“Ilang tulog na lang”, before we go sleepless in Bogo City when the much-awaited Century Properties 100 KM Ultramarathon fires off on November 19 at the old Bogo City Hall. Before we continue, I got a lot of inquiries from out-of-town participants where and what’s special about Bogo City. Well, Bogo which is 102 km up North, just recently became a city. Just like Negros, its main product is sugar. In sports, it’s home to the legendary boxing champion Flash Elorde and my protege Roy Vence, an Atlanta Olympian and six-time Milo Marathon champion. As I write this column, the ultramarathon that starts at the old City Hall fires off at midnight of November 19. Due to bad condition of the National Road especially near “EMI”, Jonel Mendoza and I decided to use the Tabogon route that will take us on the scenic coastal stretches up to Sogod. Runners who fail to reach Catmon (km 58) in 9 hours will not be allowed to continue and will be advised to board the sweeper. The ultra which ends at the Plaza Independencia will have a cut-off time of 18 hours. Race packets will be distributed on Nov 17 at the NS Pensionne (near St. Theresa’s College) where a carbo-loading party will be held at 6pm.
Bogo supports the ultra
When Jonel announced Bogo City as the starting line of the Century Ultra, I didn’t have second thoughts. I’ve known current Mayor Junie Martinez for a long time and being a sportsman himself, he wouldn’t hesitate to support an event that will definetely put Bogo again in the sporting map. Mayor Martinez who I fondly call “Tito Junie” has offered to host dinner for all the participants and officials at the old Bogo City Hall starting at 6pm. He will allow runners who will be arriving early to rest at the Bogo Coliseum or at the City Hall besides providing an ambulance and security. I’m also asking good friends Board Member Jude Sybico and Congressman Red Durano for assistance when we hit Catmon, Carmen and Danao City. Of course Mayor Duke Frasco and Mayor Teresa Alegado of Liloan and Consolacion respectively will surely assist the run. And finally, we are requesting Mayor Jonas Cortes and Mayor Mike Rama to support us when we enter Mandaue and Cebu City.
Midnight run
Registration to the Cebu Midnight Run set on December 11 is now in full swing at RUNNR Ayala, Planet Sports, The Athletes’ Foot Ayala Center, Casa Ilongga Robinsons Place and City Sports Club Cebu (Ayala). Since the race is celebrating its 10th Anniversary, we will have a 10K category besides the traditional 5K. As usual, midnight snacks or call it breakfast, follows at the Veranda. Registration fee is P300 inclusive of midnight snacks and singlet.