My last official race for the year: The Nike We Run MNL 10K

Needless to say, November has been a very fruitful month for me in terms of logging the miles. Earlier in the month, I was able to finish my very first 25-kilometer race (Power Run 2012), the farthest distance yet for my young running career.

For the year, I am blessed to have been invited to run with 13,000 other determined runners for the Nike We Run MNL 10K in Pasay City this December 2. It would be the last official race I will be joining for the year.

The number of runners registered (13,000) may seem like a lot--and it is, considering most races average some 3,000 participants. But that's only 3.29% of the 395,000 runners from 32 participating cities around the world expected to participate in the global Nike We Run race series. The event launched last September 1 in Prague, Czech Republic, and will conclude on December 15 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

According to a press release I received from Nike's PR firm, the Nike's We Run MNL 10K race will see runners pass through the commercialized area of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay and head towards the fields along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.Runners will then be taking a turn on Pacific Avenue to race back to the finish line.

I have been a huge fan of Nike. Since January of this year, I have bought three pairs of Nike running shoes. (Full disclosure: Those purchases came from my own pocket. I didn't receive any discount from Nike). I have also been using the Nike+ GPS running app since the start of the year so joining the run is a nice way of capping off a highly successful phase in my life as a determined runner.

What excites me the most though is the chance to take home the Finisher's shirt, which all runners (who make it to the end, of course) will get to enjoy. That's because the shirt will feature a global We Run design customized for the Philippines.

Aside from this, runners can also look forward to the race village (located at Seaside Boulevard), where we will be able to recharge and relax. There will be a massage booth, as well as a refreshments area with a juice bar. Nike influencers will also be present, according to the press release. Expect to see Drew Arellano and Mia Bayuga, and bands Chicosci, Never The Strangers and Spongecola for some post-concert fun.

Post Script: For runners who registered, the race kit collection is on-going until November 30 (10am to 10pm at the Bonifacio High Street activity grounds in front of Nike Park Fort, Bonifacio Global City). Runners are requested to bring their IDs and a printed copy of their confirmation slip to collect their race packs.

For more info, visit www.facebook.com/NikeRunningPH or follow @NikePH on Twitter.

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