ASICS.
A partner of a wide range of sporting events and personalities, AIA Vitality’s support of the event underscores the brand’s commitment to make people live a healthy lifestyle.
“AIA supports running for the freedom and pleasure it brings, no matter one’s age and ability and our sponsorship of the Manila Rock ‘n’ Roll Series is in line with our brand’s commitment to help people live healthier, longer and better lives,” said Cajucom, head of Health and Wellness of AIA Philippines.