We moved it again

CEBU - After the highly successful staging of the initial MOVE 5K RUN last year, this year’s edition of the race was likewise a mission accomplished. Close to 500 runners registered in the race dubbed MOVE 5K RUN 2 Heroes Run, which was held at the Parkmall last Sunday. Prime mover Dr. Renald Ramiro said he called the race a “Heroes Run” as was also National Heroes Day. Joemar Ostia, team executive director, fired the starter’s gun that sent off the runners. The absence of Cebu’s top long distance runners who were in Manila for the Milo Marathon Finals, worked wonders for those left behind. University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Joel Delposo, prevented a Southwestern University sweep of the first five places when he won in 16 minutes 24 seconds. SWU’s Jess Gonzaga placed second in 16:38 while teammates Jorry Ycong and Ian Bernido timed 16:43 and 16:56 to pocket third and fourth places respectively. Meljune Luterte wound up fifth in 17:00 while Reprinel Banzon salvaged sixth in 17:56. The rest of the top ten in the men’s division are 7th Jude Rivera (18:02), 8th – Charlie Berberio (18:14), 9th – Ricky Abalayan (18:20) and 10th Michael Estrera (18:25).

A Bride This Time

In the women’s division perennial bridesmaid Mary Jane Beboso became the bride this time when she ruled the race in 21 minutes and 19 seconds. Cebu’s queen of the road, Leizl Getaruelas, Madlyn Carter, Emily Chiongbian, Merlita Arias and Sharon Vega were all running in the Milo Marathon Finals in Manila, also held last Sunday. Hazel Retavlae was a close second in 21:23 while Nimalyn Cañedo pocketed third in 22:06. Honelyn Jubay wound up fourth in 22:27 with Romelee Teves in fifth place in 23:10. The rest of the top ten in the women’s division are 6th – Jennifer Belocura (23:28), 7th – Camilla Luterte (23:31) Ruby Ann Cica (24:25), 9th Mendrica Villarubia (24:51) and 10th – Gayang Belgira (29:46). The M.O.V.E. 5K Run 2 was co-sponsored by Pfizer, Southwestern University, Transfarma, One Pharma Co. Inc., Novartis, Waterfresh, Ben Café, Wyeth, Manila Foodshoppe, SV More, Arthro, Total Energy, Boehringer, Getz, Roche and Casa Ilongga. The organizers wish to thank Parkmall for the excellent venue, Acert and of course the City of Mandaue under Mayor Jonas Cortes,

Utafa Road Race Et Al

Let me be the first to greet you Merry Christmas I mean, Merry running “muna”. You see, the three Sundays of December are filled up with races starting with the Arthro Utafa Road Race on December 7 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Then the week after, the much-awaited Cebu Arthro Midnight Run (now on its 7th year) that fires off at the stroke of midnight of December 14 at the Cebu Business Park. Then finally, the Talisay 10K Run on December 28 which is organized by the Kabangis Running Club currently headed by former Ombudsman Ed Canton. And Oh yes, don’t forget the Halad Kang Mano Amon Run on December 24 in Danao City. And start training for the Sinulog Half-Marathon on January 17, 2009.

Good Luck Cerc

In the next three days several members of the Cebu Executive Runners Club will depart for Singapore to compete in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Heading the list is CERC prexy, Jesse Taborada, Dr. Vic Verallo, John Pages, Jacs Jacalan, Dodong Sulatre, Hearty Satina, Rudy Tindugan, Dr. Tito Macarasig, Dr. Rosan Trani, Roy Trani, Tony del Prado, Steve Ferraren, JC Pinada, Annie Neric, Jane Jane Ong, Millette Chiongbian, Dr. Pons del Prado, Dr. Susan Verallo, Perl Jacalan and Jasmin Pages.

Good luck to you guys! (THE FREEMAN)