A waiver in an entry form says that running in a marathon is a hazardous activity therefore a participant must have trained and examined by a medical doctor as physically fit. In other words running a long race is risky business. In the last February Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, a 53 year-old Chinese runner named Tsang Kam-yin collapsed and later died in the hospital while another runner was in critical condition. Tsang had asthma according to reports. Air pollution was very high during race day causing some 4,800 runners from a field of 40,000 to experience respiratory problems. My friend William Ko, chairman of the organizing Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association said the pollution index of 100 before the race was still suitable. Tony and Al Del Prado who were in that race swore conditions in the Philippines especially in Edsa are far worse. Well, "tama ka" pero "iba ang Pinoy, sanay sa polluted air."
The following month, two runners also died while running the Los Angeles Marathon Los Angeles police officer Raul Reyna 53, died of a heart attack while retired LA Country Sheriff's deputy James Leone 60, died of "natural causes" probably a heart attack too, according to colleagues. A 70 year-old runner also suffered a heart attack but survived. Now who says running is not risky?
A few years back several organizers of big races wanted to ban or limit the Kenyans' participation in their events, almost calling them pests. Reason: the Kenyans always win, sometimes sweeping the first five places. However it didn't sound nice to human rights organizations. According to the Kenyans it's not their fault if they excel in the sport. So it was the same story in the other Monday's Boston Marathon. Kenya's Robert Cheruiyot not only won, but set a course record as well. Also the 2003 champion, Cheruiyot clocked 2 hours, 7 minutes and 14 seconds, to shatter compatriot Cosmas Ndeti's record in 1994. It was also the same story in the women's division as Rita Jeptoo became the third straight Kenyan to win the race. Would you believe no American has won Boston since Greg Meyer in 1983? And to think the Americans popularized the sport. However as a consolation three Americans Meb Keflezighi, Brian Sell and Allan Culpepper finished in the top five. The Kenyans will still be a force to reckon with in the marathon for a long time. By the way, registration to the May 28 Cebu Mountain Trail Run is now ongoing at the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center.
By the time you read this column I'm probably touching down in Iloilo City to attend the culminating prayers marking 40 days since my mom died. I'm also watching the Santana concert in SM City car park Grammy winner Carlos Santana won't be around but the original singer and co-founder Gregg Rolie will render hits like "Black Magic Woman", "Oye Como Va" and "Evil Ways" among others.