The summer heat two Saturday nights ago was blazing hot with the feminine prowess of girls dressed in cool melon-orange running shirt during the Nike's All-Women 10K Manila Run at Filinvest City in Alabang. The 8,692 participants was a first ever event of Nike in the Metro and also in the Country so far, with such a huge crowd of All-Women runners that spectators like us can't help but be so overwhelmed with such big population of girls, in one night on a single location, and are all united in one grand event.
I know everbody were so excited as the girls strolled around non-chaotically together with their sisters, mom, aunts, or girl-friends and finally gathered to the starting line before the gun-start. I can't help but feel a mix of relaxed- and hyper- energy streaming from the surroundings to my body that made me reminisce the group of 4 girls during the first All-Women Relay Run five (5) years ago. It was the same energy except that this time of Saturday evening was more intense due to such an overpowering crowd of excited and very happy runners.
Seeing these ladies as they trudge on the route, the camaraderie of each of their own group, the giggles, and their excited squealing in delight makes us (the spectator guys) smile and also laugh and appreciate the beauty of an event that is only meant for girls, to make them feel empowered and encouraged to commit and become a better version of themselves.
With Nike and RunRio's race organizing expertise, these women runners were made to experience a grand race designed for them that the event was so organized without the congestion that you might expect from having a huge crowd, and that despite from the many selfies along the route. It's just sad that my photography skills' so lacking that I can't take a good shot of the passing runners. The last few meters were lined-up on each side with girls who are cheering each runner as they cross the carpeted aisle to the finish line.
The fast 500 runners were also taken to a VIP area where they can grab a cool-down snack, get a massage, and earned another Nike shirt that is only for them.
Inside the activity village is a big air-conditioned 360-degree planetarium-like dome where runners gathered to rest and feast their eyes on an interactive film showing while lying down on a soft, white couch (oh we are so envious)! Those who still have the energy took up a challenge at the Nike Training Club (NTC) stations on the big multi-level carpark ranging from different workouts such as squats, lunges, planks and push-ups that made them earn rewards.
Nike Dome
DJ Jess Milner on the deck for a high-energy music mix
Congratulations to all the Women who became better for it, enjoyed the eve, got the accomplishment they deserve, and conquered their first 10K, made a personal record, and even to those who finally pulled their Mom, Aunt, Bestfriend, or Girl-friend to accompany them in crossing both the starting and the finish line!
“Women across the globe are embracing the fitness and sport lifestyle, and this is even more evident in the Philippines. We are here to empower them through services, product innovation, athlete inspiration and motivating them to be the better version of themselves,” says Patrick Reyes, Country Marketing Manager for Nike Philippines. “Whether it was her first 10k race, or a moment to achieve her personal best, Nike is here to inspire, connect and enable women to be #betterforit.”I am also especially grateful for the ladies of Eon PR Team - Nike's Media Relations group for inviting us to witness this spectacular event!
“This is definitely something that I will remember for a long time. This is my first time joining an all-women race, and my whole race experience has been so beautiful and positive. I’m sure all runners who joined the Nike Women’s 10k Manila will say the same,” shares Monica Torres, number one female triathlete in the Philippines. “All women who crossed the finish line are better for it and have every reason to be proud of achieving their 10k goal.”
Nike Women’s 10k Manila is part of the global Nike Women's Event Series, connecting more than 200,000 women across 25 cities. Designed to power women to be better through sport, the series includes the Nike Women’s Race Series, with runs ranging from 5k to half marathon, and the N+TC Tour, a five-hour training challenge hosted by elite athletes and master trainers.
More photos may be found from my Facebook album.