The ASICS META: Time: Trials (MTT) Philippines, which focuses on personal performance rather than traditional competition, will be held on Oct. 19, 2025 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite. The ASICS Running Club coaches are (from left) Dean Cunanan, Jasper Tanhueco and Precious Aguilar. (Contributed photo)
The ASICS META: Time: Trials (MTT) Philippines is set to hit the ground running on October 19 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite, bringing with it a refreshing twist to road racing: a 10K event that celebrates personal progress rather than traditional competition.
Designed to spotlight self-improvement over rivalry, MTT encourages runners to chase their own milestones. Guiding participants every step of the way is the ASICS Running Club (ARC), the official training arm of MTT, which offers structured programs led by veteran coaches Precious Aguilar, Jasper Tanhueco, and Dean Ellison Cunanan.
“Beginners often start with simple goals—finishing their first 5K or hitting a new 10K personal record. It’s about progress, not just speed,” shared Aguilar, a former national track and field athlete.
“It’s always you versus you,” added Cunanan, a former collegiate runner and Garmin coach. “Our pace groups let runners train at their current level while pushing them to aim higher.”
Tanhueco, who also serves as the secretary general of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), emphasized injury prevention. “Warm-ups, cool-downs, and drills are non-negotiable. Success doesn’t come from sheer intensity but from consistency and proper form,” he said.
ARC hosts free group runs for both newcomers and seasoned athletes—every Tuesday at Glorietta 2 in Makati and every Friday at the Mall of Asia Sky Garden. These sessions aren’t just about building stamina; they also cultivate camaraderie, accountability, and a supportive environment where runners cheer one another on.
“People travel from all over Metro Manila to train with us. That shows how powerful community can be in sustaining motivation,” Tanhueco said.
Cunanan noted that live coaching, smart pacing, and shared experiences make training more engaging. “We keep the energy high—sometimes cracking jokes or even singing mid-run. When it’s fun, people naturally push harder,” he said.
Beyond the physical grind, Aguilar underscored the importance of mental resilience. “Stay connected to your ‘why.’ Remembering your purpose will carry you through the toughest moments,” she said.
With race day approaching, the coaches urged runners to trust their training, run smart on Vermosa’s rolling terrain, and resist last-minute changes.
“Stick to what you practiced. Consistency always beats intensity,” Tanhueco reminded.
“Focus on your personal best and enjoy the journey,” Aguilar added.
Registration is now open via Race Roster: https://bit.ly/ASICSMTT-PH