Young, old, serious and fun runners pursue fitness at NBA FIT Fun Run

by inboundpass
Monday, 16 August 2010 Be the first one to comment

They came in various shapes, sizes, ages and genders: fitness buffs, girl friends, men’s clubs, office mates, serious runners and entire families, some with toddlers and infants in tow.

All were united in their goal: to get fit, to pursue an active lifestyle and at the same time, to have fun.

Almost 1,500 runners limbered up before the crack of dawn Saturday, August 14 at the SM Mall of Asia to join various race categories in the NBA FIT Fun Run — the penultimate activity of the global pro league’s health and fitness program, NBA FIT Week in the Philippines, the biggest ever in Southeast Asia.

Overwhelmed by the public response to the league’s comprehensive health and wellness program and the Fun Run during the last nine days, Ed Winkle, NBA Asia’s Senior Director of Business Development & Marketing Partnerships announced that NBA FIT will be back next year – bigger and better – because of the public turnout and enthusiasm for the program and its key personalities.

NBA FIT Week in Manila featured Miami HEAT Filipino-American Head Coach Erik Spoelstra and his assistant coach David Fizdale, along with celebrity athletes and local health, fitness, and wellness experts including Coach Rio dela Cruz from Run Rio, fitness expert Marlette Besa, celebrity chefs Rolly Laudico and Aileen Anastacio, as well as top instructors from Fitness First and Philippine Kettlebell Club in various activities and mall events.

The NBA FIT Fun Run on Aug. 14 at SM Mall of Asia was organized by Run Rio and started at 5 a.m. with 3K, 5K and 10K distances open to participants of all ages. Each participant got a special NBA Fun Run Running Singlet and the top finishers won special prizes including NBA basketballs autographed by Coach Spoelstra, one-month membership provided by Fitness First, and other premiums sponsored by the NBA FIT Week event partners.

Winners of the 3K race were: Wennie Mauilas, 1st; Patrick Gongob, 2nd; and Lloyd Malinao, 3rd (Men’s); Mary Ann de la Cruz, 1st; Michelle de Vera, 2nd and Florida Gonzales, 3r (Women’s).

5K achievers meanwhile were: Michael Batung, 1st; Pacino Andaya, 2nd; Carlito Fantilaga, 3rd (Men’s); Serenata Saluan, 1st; Nhea Ann Barcena, 2nd and Mirasol Abad, 3rd (Women’s).

10K winners were: Alquin Bolivar, 1st; Darwin Lim 2nd and Regie Lumauag, 3rd (Men’s); Marecil Maquilan, 1st; Victoria Calma, 2nd and Agnes Afuang, 3rd (Women’s).

Official partners of the NBA FIT Week are Gatorade, Head & Shoulders, and Summit Drinking Water. Media partners are Basketball TV, Men’s Health Magazine, Yahoo! Philippines and Wave 89.1. Partners in sport include Fitness First, Run Rio and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Venue partners are SM Mall of Asia and Marriott Manila. Community partners such as the Department of Health, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) under the Department of Science and Technology, and UNICEF are also endorsing the program.