Simul events splitting runners

CEBU, Philippines - Running madness in Cebu showed its bad side as two events simultaneously fire off today.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Run and Cebu Normal University (CNU) Alumni Run start in early morning today, albeit in separate venues.

The IBP Run will be at the Provincial Capitol compound while the CNU Run will start and finish at the school’s grounds along Osmeña Boulevard.

The IBP Run offers the shorter route (3K and 5K) compared to the 10K of CNU. The CNU event, however, features 3K and 5K routes as well.

The staging of simultaneous events may have split the runners. The Freeman learned that seasoned runners had earlier express preference for the longer distance as “preparation for the Quezon City International Marathon next month.”

Madelyn Carter, however, has other reason for running in the CNU event after learning that undefeated nemesis Mary Grace Delos Santos is entered in the event.

“Kung asa siya, adto ko. Mas nindot man ng nay challenge,”(“Wherever she’s competing I’ll be there as well. It’ll better to have challenge.”) Carter said earlier.

Despite repeated meetings among local organizers and running clubs, holding of two running events on the same day is still happening, with some organizers seemingly refusing to cooperate.

Earlier this week, Cebu City Sports Commission’s Executive Director Gene Faelnar told The FREEMAN that they will be discuss, with the rest of the members of the commission, regulating running events to eliminate conflict and ensure the safety of runners.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol   (FREEMAN NEWS)