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Runner Spotting

Last Father's Day, I left the comfort of my bed at 3:30 a.m. to join Run United 2, the second installment of Run Rio's trilogy. I signed up for the 21k race which started at Bonifacio Global City and ended at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

It was dark, rainy and the start chute was already crowded with 4,999 other runners so I decided to hang back with a few friends and start with the last wave of runners. Being one of the last persons to leave the start was interesting, to say the least, because it gave me a chance to observe the multitude of runners heading for the finish line 21 kilometers away.

There were dozens of them but these are my favorites. Chances are, you've spotted at least one of them in your past races, too.

The Social Media Addicted Tourist. It's easy to spot this runner. He is the one running with smartphone in hand. This runner is so addicted to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and pretty much any other social networking platform in existence that he has perfected the art of taking photos with a mobile phone while running. He takes photos at every kilometer marker or aid station (with the requisite peace sign, Asian hand gestures or jump shot). He will also probably update a status, upload a photo or tweet during the course of the entire race. Who needs race timing? They can just check the timestamp on their post as they crossed the finish line! Just for fun, try photobombing at your own risk!

The Hoarder. This runner just HAS TO try everything at the aid station. Water, sports drink, banana, more water. This goes on from start to finish. Never mind that he can't take any more, he'll just stick the bananas in the bag that he carries with him. They're the perfect people to run next to. If you bonk, you can always ask for a banana.

The Minimalists. Everyone who wanted to be serious about running (or just be seen as such) started wearing shoes with minimal cushioning and zero heel-to-toe drop. Some have even gone as far as running barefoot. I noticed about a dozen or so barefoot runners at Run United 2. But there's a newer minimalist faction on the road--the topless runners. Guys showing off their six packs, biceps and tats. Maybe they should tattoo a race bib on their abs and just write their numbers on with permanent markers to complete the look. I avoided running next to them, lest I get posterized as 'the dude the hard core guys just passed".

The Siamese Twins. These runners are inseparable. They must run side by side at all times. When one stops, so does the other. One walks, the other walks. And they HAVE to do it in the middle of the street. Triplets and quadruplets are also a common sighting at run events. They're easy to spot because they take up a whole lane and won't even think of breaking the line. If you like playing patintero, you'll have fun with these guys.

The Flash. This runner loves to race anyone on the race course. He hates getting passed. As soon as you or any other runner passes him, he picks up his pace and goes faster. For 100 meters. Then he starts to cramp. Fail!

Inspector Gadget. Every running gadget known to man is worn by this runner: GPS, heart rate monitor, iPod, noise cancelling sports headphones, polarized glasses, technical fabrics, tights, hydration or belt, racing shoes, LED blinkers. The works! Strike up a conversation with one if you want an in-depth review on the latest gear.

HHWRPSSP. Holding hands while running, pa swing-swing pa. Couples. Yiheeeee!

The Serious One. This runner means business. Don't talk to him. Don't run beside him. Don't wave at him. He doesn't have time for all that nonsense. He's out to PR this sucker and talking to anyone is a waste of precious oxygen. Get out of his way or he'll run you over. If you've got the balls (not to mention the legs and the lungs to go with it), try to keep up with one, you could just break your PR!

The Talk Show Hosts. Usually found in pairs or as a trio, they just have to talk from start to finish. While running. While at the aid station. While one is in the portalet. If you like soap operas, just run behind them and casually listen in. You're bound to hear juicy news, never mind that it's from a total stranger. If it turns out to be about someone you know, bo-nus!

Runner-spotting. It's more fun in the Philippines!

Oh and in case you were wondering about the race, Run United 2 was a blast! The point-to-point course was easy to follow and mostly flat, which made PR's very doable. Water and aid stations were well-stocked. 5,000 runners participated in the 21k alone, even more joined the 10, 5 and 3 kilometer distances. Awesome job by organizers Unilab Active Health and Run Rio.

Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post.