Running in the Philippines

Though Pierre Elias was born in Grenoble, France, he currently lives in Manila, Philippines. He has been there for one year, and has also lived and worked for two years in New Caledonia, a French island found in the South Pacific.

Pierre is an engineer, and is twenty-seven years old. He has been a runner for four years. So far Pierre has been a member to three running clubs. Currently he is a member of the Manila Triathlon Club (with about twenty members), and previously to the Icos club in Paris, and Association Sportive Magenta in New Caledonia.

Pierre runs three times a week, with an average of less than 10k during each run, as he prefers track training. He usually runs with others, and does not run the same workout each time he runs.

Though it is quite unusual where he lives now, Pierre's favorite type of weather to run in is cold, and he mentions that in Manila the humidity affects running. When running, Pierre wears light running shorts and a T-shirt. He owns three pairs of running shoes, one for training, one for races, and one for hiking. Pierre reads running magazines sometimes, and the only accessory he uses is his running Ironman watch.

When asked if running is an acceptable activity in his country, Pierre says, "In France we have a lot, but in the Philippines we are very very few. Mainly because of very hot weather and pollution in Manila". Pierre also mentions that a visiting runner should be warned about the heat, humidity, and pollution before running in the Philippines. He also notes that there are a lot of dogs to look out for while you run there.

Pierre also participates in organized races. In France a race costs about U.S. $10, and you usually receive a participation bag, and a medal at the finishing line. He has also competed in the "Paris Marathon", and the "Noumea Marathon" (New Caledonia). His personal best time for a half marathon is 1:20, and 2:49 for a marathon.

When asked when and where was his favorite run, Pierre said, "Gigawatt race in New Caledonia. New Caledonia is the best place on earth to run that I have seen so far. I have been in 26 countries in total".

Run The Planet would like to thank Pierre Elias from Philippines for taking part in the Planeteer Spotlight.