6 foreigners sign up for Pilipinas 25k race

CEBU, Philippines – Six foreigners and 80 Pinoys are vying for honors in the IPI-sponsored Pilipinas 25k International Marathon this Sunday at the Asiatown IT Park in Apas, this city.

Angel 'Tito' de la Merced of International Pharmaceuticals Inc., said that an Australian and a Kenyan have confirmed their participation.

He said that he would announce the nationalities of other foreign entries once he would confirm them.

The Kenyan runner is not Cebu-based Simon Losiaboi, who has been winning the local races, but another one, said de la Merced. Losiaboi is set to join the University Run on the same day and not the 25k race.

Organizers announced during the press conference the other night at Sports Exchange Bar and Grill that they will accept entries until 3:30 a.m. on race day.

Members of the National team are, however, barred from joining the event as PATAFA president Go Teng Kok does not want to risk the athletes' preparation for this year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China on November 12 to 27.

Over a thousand and 700 other runners, on the other hand, have also signed up for the 5k and 10k events.

Pinoy Big Brother first prince Paul Jake Castillo, whose family owns IPI, is set to take part in the 5k race along with some celebrities.

Cash prizes, medals and gift certificates will be given away to the top runners.

More to it, should the champion in the 25-k run break the national record, it will be recognized as the RP mark since this race is sanctioned by the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

On Saturday, there will be a familiarization tour for the 25k route for the participants at 6 a.m. and then a carbo loading session will be held at 5:30 p.m.

For those who are interested to join, registration centers are IPI's Advertising and Promo Department, Philippine Sports Commission-VII office at the Cebu City Sports Commission, RUNNR at the Ayala Center-Cebu, Workout Fitness Center and Holiday Gym and Spa.

Runners can also opt for online registration through www.pilipinas25k.com

Registration fee is pegged at P350 only for the 25k, P250 for the 10k and P200 for the 5k.

Proceeds of the race will go to IPI Foundation's outreach programs and the Philippine Councilors's League-Cebu Chapter. (THE FREEMAN)