Gitaruelas eyes title in Rotary run

CEBU, Philippines - Leizl Lumindas-Gitaruelas is back in the local running scene and will be eyeing the title in the 1st Cebu Rotary Run that kicks off this morning at the Cebu Business Park.

Fresh from finishing third in her category in the Hong Kong Marathon, Gitaruelas will run in the 5-K race and hopes to bag her first local title in 2009.

This leaves Madelyn Carter as the favorite to rule the 10-K race. Standing in here way are Marlita Arias, Mary Jane Beboso and youthful Joeyry Lee.

On the other hand, the men’s division presents an explosive cast.

Cresencio Sabal, winner of the recent Subic leg of the Milo Marathon, signed up with other visiting runners such as Angelito Sabayan and Cifrankeadel Indapan.

Local runners Mendel Lopez, Philip Duenas, Ian Bermedo and Joel and Eugene Delposo will try to protect the turf against these visitors.

Some Cebuano celebrities are also supporting the race including Miss Cebu 2009 Kris Tiffany Janson, acting Cebu City Vice-Mayor Mike Rama and Dr. Yong Larrazabal and his wife Donna Cruz-Larrazabal.

As of this writing more than 900 runners have registered in the race organized by Andrew Jimenez of Rotary Club West. The race kicks off the Rotary Week celebration. Aside from running, the other sporting events lined-up by the Rotary include golf, badminton and bowling.

Some of the proceeds of the run will fund various charities of the Rotary in Cebu.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)