Make My Day

The Adlaw Sang Iloilo Half Marathon held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol indeed made my day. As I mentioned in previous columns, Iloilo City is fast breathing on the neck of Cebu as far as holding weekly footraces is concerned. There was another 21K run held in Guimaras on the same day. Trouble here in Iloilo is that organizers still lack proper technology to hold an error-free race. In some races for instance, paper and tarp materials are sometimes used for race bibs.Singlet material is still to be improved, that’s probably the reason why Prosports president Boyet Rentoy wanted yours truly to direct the race. So, I brought in state- of- the- art fabric race bibs made by Metrografix that really awed the Ilonggos. But, I still believe the time frame and logistics were not enough. So, I told Capitol organizers that next year, I will personally handle all the aspects. I also believe “ too many cooks spoil the broth.” Especially if it’s Lapaz Batchoy. Don’t forget, I’m also in the food business. Iloilo Provincial Sports coordinator Raul Mondejar said they are planning a bigger run    next year . After the success of the event, Mondejar said, he’s toying with the idea of making the 21K run a full marathon. I told Raul it’s been ages since we held a marathon in Iloilo. Was it in 1985 , Yet? So, it’s about time we had one. Raul said we will make it big as to attract not only the Filipinos but foreign runners as well.

Star-Studded Officials

     While the Adlaw sang Iloilo field was star-studded, the race technical officials were likewise impressive. To avoid the “palpaks” in previous races, we decided to bring some of the brightest names in athletics and other disciplines. Of course, yours truly was designated as race director while assisting me were one legged triathlete and former silver medalist in the 1972 Pesta Sukan (predecesor of the Sea Games) Rudy Fernandez; 1979 Milo Marathon National champion Eriberto Diaz of Bago City; Charlie Relova, former Palarong Pambansa gold medalist; former Mr. Philippines candidate Erwin Chiongson; Mark Deano; brother of Olympian swimmer Nancy Deano, Boyet Rentoy and Raffy Osumo who came all the way from Cebu. The field included former Milo Marathon Manila Elimination champion Eric Panique, Jeson Agravante of Silay City and PLDT-SMART 10 Miler champion Joel Alcorin of Bacolod City. Eric “Batman” repulsed the challenge of Agravante and Alcorin to lord it over in the main event.

Notes: The Labor Day Coast to Coast 65K Ultramarathon drew the best from the Cebuano runner. A total field of 226 registered while 212 started the race. 191 officially made the 12 hour cut-off. I’ll report on this on my next column. Meanwhile, registration to the Hunat Sugbo Dagan para ni Maning is now in full swing at Runnr Ayala and at the Cebu City Sports Center. Registration fee is PhP250 for both 5K & 15K categories.