July 7, 2013, at around 5:00 am, was held the Adidas King of the Road 2013, Philippine Leg at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. When In Manila, check out what transpired in the one of the most awaited run of the year! Congratulations to all finishers!

Adidas King of the Road 2013 starting line

Adidas King of the Road

Adidas King of the Road was held at the last quarter last year since we are the last leg of the prestigious race. This year, Adidas King of the Road was scheduled midyear as Philippines was chosen to be the opening leg of the running championship held across SouthEast Asia. Top finishers of the first four countries will fly to Malaysia to compete for the title King and Queen of the Road 2013.

Adidas King of the Road 2013

I decided to register for the 10km category. Since I have stopped running for months now, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish my race. I wasn’t also physically prepared since I haven’t had enough sleep the past few days. Also, my regular running buddies will not be present, meaning, I will be running alone. All the excuses I had in my mind gave me a heavy start, but a little voice within me kept saying that I can and I will finish the race.

I set a goal time of not more that 2 hours. So I would be okay with 1 hour and 59 mins or less, the shorter, the better; but I didn’t keep my hopes up.

Then was the countdown to the start, I felt that everyone was so excited, except me. And so I put on my earphones and waited for the run to start.

I was so concentrated on my music when I passed by groups of “boosters” who happily cheered for all runners. One thing I commend about the Adidas King of the Road. I felt supported by them even though I was running alone.

“Boosters” or “cheerers” play an important role especially for runners who run in distance, these people boost the will to finish the race.

1km, 2km, 3km… I felt so tired already and thought of just not finishing the race, but again, I said to myself to run until 5km and see how it goes. 4km, 5km.. then I look at my time. I was surprised to find out I ran 5km faster than I calculated and so this was my encouragement to finish the run. I felt so fulfilled, just like the first time I ran my 5km way back 2011.

6km, 7km, 8km… I felt my legs hurting because of no practice but I kept running. 9km and finally upon seeing the finish line and Cholo smiling while taking my photo, I felt fulfilled and proud of myself. I crossed the finish line for my comeback 10km run.

Runners of Adidas King of the Road 2013

So here I am, with my finisher’s medal. Feeling fulfilled, hype and happy that I finished Adidas King of the Road 2013!

Me and my KOTR 2013 medal

Not only that, I also get to claim my finisher’s loot bag. Organized since the area of claiming was wide and spacious. Well done for that! Also, booths like Century Tuna, Gardenia, Pascal Laboratories and of course Adidas were present. Free popsicles courtesy of Magnolia Ice Cream were given to the runners as well.