Lions roared

It’s a fact that when Manny Pacquiao fights, activities here and perhaps all over the world, stops. So when we announced the Roar to Grow 10K on the same day as Pacman’s ring date, we were a bit apprehensive. What if only 20 runners show up? But I assured the organizers Cebu Lakandula Lions Club headed by Richie Mendoza that there are also running fanatics who will not trade their singlets to watching Pacman, and besides the bout starts before lunch. So what’s the hurry? Although we could have muster more runners, the close to 400 turn out was good enough. I was told some taxi drivers were told to report after lunch while some runners working in hotels had to report for “live coverage” promotions. True to his pre-race billing as the runner to beat, Kenyan Simon Losiaboi just exerted little effort to win last Sunday’s race in 34 minutes and 06 seconds. Losiaboi who ran most of the way alongside Cebu’s current top runner Mendel Lopez, even allowed the latter to take the lead in some stretches, but went back to business in the last kilometer. “I just ran relaxed” said Losiabol who has ran against marathon world record holder Haile Gersellasie in Paris. Lopez wound up second in 34:37 while Davao’s top runner Elmer Bartolo could only manage third in 35:38. The rest of the top 10 are 4th Joel Delposo (36:10), 5th Revodem Aranas (36:21), 6th Eugene Delposo (36:29), 7th Ian Bernido (37:46) 8th Roland Montebon (38:09). 9th Paul James Zapico (41:30) and 10th Aubrey Arriola (42:24).

New Queen Of The Road

Since she arrived in Cebu, Zamboanga City’s Mary Grace Delos Santos has made life miserable for the local runners. Mary Grace has ruled all the races she has joined here and last Sunday’s run was no exception when she won in 41:42. Cebu Milo Marathon champion Madelyn Carter came in second in 43:21 while Mary Joy Tabal pocketed third in 43:23. Ertswhile queen of the road Leszl Gitaruelas was fourth in 44:03. The rest of the top ten are: 5th Aiza Suaybaguio (46:06) 6th Gerly Rose Baylon (52:23) 7th Merlyn Alin (55:17) 8th Leonora Martus (56:11) 9th Melinda Ponce (58:08) and 10th Bettina Veloso (1:59)

3k Results

In the 3k Men’s category, Joebert Carolino reigned supreme in 10:37, Ramie Lawas and Felix Lopez were second and third in 10:59 and 11:07 respectively. The rest of the top 10 are 4th Roland Batiancila (11:28), 5th Chris James Calderon (11:31) 6th Vohner Labitad (12:14), 7th James Noval (12:50), 8th John Rey Capuras (13:26), 9th Arnold Suarez (13:29) and 10th Aldwen Pantanosas (13:36) in the distaff side, Ruby Ann Gila was tops in 13:47 followed by Pearl Beronia in 14:12 while Adela Canillo salvaged third in 15:07. The rest of the top 10 are 4th Bea Nadine Garcia (16:320, 5th Goldilyn Cabo (20:19) 6th Florlyn Cabo 23:15, 7th Anna Lisa Zervoucakos 923:36), 8th Jocelyn Cabo (23:47) 9th Jaime Claire De Jesus (24:47) and “the chip off the old block” Milo Uytiepo who took tenth place in 25:18.

Sponsors

We would like to thank our sponsors, presenter Club Radio 93.1 FM and Opascor. Our other sponsors are Iron Core, SM City, Shakey’s, Zone 360, Ayala Center Cebu (The Terraces), San Sebastian Learning School, Titay’s, Pasajero, Coppertone and Waterfresh Drinking Water. Also, thanks to Aguilon Construction and Development Corporation especially to JR and Rovie Aguilon for the scaffoldings. To Organique, distributors of Acai juice supplement and ISO Sports who provided their products to the runners. ISO Sportss Drink is being used by Lance Armstrong while Acai is made up of berries and is endorsed by Ophra Winfrey and Brad Pitt. And of course, to Task Force Alpha of the LTO under Toto Chua who assisted in the traffic.

Pacman In Marco Polo

Despite having little or no sleep at all, preparing for the Lion’s run the night before, I hurried to Marco Polo Plaza Hotel right after the race to watch the Pqacquiao-Cotto encounter. It’s evident that a lot of hotels and restos, also showed the bout but it’s been my tradition to watch Manny at the Marco Polo. Besides, who can refuse the invitation of the pretty PR officers Aileen Quijano and Belle Lumapas not to mention Cely Osumo? I was dozing in the under card as I hardly had a wink the night before but as soon as Manny started dusting the “cotos” (lice) off Miguel Cotto’s head. (opps. opaw diay si Cotto). I was all fired up. Thanks a lot guys!

The Terraces

Just like Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, The Terraces of the Ayala Center Cebu is fast shaping up as a favorite running venue. Well with its ideal, location while being traffic-free on Sundays, many more races are expected to be held there. Top Ayala Malls honcho Joy Polloso who’s also been bitten by the running bug lately is very cooperative and is happy that if the trend continues, “dili na mamingaw ang Terraces during Sunday morning.”