Things to remember

After three more nights, the over 7,000 runners and still counting as the on-site registration for the 5-K event ends tomorrow yet, the Cebu City Marathon, the crown jewel of races in this part of the globe will blast off.

Yes, I wrote about this yesterday, but there are a few more things I have to remind you about, both participants and non-participants.

I received email from John Pages, who is not only a distant blood relative, but also a fellow sports columnist, UPian, sports dad, athlete, etc, and he asked me to help relay this information to the readers.

First, the Carbo-Loading Party is set tomorrow starting at 6 p.m. at the Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu. Here, last-minute instructions would be given to the participants and there would be some inspiring marathon stories that would be shared by guests.

If you are a participant, be at the start/finish area early. Those running the full marathon, that’s 42-K, be there before 3:30 a.m. as the runners will answer the starting gun at 4 a.m. The 21-K will be released 30 minutes later and the 5-K another 30 minutes later.

To the non-participants, expect some parts of the road to be closed on Sunday, so if you can avoid the race route, which includes Osmeña Blvd., Gen. Maxilom Ave., Gorordo Ave., Salinas Drive, as well as the SRP Tunnel and the South Coastal Road, do it.

The organizers are asking for the patience of the public in this matter.

If you don’t run and would just like to witness this sporting spectacle, you can stay along the race route and cheer for the runners. But please take note that no vehicles, including bicycles will be allowed on the route for the safety of the runners.

The Cebu City Marathon is the premiere running event of Cebu. This is no small-time race as we have runners from around the country including some foreigners taking part in the event.

This is something we can really be proud of so let us give it our support.

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Some of the country’s best volleyball players are now seeing action in the Baybayon, Looc, Mandaue City Volleyball Open.

The event was supposed to be held at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, but I was informed last Tuesday, that it will be moved to the Looc Barangay Gym instead.

I have no idea what happened with the change of venue, but this is an event to watch and I hope that it will move to a much better venue that is accessible to the fans.

Cebu is officially the volleyball capital of the Philippines. Local government officials must help find ways to keep on pushing the sport here.

While grassroots development is the key to finding raw talent, elite events would allow more people to appreciate the sport and help promote the grassroots program.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings go to Auntie Minda A. Lebumfacil, Monina Blanco, my niece Anika L. Manigsaca, Atty. Kay Malilong-Isberto, Tito Vildosola, Ann Momongan, and Ret. Col. Jimmy Bernal.

Advance greetings to those celebrating tomorrow like Roger Guarin; Bayani Garcia; my mistah Luke Martem; UPians Popette Bacalso-Chavez, Douglas Rey Berido, Rhodel Campilan, and Billy Sienes; my nieces Princess Beltran and Khay Nocos; and my aunt/cousin Tracy Rada-Caro.

More power to all of you!