Cavite: The country's leading runners are set to converge at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite as the ASICS META Time Trials make their Philippine debut on October 19. The event promises an exciting 10-kilometer Open race with a total of PHP400,000 in cash prizes, rewarding PHP100,000 each to the top finishers in both the men's and women's divisions. Runners finishing in positions two through ten will receive PHP10,000 each.
According to Philippines News Agency, MILO Marathon champion Richard Sala±o, who recently competed in the prestigious Sydney Marathon in Australia, is among the notable participants. Sala±o expressed his determination to compete, stating, "I will try my best, but I think getting a podium in the ASICS META: Time: Trials is hard because right now, my focus is on the 42km event for the SEA Games." Sala±o achieved a personal best of 2:26:51 in Sydney, finishing as the top Southeast Asian runner and placing 36th overall among over 21,000 entries in the men's division. Fellow MILO Marathon champion Christine Hallasgo also participated in the Sydney Marathon, clocking in at 2:54:27 and securing the 37th spot among more than 11,000 runners.
Ishina Buxani, marketing director of the SONAK Retail Group, the official distributor of ASICS in the Philippines, emphasized the significance of the event. "ASICS Meta: Time: Trials Philippines gives Filipino runners a rare opportunity to compete at an elite level while still welcoming those who simply want to challenge themselves," Buxani stated in a press release. "It's about creating an environment where everyone has the chance to cross the finish line stronger, faster, and prouder than ever before."
To qualify for prizes, participants must be at least 16 years old on race day. Registration is currently open via Race Roster at https://bit.ly/ASICSMTT-PH. In preparation for the event, the ASICS Running Club (ARC) continues to offer free weekly sessions at ASICS Glorietta on Tuesdays and SM Mall of Asia on Fridays, providing runners with structured training programs and the opportunity to experience ASICS' latest performance innovations.
