We moved it!

Several months back I went to see Dr. Renald Ramiro to complain of pain on my lower back that has stopped me from running for awhile. It took Doc Ren five minutes to diagnose my ailing back. But it took me another 25 minutes in his clinic after he recognized my face that probably looks like a running shoe.  Well actually Doc Ren was contemplating on what to do during the launching of his project M.O.V.E., making ourselves vigilant to exercise. Before I could leave the clinic, I agreed to organize a 5-K run to raise funds for the disabled (they are now known as persons with disabilities). Besides, I was afraid Doc Ren would amputate my leg if I said no, so the rest is history. Last Sunday, after weeks of preparation, the race finally got moving and on a fast pace at that. Close to 500 runners answered the starter’s gun. And when the smoke finally cleared, guess who won? Well, who else but the undisputed queen of road Leszl Getaruelas.

Explosive Cast

If not for the CESAFI track events, the field could have even been stronger. Leszl was just too much for the opposition as she annexed her 14th title this year in 19 minutes flat. Wounding up second was Mary Jane Beboso in 19:36 followed by Joeyry Lee in 20:07. Two Cebu Executive Runners Club members landed in the top ten. Cynthia Arnaiz pocketed 8th place in 26:56 while Consuelo de Gracia clocked 29:29 to settle for 10th. In the men’s division, Eugene Delposo edged his brother Joel to capture the crown. Eugene timed 15:48 while Joel arrived in 15:53. Veteran Adonis Singson could only show a 16:40 to salvage 5th place. My “tocayo” Raffy Osumo, The Freeman assistant sports editor, who was a reluctant starter, finished the race with flying colors despite lack of training and wearing basketball shoes. In the wheelchair category, Keith Reguero reigned supreme followed by Arnold Caballero and Antonio Abatol.

Bonanza Of Prizes

There was an avalanche of prizes from the many sponsors who made the runners truly happy. The winners besides pocketing the cash prizes and beautiful medals, also got a lot of freebies from Globe who gave simcards. Major sponsors PFIZER and ROCHE likewise gave several promo items. Other pharmaceutical sponsors gave multivitamins. Citigym who led the aerobics warm up distributed jackets to the top winners.  Snacks awaited the runners as they entered the chute. Of course every runner got a single and a Baller’s ID. 

Thank You

The sponsors are always a vital factor in any event. So it’s just fitting that we thank our supporters for without them the race could not have been a howling success. Pfizer and Roche, our presentors, Jung Cases of Metrografix for the magnificent streamers, Y101 under June Rabin who covered the race “live”. A million thanks to Cebu Doctors University Hospital, Southwestern University, Globe, Waterfresh Drinking Water, Ben Café, Waterfront Hotel, Citigym, Pharma 3 Company, Advanced Rehab Care, Hi Eisai, Patriot, Biomedis, Boihringer Ingelheim, Cebu Orthopedic, Institute, The Freeman, Pepsi Cola, Rottapharm, Chong Hua Hospital, Getz  Pharma, Novartis, MSD. Janssen, SV More, Fredzon Furniture and Appliance Center, Cebu Rehab Medics and Eli Lilly. Who could forget the support of theCebu Provincial Capitol, Audie Marte, manning the registration at the PSC Office, Eruf, the Cebu Traffic Division, Cebu City Sports Center, my able officiating assistants Precing Capangpangan and Joe Deresas and to those whose names escape us for the moment, “Madamo gid nga salamat”.