Race Recap: My Skyathon Boracay Beach Run

This is a guest post by Ceres, who is also known as Cybermumu by  runner friends. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience in running on the white sands of Boracay!

What happened in Boracay, stays in Boracay. No, not this time. I’m ecstatic with my first visit in the island that I have to share it.

The 4km long, powder-like white sand beach and clear water has been the venue of the yearly SkyAthon Beach Run of Sky Cable.  This race event aims to help fund the clean-up programs of Boracay Foundation, Inc.  On its third year,  I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful paradise and at the same time race this much-anticipated summer event.

Sun, Sand and Sky at Boracay

The SkyAthon Boracay Beach Run 2012 happened last April 21.  It has a unique  pre-race and post-race activities prepared for the registrants that made the trip memorable.

April 20: Sounds of Sundown at Epic Beachfront.  The scorching heat of the sun didn’t stopped everyone from enjoying the live music and freebies.  There are also invited celebrities like Matteo Guidicelli, Daniel Matsunaga and Will DeVaughn, people lined up just to have pictures with them.

Like the races in other countries, the organizers made used of the non disposable timing chips. A Php 1,000 per kit refundable deposit for the timing chip was required for one’s time to be included in the official race results. Other runners opted not to get made use of this and just enjoyed the run and tracked their own personal times.

April 21: Race Proper.  Sand, sky and…rain! Few hours before the race, I thought the rain wouldn’t stop from pouring.  I’m glad it did.

Few minutes before the mass gun start

I didn’t expect that running on the sand is that difficult.  The way the lead pack runs is as if they don’t mind the sand at all.   While I’m having the hard time running, I’m still able to appreciate the view and the sound of the waves while feeling the cool breeze through my skin.  Thank God I just registered for 5K which I managed to finish in 43 minutes!

… with my teammate Quintin Atienza from HangOut Buddies (HOB)

Every finisher received a loot bag that contains lots of goodies, a finisher shirt and a personalized finisher’s medal.  Winners from all categories have received cash and prizes from sponsors as well.  At the post-race program, runners joined the individual and group games and received prizes from the major sponsors.  I got lucky to join the “patintero/agawan ng base” game where we won Tornado and Banana Boat Rides.

…with Matteo Guidicelli

10K First Place Women’s Category, Mherlz Lumagbas

Every finisher received a loot bag that contains a lot of goodies, a finisher shirt and a personalized finisher’s medal.  Winners from all categories have received cash and prizes from sponsors as well.  At the post-race program, runners joined the individual and group games and received prizes from the major sponsors.  I got lucky to join the “patintero/agawan ng base” game where we won Tornado and Banana Boat Rides.

Finisher’s Lootbag contents and Personalized Medal

My Tornado Boad ride with HOB teammate Noah Obaob and his friend Jaime Abuan Jr.

This run for a cause was able to donate Thirty Thousand Pesos (Php 30,000.00) to Boracay Foundation, Inc.

Ms. Carla of Sky Cable with representative from Boracay Foundation, Inc.

April 21: Gold Rush at Juice Bar.  Boracay experience is incomplete without a party.  Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers opened the program which was hosted by Sam YG.  Loud music, drinks, freebies, prizes and celebrities… runners couldn’t stop partying until wee hours of Sunday morning.

Boracay Phoenix Fire Dancers

…partying with runner friends

I truly recommend this event to my fellow runners.  You’ll receive more than what you’ll pay for plus, you’ll be able to help the environment.

Congratulations to Sky Cable, especially to Ms. Enchie Camarillo and her team for another successful event this year.  You helped the environment and also gave the registrants a different running and partying experience.  I thank you for the opportunity to be part of this run for a cause.  I wish that more runners will take part of next year’s event.  See you next year!

…with Ms. Enchie Camarillo of Sky Cable

Photo credits:  Noah Obaob, Noel Camarillo, and ActiveMoments.