Runners were just happy to have a Bull Run this year. (photo courtesy of We Run For Good Health FB)
TAGUIG CITY – The Filipino running community was simply happy to have the Bull Run last February 16 (Sunday) at the Bonifacio Global City. Usually held during the first week of January as the first major event of the season, a lot of its loyal patrons wondered if one their favorite run would push through after several major run franchises either cancelled or rescheduled their events.
After an innocent post on a popular website wondering about the fun run’s status, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) suddenly announced that the Bull Run will indeed be holding its 10th edition. For an event that can be described as organized with limited time and fanfare, this year’s race remained at par with its previous iterations.
Last year’s Typhoon Yolanda had a big effect on the entire local sporting calendar and the Bull Run was not spared. While previous Bull Runs promoted investor awareness, the 10th Bull Run was dubbed as the Build Run with the goal of raising funds for the reconstruction of the devastated areas.
In past Bull Runs, I joined the 10 kilometers only since the timing is just coming off Christmas vacation. For the first time, I joined the 21-kilometer category.
The course was the usual run around BGC and Buendia Avenue. This more or less the same route used by most fun runs so there was little need for directional and distance markers.
PSE CEO Hans B. Sicat rang the starting bell but I had a slow start as the runners darted to a poorly lit 8th Avenue. However, the rest of the roads around BGC had sufficient lighting.
As the group approached the Buendia Flyover, we were met by the slower group of the 16-kilometer runners that crowded the ascent. For the nth time, the streetlamps atop the flyover were not turned on but portable lights were placed that helped a lot.
Upon reaching Buendia Avenue, the crowd began to spread out as the faster runners made their move. After the u-turn just before the railroad tracks, I began to speed up back to BGC.
Nearing the final stretch on 9th Avenue, a quick glance at my watch suggested that cracking the two-hour barrier was possible! Pumped up, the barrier was not broken but a new personal record was set.
The weather was very conducive to a good run. At the same time, hydration stations were well stocked with water, Pocari Sweat and bananas.
Being one of the early finishers, claiming of finisher shirts, medals and loot bags was easy. Of course, this will be very memorable because aside from the new record, this is my first medal and shirt from the Bull Run.
Definitely, the Bull Run acquitted itself very well. Everything was understandably kept at a minimum in order to maximize the amount to be donated to the typhoon relief efforts.
For a run to last a decade is a big achievement – how many run franchises can claim such longevity? Hopefully, the 11th Bull Run will be held next year at its usual January date.
For 10th Bull Run official race results, click HERE.
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