Aside from traveling, I consider running as one of my favorite things to do. I love the other sports as well but I feel like I lose more weight when running. So when I saw that there was going to be a running event at MOA, I decided to call my running buddy and told him that I wanted to join the OYM M 1/4 Half Marathon at SM By The Bay at Mall of Asia. Luckily, he also said that he wanted to run so it was go!

For a half marathon distance, the registration fee was Php 1250.00 . That included a bib with a timing chip and a singlet.

The gun start for 21km was at 4:00 am. So coming from Cavite, we left the house at 2:30am and arrived just in time for the event.

 In the 10km and 21km, there were pacers with different target times. These pacers are a great help because they motivate the runners and help them break their own (runners) records. It’s nice to have them on the road!

 A few minutes before the gun start, runners started doing their stretching.

We were also very excited to have met some fellow running friends at the event who were part of the pacers for the 10km and 21km.

A few minutes before the gun start, all the pacers with different target times gathered at the front  of the starting line. I was really excited because it had been a while since I had joined an event like this.

Here is the route for the 21km category. Most of the events taking place along Mall Of Asia share almost the same route. So having this route map really helped me strategize and gave me an idea what to expect along the way.

The run started and it was a good start. I like that there were hydration stations almost everywhere. Runners have the option to drink water or Pocari Sweat which was one of the sponsors. I highly advise you bring your hydration bottle and have it refilled instead.

The first few kilometers, I was really feeling good about myself. I was running at a constant pace, hydrating myself always and hi hellos to fellow runners. But after the 16km marker, my legs started feeling off a bit. I was worried about cramps and that’s when I decided to walk for a bit just to prevent the cramps from worsening.

Just run happy and remember that you are doing something good for your body.

During my last kilometer, I was getting more and more excited to see the finish line. I was not under any pressure at all, I was just enjoying the route and the experience.

And in 2 hours and 50 minutes, I reached the finish line and finally, one proud half marathon finisher! Feels awesome!

My running buddy Ver Real showing off his bib and finisher’s medal. Well, we are not done yet, because aside from the finisher’s medal, we were about to claim our loot bags and check out the booths.

Together with the other categories, runners queue along the booths and check out what giveaways they have in store for us.

Oh! We were also given breakfast meals by Mini Stop! Can I just say I love their fried chicken!

Here are the other booths during the OYM event.

In addition to running, runners could also enjoy ZUMBA after the run.

This run really has sparked my enthusiasm to continue running again. It’s a great cardio exercise and I am beginning to get addicted to it again. This event is one out of four events lined up for OYM and as long as time permits, I’ll definitely join the next leg.

Congratulations to all the runners and thank you to  the organizers, marshals, and security for making this event a success! And as for me, I have to go back training again and run happy! Till next time!