Labor Day Ultra

While most people will rest on May 1, being Labor Day, an expected 260 runners will labor to finish 165 kilometers from Toledo City to the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Last Friday, Frontrunner Magazine editor-in-chief and main organizer Jonel Mendoza joined me in the press conference for the event at Parklane International Hotel. Yes folks, it’s all systems go for the Labor Day Coast to Coast Ultramarathon that will start at the old Toledo City Hall at 4:00am. Although its longer by 15 kilometers than the first ultramarathon held last year from Mt. Manunggal, it’s not as hard considering that we will start early since we will not be waiting for the fog to disappear.We will not also be negotiating ravines and dirt roads as we will be running on concrete all the way. But of course, the race will not be a walk in the park either, as we will still tackle the killer hills like the dreaded Cansomoroy stretch and the scorching summer sun when we hit the half-way mark. Initially, Jonel wanted a 10-hour cut-off, but we eventually settled for 11 hours. My good friend Toledo City Mayor Rudy Espinosa whom I met for the first time , 41 years ago, is giving his full support. We are also expecting assistance from Balamban town Mayor Ace Binghay through Councilor Dave Karamihan, who was instrumental in the success of the Mt. Manunggal Climbathon two weeks ago. As I write this column, over 130 runners have registered. We are still accepting entries at RUNNR in Ayala Cente., Parklane International Hotel, the official residence of the Ultramarathon, will host the carbo-loading party and distribution of race packets on April 29. Due to the clamor of chief UNGO Max Limpag, Casa Ilongga will likewise provide that Ilonggo specialty Lapaz Batchoy. Parklane general manager Cenelyn Manguilimutan said the more she will support the ultramarathon since she is from Toledo City.

Adlaw sang Iloilo 21 k

I was back in Iloilo City over the weekend to formally launch the Adlaw Sang Iloilo 21 K half marathon to commemorate the province founding anniversary on April 10. Besides the main half-marathon, there will also be 5K and 10K events. In the 21K, all finishers will receive medals and singlets aside from the cash prizes. The same goes with the winners and finishers in the 10K. The top 100 finishers in the 5K will get singlets while only paying a registration fee of P 100.00. Still in Iloilo, I was able to run a few kilometers of the Liberation of Panay 10K side event of the triathlon and duathlon. As I mentioned in the past columns, Iloilo is fast following the footsteps of Cebu where 2 races are held every weekend. Iloilo sports coordinator Jojo Castro and Philip Chua meanwhile formalized their intention to invite Elvis to lead the runners during the Independence Day run on June 12. Philip, a Philippine Team shooter said they are willing to shoulder Elvis’ plane fare from Memphis, Tennessee where Elvis will be getting up from his grave to grace the run. Elvis will also perform a few rock and roll numbers during the awarding ceremonies at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

Notes

Registration to the Parklane International Hotel- organized Hunat Sugbu 15K run set for May 15 is now ongoing at RUNNR in Ayala Center, Casa Ilongga at Robinsons Place and Cebu City Sports Center.

I missed the freedom run in Manila and Cebu due to my Ormoc City sojourn. But EDSA revolt will almost be in my heart and mind. I will always treasure 1989 when yours truly was designated as the Freedom runner in the first ever anniversary celebration of the EDSA 86. I had the honor of carrying the torch running from the Mondragon House in Makati to Camp Crame where 12 other runners including the late Jimmy dela Torre, former national marathon record holder Herma Suizo, Primo Ramos and one-legged Rudy Fernandez waited. After lighting their torches, we proceeded to Ortigas EDSA shrine where I lighted the urn after the unveiling of our Lady of EDSA statue. It’s really a great feeling to be part of history.

Bro. Carlo Conquers 160 km

While I was writing this column, a flash report from Capas, Tarlac lighted my cellphone. Cebu’s undisputed ULTRAMARATHON KING, Bro. Carlo Bacalla completed the Bataan Death March 160 km ultramarathon in 26 hours, 8 minutes, placing 14th among 60 runners.

Congratulations Bro.Carlo. I knew from the start you could do it. Rest and see you on May 1, when the Cebu Coast to Coast 64 km ultramarathon blasts off from Toledo City. On the other hand, Iron lady Haide Acuña also finished but missed the cut-off of 30 hours. Haide clocked 31:08. Haide was third among 4 women entries and 36th over-all out of 38 finishers of the total 59 starters. My running cap off to you Haids. Frankly, I was a bit apprehensive on Haide’s chances of finishing the ultra. You see, just a week before, she ran in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong marathon in 5:03, she could have finished in about 29 hours had she not joined HK. (FREEMAN)