Cebu’s top long distance runners are expected to see action anew when the MOVE 5K Run blasts off on December 2 infront of the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The race is being organized by the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) Visayas to raise a critical illness fund for the hospitalization of indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Heading the star-studded cast are Cebu’s marathon queen Leszl Getaruelas, Sheena Gacayan, Marry Rose Arman, Joeyry Lee, Merlita Arias and Pearl Beboso.
In the male division, another battle royale looms with Mendel Lopez, Riez Enriquez and Eugene Delposo vying for top honors. Also confirming his participation is Ireland’s former mountain marathon champion Francis Costgrave. The Cebu Executive Runners Club headed by Jessie Taborada will also be joining in full force.
The top three finishers in both male and female divisions will receive P3,000.00, P2,000.00 and P1,000.00 respectively while the fourth to tenth placers will each pocket P300.00. In the wheelchair and amputee categories, the top three winners will receive P 1,500.00, P 1,000.00 and P 500.00c respectively. All participants will receive a Baller’s ID, singlets, sports bottles and vitamins.
National race director Raffy Uytiepo said he’s overwhelmed with the turn-out of sponsors bannered by Pfizer and Roche. The other sponsors are Y101, Metrografix, Waterfront Hotel, Waterfresh Drinking Water, Citigym, The Freeman, Casa Ilongga, Cebu Doctors University Hospital, Southwestern Hospital, Pepsi Cola, Chong Hua Hospital, Advanced Rehab Care, SV More, Wyeth, Boehringer Ingelheim, Hi Eisai, Servier, MSD, Novartis and Patriot.
The race is also backed by Jegma Construction, Rottapharm, Cebu Orthopedic Institute, Biomedis, Getz Pharma, Fredzon Furniture and Appliance Center and the Province of Cebu.
Registration is now ongoing at the Philippine Sports Commission Office at the Cebu City Sports Center, and at Dr. Renald Ramiro’s Clinic at the Cebu Doctors University Hospital along Osmeña Boulevard. (Romulo Tillo)