2012 Run United 3: Runners Race Off to Complete the 'United Medal'

Finisher medals are a much-anticipated reward for athletes including runners. Participants of the Run United series this year did not just run for one medal, they ran for three of them. Unilab Active Health and Runrio Inc. created a unique 'united medal' that runners can complete at the 2012 Run United 3, the third leg of the 2012 Runrio Trilogy.



The united medal was introduced at 2012 Run United 1 early this year to encourage runners to try longer distances. If a runner finishes all three legs in these categories—21km/21km/32km or 21km/21km/21km, he or she will be able to complete the three-part united medal, which forms one big medal plate. The last piece of the medal was a big come-on for many of the runners at the 2012 Run United 3 at SM Mall of Asia grounds on Sunday.



Long-distance runners participated in full force. There were a record number of participants for the 21km and 32km categories, estimated at 6,000 runners. In fact, two weeks before the race, slots for 32km or the so-called ‘Afroman Distance’ were already taken.



According to organizers, it is for two good reasons. First, runners want to claim the last piece of the Run United united medal and second, to prepare for the upcoming Run United Philippine Marathon on October 28.



“We really expect a high turnout in the long-distance categories during Run United 3 because runners usually prepare during the first two races. Then they sign up for longer distances in the last leg. And this year, they have one more race to prepare for—our first ever marathon, so the number of long-distance runners further increased,” said Alex Panlilio, head of Unilab Active Health. Last year’s Run United 3 was also very well attended, with a record number of over 14,000 runners.



Coach Rio dela Cruz of RunRio Inc. added that the medal is another incentive in addition to the recognition given to long-distance runners at the annual RunRio Trilogy Awards Night. The RunRio Trilogy consists of Run United 1 last March 4, Run United 2 last June 17 and the just-concluded Run United 3.



“We are happy to receive good feedback about the Run United RunRio trilogy. The Run United series is witness to the runners’ continued growth and improved performance in running. We cannot wait to see them outrun themselves at Run United Philippine Marathon next month,” said Dela Cruz.



The short and medium distance categories— the Ceelin 500m dash, 3k, 5k, and 10k also had high turnouts, proving once again that running is now the most popular fitness activity of Filipino families.



The different starting line (Bonifacio Global City) and finish line (SM Mall of Asia) as well as the new routes that traversed through three cities (Taguig, Makati and Pasay) were a hit among runners.



Run United 3, which is for the benefit of Gawad Kalusugan and Children’s Hour, is part of the Unilab Active Health running series. Run United started with only 6,000 runners when it was launched in March 2010 and the numbers have steadily grown in succeeding events. An estimated 14,000 runners participated during its previous race—at Run United 2.



Besides the run races, Unilab Active Health also has a triathlon series, the third leg, Tri United 3, will be held on November 11 at Ayala, Alabang.



For further information or inquiries on race details, results, photos and discussions, please visit the following websites: www.unilabactivehealth.com or www.runrio.com.

The United Medal

The long wait for the third and final piece of the united medal is finally over as Run United fanatics participate in the third leg of the 2012 Run United Trilogy on September 16. The three-piece united medal was introduced at Run United 1 early this year to encourage runners to race on or try longer distances. If a runner finishes all three legs in these categories—21km/21km/32km or 21km/21km/21km, he or she will be able to complete the three-part united medal, which forms one big medal plate that symbolizes the runners’ commitment to sustaining an active and healthy lifestyle all year round.