Silay Marathon

When this column comes out I’m probably on my way to Silay City in Negros Occidental to assist organizers Dr. Bob Ledesma and Boyet Rentoy on their preparation for Western Visayas’ premier marathon, the Mt. Patag Eco Adventure Endurance Trail Challenge, that fires off on November 5 in Silay City. I’m glad my protege’ Dr. Bob and Boyet are keeping the runnning flame ablaze after I stopped holding races in Bacolod City including the “MassKarun” that was the solitary race in that city before the running boom came. What makes this race different? Well, I’m sure this is the only full marathon with a non-stop ascending route that ends on top of a mountain. Shades of the marathon route in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics where runners climbed to the finish line. That was also the Olympics where my protege’ Herman Suizo did the country proud by finishing 51st out of a field of 116 world-class runners. As usual, I’ll be shooting two birds with one stone. I’m also running in the Bacolod leg of the Milo Marathon which will be held there on Sunday, a week before the Masskara Festival. For inquries please contact Dr. Bob Ledesma 0947-7896317 and Boyet Rentoy 0928-9084888.

Time out

When I return from Bacolod City, I’m taking a time out from sports to watch two concerts, the Zombies on October 17th and America on the 19th, both at Waterfront Hotel, Lahug. There’s another one on the 20th, the Jonas Brothers, but I’m skipping that. The Zombies concert is very memorable since our band, the Checkmates was the front act when the Zombies performed at the La Salle Gym in 1967. Of course, they were at their prime then with Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent dishing out “ She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” On the other hand. I’m looking forward to hearing America perform “Horse With No Name”, “Ventura Highway” and “All My Life”.

Note: Registration to the Hardcore 100 Miles (160km) Ultramarathon and Bogo City 50 Mile (80km) Challenge, is now in full swing. In order to screen participants interested parties may register direct to Jonel Mendoza 0917-8030664. Registration fee is Php 5,000 that will entitle a finisher a silver buckle costing Php 2,500. Cut off time is 30 hours.