First ever Kawasan Marathon set July 24

CEBU, Philippines - The running boom has reached the southernmost part of Cebu province as the Three Sixty Pharmacy and Run for Sight foundation will organize the 1st Kawasan Marathon on July 24 starting in front of the Badian Parish Church.

Although the main feature is the 42K full-marathon, runners can opt to join the 21K category.

The Kawasan Marathon is considered to be the biggest running event in the southern part of Cebu as three municipalities - Badian, Alegria and Malabuyoc - are involved in the monumental race that will showcase the beauty of the sceneries outside of Metro Cebu.

Running doctor and race director Yong Larrazabal III said the concept behind this run is to explore other potential running sites in Cebu and promote these places as a tourist desitination just like the objective of the Niagara Falls Marathon in Canada.

“Me and Dr. Peter Mancao see these places as a perfect place for running because of its sceneries. We want to share it to other runners for them to see the beauty of Cebu especially the Kawasan Falls,” said Larrazabal in a press conference the other day at Pino Restaurant in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

The organizers are expecting more than 500 seasoned runners to join the lung-busting tilt. They will also provide free transportation for runners from Cebu City and other neighboring provinces, while public schools in the municipality will accommodate the participants for their overnight stay.

Registration fee is pegged at P900 for the 42K and P700 for the 21K inclusive of a limited edition jersey made by Adidas and refreshments.

Entry forms are available at the Center for Sight Foundation in Cebu Doctors Hospital and at the Nike Athletic Club in Banilad Town Centre.

A total of P150,000 in cash prize is at stake for the top performers in each division. Also, all the finishers in the 42K and 21K will receive a specially designed medal by Suarez and Sons. (FREEMAN)