Executives

Sometimes it’s nice to let executives compete against their own level. However in past races, the executive division had been the source of disgust, shouting matches or near fistfights among runners and organizers in that category. How do you identify an executive? Well, on several occasions the secretariat just accepts what the runner checks on his entry form. In the early 80s, the Running Executive (Runnex) of Quezon City held a yearly run (until today) at the UP Campus where participants of about 200 to 300 are all executives. At that time the criteria is that, one must earn at least 200,000 annually in order to enter the race. However in the absence of an ITR, individuals who are doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen etcetera, automatically qualifies. But in some instances, there are runners “na makalusot”. In Cebu for example, Executive A Division is exclusively for the Cebu Executive Runners Club members. It’s easy to identify them since who would doubt Dr. Vic Verallo, Judge Gabby Ingles or Jesse Taborada? I’m sure they’re earning more than the average office worker. In another category however, which we will call Executive B, there is no control since anybody could just join without the screening. So, trouble starts.

Ex-Sikyo-Tive

In one race a security guard was awarded the champion’s trophy to the dismay of the deserving executives. Maybe we must include an ex “sikyo” tive Division. Just the other day, I met with several race organizers and directors who are planning to totally abolish the executive division. Well we don’t have to do that if we have the controls. Runner is now requiring a P 500,000 annual income for those who intend to join the executive race. It’s very simple here; all we have to do is require them to submit an ITR, no document no race number “tapos”. Let’s try it next race.

Press Freedom Run

As I mentioned in my last column running is now reaching epidemic proportions. It seems everybody wants to run, the media no exception either. During the first organizational meeting of media outlets for the Press Freedom Week celebration, Connie Fernandez ed-in-chief of the Cebu Daily News, this year’s convener tasked John Pages and me to organize a 3k and 5k run for tri-media members as highlight of the event on September 26. I’m now convinced that my face looks like a running shoe. Media members who will be joining should start training now unless they want to ride in an Eruf ambulance. Early favorites include Haide Acuña, the STC 3k champion, John Pages, Jun Veliganio, Raffy Osumo, Jun Migallen, Max Limpag and Connie herself. As usual I’ll be standing at the finish line to orchestrate the race. It’s ironic that I’ve directed close to 200 races but I’ve never run in one.

Engineers To Run Too

Just before the Press Freedom Run which will be held at the Cebu Business Park, the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers will hold a run again, I’m being tapped to direct the race set on September 13. With all these races, I’m beginning to entertain thoughts of going to Belo Clinic so I could change my face and look like Hayden, so nobody would recognize me but. Haide said she likes me better as Elvis. If you think you’ve heard enough well listen to this, October will likewise be full. On October 4, Kabangis Runners will stage a Talisay Fiesta Run, then on October 11, the Holiday Gym & Spa Run to the Max (10 miler) will be held. On October 18, I’m off to Bacolod for the Move Masskara Run and finally the Pink October Run fires off on October 25.   (BANAT NEWS)