The morning after the Coast to Coast 65K Ultra Marathon held May 1, Frontrunner Magazine editor-in-chief and chief organizer Jonel Mendoza told me, we are having another ultra in September. Jonel said Be Resort general manager and also an ultramarathoner, Garry Garcia, was offering the resort as venue as a tune-up race for the more grueling Century Challenge (102 Km) Bogo City to Cebu City on November 18. The concept was also to encourage first time participants to try the sport with an easier route and lesser distance. Except for the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, the entire route was practically flat. At exactly 3 am, the runners were off and were soon travelling the roads that would lead them to Liloan and back to Mactan with a cut-off time of nine hours. Veteran ultramarathoners from Manila including multi-titled Michelle Estuar were the top seed, but guess who was the biggest surprise? No less than the 53 year- old Melinda Ponce. Melinda not only topped the race. In 5:39:25, she was also the sixth over-all out of 193 starters. The best the Manila female runners could muster was second place courtesy of Lana Jacel Mercado in 5:43:31 with another Manilan Reylynne Dela Paz placing third in 5:45:31. In the men’s category, favorite Renz Gabuya was upset by fast-rising Noel Tillor after running together for 40 kilometers. Tillor took the lead at the Consaga Bridge after Gabuya slowed down. Tillor clocked 4:49 while Gabuya timed 5:05, Japanese Kenji Yoshioka salvaged third in 5:32 while serial runner Joel Garganera took fourth place. The participants were treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner at a party later in the evening where for the very first time, pole dancers entertained the crowd.
Century Challenge
Cebu is fast turning to be an Ultramarathon event destination. In just one year, Cebu would have hosted four, if you count the up and coming mother of all, Century Challenge 102 km Bogo to Cebu City on November 18. Iron lady Haide Acuna already plotted the course that will start at the old Bogo City Hall. The run will finish at the Cebu City Hall with a cut-off time of 18 hours. Registration is now ongoing at RUNNR Ayala. Entry fee is P 2,500 which also entitles the participant to a customized long sleeved shirt, dri-fit, finishers’ shirt, sling bag, Legionaires cap, vitamins and medal after the race.
Press Freedom Run
Members of the media are advised to register for the third staging of the Press Freedom Run which fires off on September 24 at the City Sports Club. The race which will have no registration fee offers two categories, the 3K and 5K. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners (male and female) in both divisions. All participants will recieve singlets courtesy of sponsor Coca-Cola. Interested participants, please contact Mischelle So of Sunstar. Divine Ngujo of The Freeman and Gabby Lariosa of Cebu Daily News.
Fit And Fab Run Feeding
Gaisano Country Mall’s Charmine Suson announced that the feeding program which was part of Fit and Fab Run last July will be held tonight at the Gaisano Bowling Flex in Banilad, starting at 7:00 in the evening. This is just one of Gaisano’s outreach programs. Charmine said the food is simple but nutritious. See you there!