Biggest Ultramarathon

Don’t look now, but the 2nd Warrior 50K ultramarathon that fires off on September 29 from BE Resort in Mactan, will enter the record books as the biggest ultramarathon in the country.

Some 300 participants, a mix of newbies and veterans will answer the starter’s horn at 1:00am. From BE Resort the runners proceed to the Lapu-Lapu Shrine passing by Barangay Ibo and Mepz before tackling the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. They then turn right to Cansaga Bridge while making a U turn before reaching Compostela. They trace the same route and finish at the resort. Cut off time is nine hours. In our small way of contributing to the preservation of the environment, we will not be providing plastic water cups at the aid stations. Runners however may refill through their own hydration bottles. Our start and finish streamers will be made of coconut cloth. Several runners called and clarified the exact time of the race. Well, you have to be there Friday night (Sept 28) as the race starts promptly at 1:00am of Sept 29, a Saturday. Finishers will receive a medal, dri-fit shirt and of course, your photo on Frontrunner Magazine. Awarding follows immediately after   race. Organizer Jonel Mendoza also announced that an 80K race will also be held simultaneously with the longest race in Cebu, the Hardcore-Bogo City 100 Miles Ultramarathon that will be held in Bogo City on November 17-18. Mayor Junie Martinez will again host the event and said it might coincide with the blessing of the new Bogo City Hall with no less than President Noynoy Aquino as guest of honor.

PAL marathon

The PAL Manila Marathon was arguably one of the best and longest running events in the country. Some of the best runners in the world have joined the race including two-time Olympic champion Waldermar Cierspinski, of East Germany, who until today holds the all-comers record of 2:14. Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers also came to conduct clinics but did not run. Our team the Nike Running Club won the team championship category, a record 12 times. Our team then was composed of Sea Games champion and three-time Milo Marathon titlist Jimmy Dela Torre, Barcelona Olympian and six-time Milo Marathon champion Roy Vence, 1988 Seoul Olympian Hector Begeo, Sea Games champion Allan Ballester, 1987 Pilipinas International Marathon Filipino best finisher Arturo Angel and Magnolia 20K champion Alvin Miraflores with yours truly as coach and team captain. Just the other day PAL’s Chris Lebumfacil and Vic Suarez (who recently completed the Cobra 70.3 Ironman) called me to discuss the possibility of reviving the marathon. Well, this is indeed great news. I will be meeting with PAL Advertising bigwigs when they arrive here for the PAL Interclub meeting which will be hosted by Cebu next year. Abangan!