Coach Rio dela Cruz: Success at Fast Speed

Small beginnings. Big Results.

Focus. Determination and a lot of hard work.
Those are what made Rio Dela Cruz, aka Coach Rio, the man he is today.

The man who became the face of the running industry in the Philippines.

The same man who worked his way up from his humble beginnings as a barefoot runner from Bato, Camarines Sur, to becoming perhaps the most successful runner in the local scene today.

And now, with his latest brainchild, Riovana: an innovative retail store that aims to provide a different high with every run with its unique facilities and top of the line merchandise, there’s definitely no stopping this inspiring individual from making his vision of creating a higher standard of running experience for each and every runner out there.

Rough Start. Great Finish.

Who would have thought that Coach Rio, one of the most prominent runners in the local scene today, started off as a kid who didn’t have enough money to get himself a decent pair of running shoes?
Indeed, it was a rough start for Coach Rio who came from a not-so well off family.

The need to walk around 3km daily just to get to school with only P1 allowance per day opened this entrepreneur’s eyes to the hardships of life at such an early age.

Coach Rio only had his big dreams and his passion for running to bank on.

Not letting his financial status get in the way, he started competing in local school meets while running barefoot. Soon enough, with the help of kind souls, he was able to get a decent pair of running shoes: first a pair of MIghty Kid shoes and next a pair of Chuck Taylors, believing that its thick soles can prove beneficial to running.

On the side, Coach Rio also honed his entrepreneurial and academic skills. While selling nilagang saba, kamote and ice water to classmates and neighbors, he continued to focus on doing well in his classes, which eventually helped him earn a Physical Education degree from the University of the Philippines-Diliman while being the star athlete of the said university’s track and field team.

All these experiences helped Coach Rio become even more determined in making it big someday.

Big Dreams. Biggest Results.

At 27, his most awaited time finally came.

Armed with multiple recognitions in the running industry, he started to make a name for himself this time, not as a star athlete but rather as a race organizer and promoter. Establishing RunRio, his own race organization as a venue to market his services. RunRio has introduced various innovations to the running industry like the use of ChampionChips, LED start/finish arcs, 3D race maps and live video coverages to ensure that each and every runner gets a heightened running experience. His flagship event, the RunRio Trilogy has become one of the most awaited events in the running industry.
And now, living up to his vision of creating a pleasure haven for all runners and running enthusiasts alike, he came up with Riovana, a quirky runner’s hub (from Coach Rio’s name and nirVANA which means a state of transcendence). Its two doors (one in Bonifacio Global City and the other one in Katipunan) is a testament of Coach Rio’s commitment in providing nothing short of the best experience to his target market. Apart from selling the top brands when it comes to running apparel, gears, accessories and shoes, Riovana also has locker room, shower and lounge facilities to ensure a most comfortable experience before, during and after every run. Riovana also offers free GAIT Analysis which help determine the right foot wear for each runner together with running tips for an enlightening experience. Post running sports therapy like sports massage, acupuncture and the like can also be availed on-site.

Indeed, Riovana allows one to experience a different high when it comes to running.

Thanks to the one person who made it all possible: Coach Rio.

Visit Riovana at the following addresses: Ground Floor Active Fun Building 9th Avenue Corner 28th Street Bonifacio Global City near Honda BGC and at the 3rd Floor of the Regis Center Building, Loyola Heights Quezon City in front of Ateneo de Manila University.
For more information, please visit Riovana’s website at www.riovana.com. Check out Riovana’s fan page: facebook.com/RiovanaPhilippines.