Ipads + Runners = Rexona Run

Per and I were lucky enough to be invited by Runrio.com to the presscon of the Rexona Run at Taste Asia, MOA. Initially, we had no plans to join any new road race as I am still trying to get my heel pain fixed but this is just too exciting for us!

There are a LOT OF NEW STUFFS Race Organizer Rio dela Cruz will introduce for this race that would set a new standard for road races in the Philippines:

Firstly, the introduction of new chip timer: the D-Tag. As Mentioned by Coach Rio, this chip timer was used in Boston Marathon and is 99% accurate for all runners. I also used this in Fresno Marathon when I did it in November 2009 and it was quite easy to use. Just slide it underneath your shoelaces, remove the sticker tape and just tape it end to end in a circular shape (do not fold or press down!). Since this is a new chip timer, I would expect people to make some mistakes in using it so please read the instructions carefully (twice if you have to). Failure to do so may lead to no official results for you and that would be regretful.

The D-Tag will also be used for Camsur Marathon in September 2010 but Rexona Run will be the first race to use it in the Philippines. I would think this would replace the chip timers that Rio used for previous Runrio races.




Secondly, there is the launching of Runrio membership cards in this race. With this card, you can get discounts to some establishments and earn points too for each race you've joined. This has your profile details in it so in registering for future races, you just type in your membership card number and race category and the computer will pick up the rest of your information from this card. I just hope that for longer race categories you would earn more points that that of the shorter distance to add more motivation to go for the longer race distance!

With this card, Rio hopes to build a runner database and that can be used to determine your ranking overall (Group A for top 200 runners, Group B for top 201 - 400 runners, etc.) or even that of your age group. Hopefully, we can get access to our own data so this can be used for our own recording purposes (like trying to see our current PR or pace per kilometer). But this is a great innovation.




SM will also introduce a new kind of bottle catered for runners which can be opened by pressing your finger on the top and making a hole in it. The new bottles will be served in this race but pre-opened already by the marshals. Bottle is squeezable and contains 300ml. Would this replace the plastic cups at the race? Hmmmm......

There will be loot bags for all FINISHERS in this race and finisher medals for the 21km categories. Race will be at MOA Area (starting line near Fitness First) and Rio promised it to be a flat and new race route for all of us! Race kits will include singlet, bib, D-tag and a 150ml Rexona Men Sports Defence aerosol.




But the highlight for this race would be in the registration process. It would be a paperless registration (Go Green!) and done via Ipads! Yes, Ipads!!! The product isn't even here yet (you can verify this at Apple stores) but Rio managed to bring a lot of units to the Philippines just for this race. We had fun putting our names in it and quite easy to use as touch screen.


Best of all, you can try your hand at this product once the registration begins.

Awesome!











Registration has never been this fun before!

As a final note, proceeds of this race will be used to improve sports development in various schools. There are a total of 14 pre-selected schools benefiting from this race. So joining is for a good cause too!

More details below: