Lim: SM2SM Run 2025

SM2SM Run 2025 did not disappoint. While they’re always good, they get better each year. This year, though, they didn’t only get better, they exceeded my expectations.

From the moment I entered the premises of SM Seaside, the venue of the start/finish lines, I was delighted to hear on loudspeakers, security directing vehicles as well as runners where to go.

Wow. Things were looking good.

Directional signage was everywhere — the most important of which was the one that pointed us to where the restrooms were. And all the staff I encountered could answer all my questions.

See what a difference attention to detail makes?

The race route was mostly flat which was inclusive for first-time runners. Confined mostly to the South Road Properties, runners were spared from vehicles, pedestrians, traffic and fumes.

The 21K and 12K races were divided into waves with the first wave allotted to elite and competitive runners from where the winners would be picked and whose times would be based on gun time while the rest would have their times based on chip time.

These guidelines were clearly announced as early as one hour before gun start and repeated, thereafter, many times.

The waves minimize congestion on the race route just as well-distanced gun starts do with the latter not only decongesting traffic on the race route but also on the roads leading to the venue.

With over 14,000 runners last Sunday, race organizers knew what to do and did all they could do to ensure an orderly and safe race for everyone.

I joined the half-marathon and my gun start was at 2 a.m. I love an early gun start because I never sleep the night before a race. The earlier the gun start, the better for me as I get home and to my bed, earlier, too.

While the sunrise can be breathtaking, the sunrise signals the escalation of heat and humidity. It can turn deadly for runners running long distances. It was wonderful to start and finish a race before the sun even had a chance to show.

No dearth of water, sports drinks, cups or bananas. No congestion at the hydration stations which were well-stocked and sufficiently staffed. And while I mercifully did not need to use one, it was a relief to see portable toilets throughout the race route.

I felt safe in the presence of attentive marshals as well as emergency personnel. Runners love escorts but thumbs up for the environmentally-friendly bike-riding medics!

The lines were long for post-race entitlements but with clear signage, efficient distribution and sufficient staff, the lines went fast.

The SM eco tote which contained all our post-race entitlements was a nice and thoughtful touch. So often, I find myself clutching a bottle of water, a meal box and a finisher shirt with some difficulty after a race.

The Jollibee chicken post-race meal gave tired and hungry runners a lot of joy.

There was P2M worth of raffles and prizes with the grand raffle prize being a brand-new BYd Seal 5 DMI Dynamic electric car. You have to hand it to SM to know how to throw a party.

While it takes organizational skill to hold a successful event, a genuine desire and commitment to invest enough resources is necessary for great things to actually happen.

The SM2SM races get better each year because organizers actually listen. They don’t dismiss feedback they don’t want to listen to as a product of nitpicking. SM2SM races have always been good, yet, with each passing year, they still strive to be better.

Finally. A race after my own heart. I can’t wait for SM2SM Run 2026.