Stop Simon

Ever since Kenyan Simon Losiaboi invaded Cebu, life has been miserable for the local runners. Simon has practically won every race he joined here except in the recently concluded Cebu City Marathon where he lost to a fellow Kenyan Willy Tanui. Well, just before the race, Simon approached me to ask my advise as he was contemplating on running in the half - marathon instead. I told Simon since he has never run a full marathon, he would win the 21K, hands down. Of course Simon won the Virginia Half Marathon in the US a few years ago clocking an impressive 1:03. But Simon was aiming for the top purse of P50,000. So I told him why not give it a try although I know he lacked mileage and experience in the marathon. Just as I predicted results of many races, Simon’s streak was broken when he lost steam in the final kilometer. Now with no other Kenyan to contend with, Simon is back on his winning ways, after he won a race the other Sunday.

Protest

The other day, I was told that several runners are preparing to file a protest to organizers banning Simon to join local races. A few top rated runners asked me if we organizers could reject Simon’s registration form. Well, I guess we cannot stop Simon from participating in local races. It would mean discrimination or violation of human rights. I remember a few years ago, organizers of the New York City Marathon were asked to ban or limit the participation of the Kenyans. The move was rejected outright for the reason I mention earlier. During the Nike Pharmaton circuit years back, several top runners also threatened to boycott the race since I brought in runners from the Philippine team. They changed their minds when I threatened to ban them instead in all the races in the country being the president of the then Association of Road Race Organizers (ARRO). Don’t local runners know that if you have world – class runners in a race, the event become prestigious? Not only that, the local runners will be challenged. In a race in Cagayan de Oro City for instance, a local runner Simon Bolivar almost beat Allan Ballester who won in just 5 seconds.

How to stop Simon

Now, here are some tips on how to stop Simon. You could conspire with the lead motorcycle escort to “stray” Simon from the route. Give Simon a race number that is not his, that way, he will be disqualified. Conspire with some bums to spill oil or spikes on the road when they see Simon approaching. During the carbo – loading party, slip a sleeping pill on Simon’s drink so he won’t wake up on time for the start. Bombard Simon with fiber food so he will have loose vowels the next morning. If all this doesn’t work, break Simon’s knees with a baseball bat so he will never run again. Seriously now, your conscience will bother you if you do what I suggested. The best way is to train harder. I don’t think Simon is invincible. Comprende amigo?

Move in Iloilo

When you read this column, I’ll be in Iloilo City to start talks with St. Paul’s Hospital’s Dr. Minda Cabrera and Dr. Soriano of Iloilo Doctors Hospital. This year, the Making Ourselves Vigilant to Exercise (MOVE) 5K run circuit will be held in Iloilo for the first time in July. This will be the only run in Iloilo besides the Milo Marathon. Since I stopped organizing races, only one remained. Of course the MOVE 5K Run was started in Cebu by Dr. Renald Ramiro. The other year we were in Bacolod City for the Masskara run and last year, the race was held in UP Diliman. I’ll also be in Iloilo for one of the country’s biggest fiesta, the Jaro Candelaria.   (FREEMAN NEWS)