Rotary 15K Run

As I mentioned in a previous column I wanted to rest this year after directing ten races last year. But during the Cebu Midnight Run, Rotary Club Banilad president Kenneth Casquejo pointed a 357 Magnum at my head and asked me to direct the 2nd Rotary Run which will be held on February 21 at SM City in the Reclamation Area. Kenneth let me signed a memorandum of agreement thus confirming my commitment in the run which has been upgraded to 15 kilometers. It was too late when I found out that the gun was a toy. Anyway, who could say no to nice guys like Ken, Jet Neric (Cebu West) and Ricky Poca. So guys, keep the running fire burning and take your pick. The run will have a Kiddie dash, a 3K for Rotarians, 7K and 15K. It seems runners here think a 10K run is “chicken” and want longer distances. Registration is now on going at the PSC Office at Cebu City Sports Center, Casa Illonga at Robinsons Place Cebu and Toby’s at SM City. Entry fee is P 150.00. Last year, the Rotary Run 10K drew over 1000 runners. Ken said he expects to break that record. Well, that’s for sure Ken!

Quota 12k Challenge

Now, people are calling me a liar. It was only yesterday that I said I’m not organizing races for awhile to give myself a little vacation. But look what’s happening, I forgot I promised Dr. Mitty Ygaña of Quota Club International to direct fund-raising run for their club that helps the deaf and blind, last year after the STC Move with Air. Now, I have to honor that promise and organize the Quota 12K challenge on March 7 at the Terraces at the Ayala Center Cebu. Last week, I met with Dr. Mitty and the club’s president June Herrera Chiongbian to start the ground work. I’m also excited to sing with the blind children. I’ll probably shed the Elvis image to sing “The Greatest Love of All”. The race will also feature a 6K distance. Registration starts soon at the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center and at Casa Illonga Robinsons Place.

Lasalle – Ateneo Run?

Now I’m sure, I’ll not be going for that vacation after all. Another big race is happening on April 18, the Great Lapu-Lapu Run, which will be a half-marathon. Waterfront Hotel Mactan GM Hembler Mendoza who recently finished his first marathon in the Cebu City Marathon, said this will be bigger and better than last year. Camsur Ironman Triathlon Filipino champion Noy Jopson and I have been tasked to direct the race. Watch out for details! Speaking of Noy, the diminutive former national triathlon record holder asked me if I could direct the Ateneo Alumni Run sometime in May or June. I told Noy, why not make it a La Salle-Ateneo Friendship run? I’m sure “mas patok ito”. Imagine the green and the blue together in one run. Well, this is just an idea, we will work on it.

Injured

I’m currently on the injured list with a bad foot (Plantar faciatiis) which was probably aggravated when I ran the Singapore Marathon last month sans training. It’s just wonderful to feel that you have doctor friends who would treat you right away. So when you get this kind of injury, whom you gonna call? Dr. Renald Ramiro of course. In no time Ren instructed me have a therapy in lieu of “amputation”. With pretty physical therapists like Donna Marie Tutor and Rizalyn Tumangan, I’m sure to recover fast. Dennis Malaki is likewise doing a great job on my foot. Another cute pretty lady Pearly Narbasa suggested that I stop running, well Pearl, as long as there are roads to run, I think I’ll keep on running. My good friend Rudy Fernandez even runs with one leg. By the way Kenneth returned to Cebu today after joining the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City last Sunday. The trouble is, Ken is now deaf as a result of the noise from the hundreds of drums of the Ati-atihan Tribes, I told you to bring ear plugs Ken, didn’t I?

Notes: The whole country said goodbye to Cerge Remonde. I’m not saying goodbye but as usual “HASTA LA VISTA, AMIGO”