(Written by Edwin Soriano of RunnersRunner.com)
The first time ever that I joined an organized run was in 2001 in my hometown, Baguio. It was the Milo eliminations. As far as I can remember, I ran the 5K. And I remember that 5K was far indeed for me at that time 
.
Running has come a long way after ten years. And running once again in Baguio for Run United was for me a sweet reunion of me running in my hometown.
On raceday, I had a short run going to the starting line, right next to the playground we used to play in at Burnham Park. Whew, the air is thin! I psyched myself up for a challenging 10K. I hadn’t trained much for this.
I was at the starting line much earlier than usual at 4:30am. (I remember as a teenager, when my dad would wake-up me and my brothers for a game of tennis here in Burnham – he woke us up so early so that we’d be the first in the courts.)
I got to see the 21K runners before their gunstart. There were more 21K runners than 10K, maybe double the number. “Why so?”, we asked among friends. Unlike in Manila where runs are a dime a dozen, there aren’t many big organized runs in Baguio. I think that when a big organized run comes to Baguio, the local runners would rather prepare and participate in the long run to make the most of the event, instead of gunning for the shorter distances.
21K Runners stretching it out
When I started my 10K run at 5:30, the first 200meters was uphill. I wasn’t expecting to be short of breath this early in the run. I kept my pace steady. Although a few of the runners walked this uphill start, many of the local runners went full steam ahead. We went through Guisad, down a bit of Kennon past Baguio Medical Center (where my dad holds clinic) and through Military Cut-off where we passed my Alma Mater, SPED Center.
We turned down towards Loakan Road. We began seeing 21K and 10K runners who had made their first U-turns along Loakan. It wasn’t a very long downhill run for the 10K, less than a kilometer. (It was a much longer downhill run for the 21K runners). And we all know what happens when we run downhill — eventually we run uphill! That uphill run was going to be the most challenging for me at the 10K route. Everything else was relatively flat and relaxed.
We circled back and proceeded through Southdrive. By this time, daylight had broken and we heard some chickens crowing. Some of us runners joined the concert and started making animal sounds too! Fun! We passed by the tunnels where we classmates used to do lots of adventures when I was a school kid. We passed by what used to be Hyatt Hotel which collapsed in the June 16, 1990 earthquake.
Before reaching the Country Club, we turned left towards St. Joseph church. The 21K runners turned right facing the area of Mary Hearst. Goodluck to them! We at 10K made our last U-turn before reaching the rotunda next to Wright Park. (This is where my dad took us Horseback riding a couple of times after Sunday Mass at St. Joseph. No horseback riding for me this Sunday morning.)
Bahag Runner James - he ran the 21K and overtook me! ang bilis! (malamig daw kasi)
Cool Running among the pine trees - having fun at the run!
We went back through Southdrive and Military Cut-off. These two roads comprised a good two-thirds of the 10K route which made it a rather flat route. Unlike the 21K route which took the runners way downhill through Loakan road and uphill towards Mary Hearst, the 10K route had just a few stretches of uphills. Buti nalang for me! 
It was an enjoyable run with perfect cool climate, well-stocked water and Powerade stations. Marshalls were present where they mattered in the major intersections. There were some sections along the route where we were running alongside vehicles, some standing-still, some plying the same road as the runners. I guess even on an early Sunday morning, there are just too few alternative routes to close-off roads in Baguio for such a run. (I later found out that the Red Cross run was done in Baguio as well — wow, two runs on the same day in Baguio? I didn’t imagine Baguio was big enough for two simultaneous runs).
I foresee that eventually, race organizers will find a way to manage motor traffic to keep runners safe and motorists appeased. In essence, what needs to be done: prior to a running event, make public announcements on TV/Radio/broadsheets/road signages informing motorists of road closures and alternative routes.
I ended strong in the last 200 meters with a downhill run. Whew, a whole lot of fun!
It was good to see some familiar faces. Bee-Yen of Team Kamote was there doing the 21K. A gradeschool friend, Richard Narvaez was there joining his first organized run — Richard and I had great times running as kids when we used to play habulan during recess and after class. Titanium Runner, Dulce and Marco were there too. I saw a few familiar faces, local runners in Baguio who would go to Manila for some of the big runs. Team Logan was there – they say they missed Baguio. The Logan family lived in Baguio for three years before going back earlier this year to set residence in Laguna.
Ka Edong and Bee Yen of Team Kamote
Ka Edong with Team Logan - Craig, Justin, Michelle. They lived in Baguio for 3 years. It was a homecoming for them too.
The event area in the Athletic Bowl was spiced up with photo booths, games, product giveaways. There was a Wi-Fi station with four laptops where runners were invited to login and update their Facebook or twitter status. For the awarding, we got some entertainment too as four groups performed for an Enervon cheerdance competition.
Running High with Energy in Run United Baguio
Angry Birds Contingent
Congratulations to Unilab and RunRio for this Baguio Leg of Run United. For me, it was a perfect day and a perfect stage for reminiscing about my childhood through this homecoming run in Baguio.
