Team Kenya dominates inaugural Asics Relay Philippines marathon

1 June 2018

Pasay City, – Thousands of runners have hit the streets in the country’s first-ever night relay race, the ASICS Relay Philippines 2018 at SM By The Bay, Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Hundreds of teams vied for the grand prize, but Team Kenya, Ganda R, and Team LTIMESTUDIO 1 emerged victorious in their respective Full Marathon categories – Male, Female, and Mixed.

As part of the grand prize, the three champion teams in the Full Marathon category will receive an all-inclusive flight and accommodation trip to run in the next ASICS Relay race in the country of their choice. In addition to the complimentary race slots, the winning teams received cash and product prizes worth over Php 790,000.

ASICS Relay Philippines presents a fresh take on marathon racing as runners are required to race in teams of 4 to complete a half or full marathon distance. Each member of the team in the 21km and 42km category ran a quarter of the total distance to complete the race.

“We really enjoyed the race,” said Luisa Raterta, one of the members of the Full Marathon Female category winner team, Ganda R. “We were nervous at first of what is going to come when the race started, but we’re very happy with our experience because it was well organized and it had a good route,” she added.

“It was our first time to run in a relay race, so our strategy was to arrange our turns based on our running strengths, and we think our tactic paid off really well” said Kevin Capampangan, member of Full Marathon Mixed category winner Team LTIMESTUDIO 1. “We’re very happy with the teamwork that we’ve built with one another,” said Joida Gagnao one of the members of Team LTIMESTUDIO 1. “It was a good thing for us to establish that kind of camaraderie as it helped us win the race,” she shared.

The ASICS Relay not only promises a competitive, team-bonding race, it also offers unique experiences for runners to enjoy. At the scenic seaside race village nestled in SM By The Bay, participants were treated to music entertainment by local musicians and dancers held on a 360 degree LED stage, fireworks, interactive games, and unique photo booths.

After the Philippines leg, the ASICS Relay 2018 will continue the action on August 4th in Indonesia.

 

Winners list

 

Full marathon:

Male category – Team Kenya 02:21:55

Female category – Ganda R 02:56:56

Mixed category – Team LTIMESTUDIO 02:37:43

 

Half marathon:

Male category – BRW Team 01:19:17

Female category – Laguna Gazelles 01:37:51

Mixed category – Army Team 01:15:44

 

Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports

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