Century Challenge Ultra-Marathon

Ultramarathoners have started training for the Century Challenge 102-km Bogo to the Cebu Provincial Capitol Ultramarathon set on November 18 to 19 at Bogo City Hall. The race starts at 12 midnight and will have an 18-hour cut off. I’ll soon be traveling to Bogo City to meet with my good friend Mayor Junie Martinez for coordination. Meanwhile, some interested participants asked me if the organizers could reduce the Php 2,500 entry fee which they find a little stiff. I’ve already consulted Frontrunner Magazine and main organizer Jonel Mendoza regarding the matter. Jonel said logistics are a bit high, considering the distance, thus requiring more man power. For the Bogo stint, runners will be receiving a dri-fit long sleeved running shirt which will be customized, meaning your name will be printed on your shirt. You will also get a Legionaire’s cap before the start. If you survive the cut-off, the finisher will receive a medallion and a dri-fit t-shirt. All participants will also receive a sling bag with sponsors giveaways like vitamins, powerbars, etcetera. To the querry if there are cash prizes, “wala gihapun” still just the bragging rights. But before aiming for the Bogo ultra that starts at BE Resorts, try joining the Warrior 50 on September 10 as a tune-up. It’s more of a “ fun ultra” (meron ba yun?) Running more than 50 kilometers is no fun at all. But to those who have finished the May 1 Labor day Toledo City to Cebu Provincial Capitol, “murag sisiw gamay”. However the Warrior 50 (named after Lapu-Lapu) will be run mostly on a flat route with the Mactan Bridge as the only uphill portion. After the runners arrive at the BE Resort and after a few hours rest, a party will begin. Jonel asked if Elvis could sing a few songs. I told Jonel it all depends if the King has still the energy after staying awake for 24 hours.

Decade of midnight running

In the year 2001 night running was unheared of more so a midnight run. When I conceptualized the race patterened after the New York City New Year’s Eve Run. Some people commented that I was going nuts, probably due to too much running. But it was an idea shared by the City Sports Club Cebu sports manager Bingo Santos and his assistant then, Rey Fuentes III.

 Well, actually the race was supposed to be exclusively for club members and is timed during the “ simbang gabi” in mid- December. We were thinking of a race at midnight then afterwards participants would be treated to midnight snacks like “puto bongbong” and “chokolate”, besides eggs and chorizo. After the snacks (well, call it breakfast) the participants could go to mass. The first edition was limited to 150 runners with priority given to club members. We had 20 foreigners during the initial race. The run has since been a 5K affair, but since it’s our tenth anniversary, we will have a 10K run and will still be staged around the Cebu Business Park, on a double loop. So it’s a date on December 12, be part of Cebu Running history by joining the only midnight run in the country.

La Salle run

Registration to the Animo La Salle Run slated on July 10 at the Cebu International Convention Center is now in full swing at the RUNNR in Ayala Center. Casa Ilongga at Robinsons Place and at the Cebu City Sports Center. The run is being organized by the De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial School based in Lutopan, to mark La Salle’s 100 years in the Philippines. The run is also supported by the De La Salle Alumni Association. Some of the prominent alumni of La Salle includes Michel Lhuillier, Bidoy Aldeguer, Nino Bascon, Dave Karamihan and Bob Martinez. De La Salle-Toledo boasts of Nimrod Quiñones, Rico Navarro and President Vic Reyes. The race will have the 12K, 6K and 3K categories.

Fit and Fab

Also opening its registration books is the Fit and Fab 15K Run set on July 17 at the Gaisano Country Mall. Registration centers are at RUNNR Ayala, Casa Ilongga Robinsons’ Place,Gaisano Country Mall and at the Cebu City Sports Center. A participant’s entry fee of P350.00 entitles him or her, P200.00 worth of groceries, a singlet and raffle tickets. The champions in the 15K (Male and Female) will receive P4,000 cash and P4,000 worth of gift checks. While in the 5K, the champions take home P3,000 cash and P3,000 gift checks.