"Run for Ondoy" generates P100T

CEBU, Philippines - Noted singer/actress-turned running buff Donna Cruz-Larrazabal, one of the forces behind the successful “Run For Ondoy Victims”, bannered the winners’ list of the run-for-a-cause yesterday at the Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU)-Mandaue campus.

The Freeman learned that the fund-raising event generated P100,000 and the organizing Run For Sight Foundation led by Dr. Yong Larrazabal immediately handed it over to the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation of ABC-CBN to help in the relief efforts for the victims of tropical storm Ondoy that ravaged Metro Manila and outlying Luzon provinces three weeks ago.

Half of the amount came from the registration fee, while the remaining half was donated by Cebu Doctors’ Group of Hospital and University led by its president Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal, Jr.

Showing a different kind of enthusiasm, Cruz-Larrazabal ruled the women’s 10K race in 52 minutes and 19.54 seconds.

Rosan Trani placed second with a 56:35.04 clocking, while Bettina Veloso, sister-in-law of Donna, made her presence felt by finishing third with the time of 57:52.85.

In the men’s division, Paul James Zafico bagged the top honors in the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE)-handled tilt with the time of 37:15.78.

Dandy Maturan wound up second in 40:43.27 followed by Dennis Salentes in 41:51.41 and James Noval in 45:17.33.

Dr. Yong Larrazabal, the man behind the noble undertaking, ended up fifth with a 45:23.51 clocking.Melinda Ponce, on the other hand, clinched women’s 5K title with the time of 26:25.58. Catherine Cabahug came in second followed by Mary Christine Tio. – THE FREEMAN