Over 600,000 flock to Manila North Cemetery

Flocking Together 5 Lessons Learned from Over 600,000 Visitors at Manila North Cemetery

As professionals in the marathon training industry, we are no strangers to planning and executing large-scale events. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the sheer scale of such an event – over 600,000 people flocking to Manila North Cemetery on All Saints' Day.

While this event was a one-of-a-kind experience, there are valuable lessons that can be applied to our own work in marathon training. Here are five key takeaways

Lesson #1 Anticipate the Unexpected

When dealing with large crowds, things don't always go as planned. At Manila North Cemetery, medical tents were set up to provide essential services to visitors. This highlights the importance of having a contingency plan in place for unexpected situations.

As marathon trainers, it's crucial that we anticipate and prepare for various scenarios that may arise during an event. Whether it's inclement weather, last-minute course changes, or unexpected participant needs, being prepared can make all the difference.

Lesson #2 Effective Communication is Key

When dealing with large crowds, clear communication becomes vital. Public assistance booths were set up at Manila North Cemetery to offer basic services like name tagging for children and provide drinking water. These booths also served as a hub for lost individuals and emergency concerns.

In our own work, timely and effective communication is essential. Whether it's briefing participants before an event or addressing concerns during the actual run, we must ensure that everyone has access to the information they need.

Lesson #3 Prioritize Safety

As professionals in the marathon training industry, safety is always our top priority. At Manila North Cemetery, medical tents were staffed by doctors, nurses, and even dentists! This emphasizes the importance of prioritizing participant well-being above all else.

When it comes to our own events, we must take a proactive approach to ensuring everyone's safety. From course marking to providing adequate hydration stations, every detail matters when it comes to keeping participants safe.

Lesson #4 Build Strong Partnerships

At Manila North Cemetery, the city government partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure a smooth and safe event. This collaboration is a great reminder of the importance of building relationships and partnerships in our own industry.

As marathon trainers, we often work with other professionals, organizations, or vendors to bring an event to life. By fostering strong relationships and communicating effectively, we can create a seamless experience for participants and spectators alike.

Lesson #5 Adapt to Changing Circumstances

Finally, Manila North Cemetery's massive crowd highlights the importance of being adaptable in the face of uncertainty. Whether it's adjusting course routes due to inclement weather or handling last-minute participant changes, we must be prepared to pivot when circumstances change.

In our own work, adaptability is crucial. By being flexible and open to new ideas or unexpected situations, we can ensure that events run smoothly – even in the face of chaos!

As professionals in the marathon training industry, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the massive crowd at Manila North Cemetery. By applying these five lessons to our own work, we can create more successful and enjoyable events for participants and spectators alike.

Whether you're dealing with 612,500 visitors or just a handful of runners, being prepared, communicating effectively, prioritizing safety, building strong partnerships, and being adaptable will help you navigate even the most unpredictable situations.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.