Running at BGC

The good thing about running and racing is that all you basically need is a good pair of shoes and a well-paved (or equivalent) road. Practically anyone, at any age can do it but, i guess one of the triggers why it boomed is the availability of areas to run on. I mean, you can’t just run anywhere especially here in Manila.

This is where Bonifacio Global City (BGC) plays a very good niche. When this city opened (as i have lived in the area for so long), the public just started running on its then grassy lawns and almost-free of traffic roads. It had very little traffic and pollution and was really safe as there aren’t so much people then, plus the area employs it’s own security personnel.

At this time, BGC plays host to most races (mostly fun runs). There aren’t as much open areas and the roads can sometimes be full of traffic but its got areas designated just for runners. It still has little pollution, thanks to the regulated public transport in the area and the well placed trees. The place is active and secure at all times making the area a great and safe haven to do some jogging and running. These are the things that make people want to done on their running gears and clothes and start running at the early hours before sunrise or after office hours.

If you live or work nearby, i suggest you get your running shoes and clothes and try a few kilometers within BGC. Even outside of the fun races and running events, BGC is one of the best areas to do some running.

The most common area to run is along the perimeter of High Street. Its completely safe, well-lit (except when they are fixing something) and has a spacious side-walk for runners. At certain times of the day, they even put traffic pylons along the road that extends the area for runners. Motorists that pass here are already aware that this area is filled with runners/joggers so, there’s very little possibility of accidents. Plus, there is the fact that security personnel often assist by-passers and runners alike.

If you want to run at BGC, pick your schedule from my well-researched and highly-accurate observation (hehe):

4:30AM ~ 7:00AM	Not so much runners (except sometimes for the 5AM-6AM weekends/ holidays) - you won’t have trouble running wild - best for people who prefer running by themselves - a favorite for grandparents
7:00AM ~ 9:00AM	Some number of people - most are those who run before going to the office or the gym - best for people who want to do some running before work - another favorite for grandparents
9:00AM ~ 5:00PM	No runners - please don’t bother unless your running with an umbrella or it’s really your intention to get a sunburn - although, one can run on a really cloudy day or maybe even at 4:30PM onwards during the wet season
5:00PM ~ 7:00PM	A lot of runners - the street is filled with people who just got off from work or is prepping to go to a nearby gym - perfect for those who don’t mind or even prefer the company. although, you might at times need to rub elbows with a fellow runner
7:00PM ~ 10:00PM	Just enough runners - the number of after-office hours runners has died out so there’s a lot more free space
10:00PM ~ 4:30AM	No runners - maybe just a weird time to run but whatever floats your boat

I usually run around 6:30PM ~ 8:30PM, so I start out with lots of people and ends it out when there are just a few ‘survivors’. Of course, i take a few rests in the middle. Cheater. Lol.

The perimeter of High St is roughly 1.25 Km. So, if you’re not using a GPS-enable device to track your running, you can estimate your total distance by that. By the way, I’m using “RunKeeper” for the iPhone to track my runs. It’s really a great help if you can monitor your progress, which can actually also motivate you. Sometimes having company (friends or even fellow runners that you don’t personally know) can make the run more enjoyable.

There are comfort rooms in every section of High St. Just look for the big signs (B1, B2, B3…). There’s usually a comfort room just under those signs (behind the restaurants, not in them).

The only downside i find in running at High St is that there are no convenient stores within the area where you can buy sports or energy drink. The closest one i know would be Mini-Stop in Market-Market Mall. You would have to cross Serendra just to get to your favorite Gatorade. So, if you can, try to carry your own drinks/sports bottle.

Try running at BGC, and if you see me running (or lobbying at one of the cafes – do say ‘hi’.

Have fun running!