Hot Run

The soaring temperature will surely be an added challenge when some 180 runners including six relay teams plunge into action in the 2nd Labor Day Coast to Coast 65K Ultramarathon set April 29 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol. It’s an easier route compared to last year’s since there will be more downhills than uphills.

The heat, however, will be a big factor prompting Jonel Mendoza and I to add two more hours to the original 10-hour cutt-off. The race starts at 4:00am at the flagpole area of the Capitol. We have been worried the past few days with the temperature hitting 35 degrees in Manila, with Cebu registering 33.2 last Saturday. But yesterday, rain gave us a little relief and we are praying the weather continues to cool off despite Pag-asa’s prediction of still hot conditions till mid-May. So we are advising runners to hydrate heavily and if possible get a support group. 

Organizers will have water and aid stations every 10 kilometers. I also requested the assistance of Balamban through councilor Dave Karamihan to watch over the participants when we hit Balamban’s jurisdiction at Barangay Gaas. I’m sure Mayor Ace Binghay won’t say no to our request. 

On the other hand, Toledo City Mayor Rudy Espinosa is throwing his full support by providing lunch for the runners while also fielding traffic personnel and an ambulance once we enter Toledo’s territory. We would also like to thank Gov. Gwen Garcia through provincial administrator Ed Habin for allowing us to start at the Capitol. 

ERUF will also send an ambulance while Atty. Raffy Yap of CITOM has noted the short Cebu City route that ends just after Ayala Heights. Some of the big group entered are from Toledo which will be paced by veteran Doc Willy Estepa and Parklane Hotel which will field over 10 runners including Belle Dinoy and Ervin Limpag. 

Four 60-year-olds headed by Dr. Abe Manlawe and no doubt, the oldest ultramarathoner Rening Ylaya, are already registered. Century Properties 100K Ultramarathon champion Bayani Alvarez is the heavy favorite to rule the race while Cynthia Arnaiz is a dark horse in the distaff side. To all of you guys, goodluck and always remember don’t force yourselves if you feel something funny in your systems. There’s always another race if you fail to finish.