Cooperative advocacy

CEBU, Philippines - Despite little time to prepare, just over a month to be exact coupled by the holidays and eratic weather, the Cooperative Advocacy Run which fired off last Sunday at the Plaza Independencia, was a howling success.  Over 1,000 runners coming from the  different cooperatives of Region VII and the running community took part in this year’s first footrace.  “We could have gathered more entries if not for the holidays and time constraints” said Philip Deri of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), who was excited by the last minute turnout.  As usual, the Kenyan Running  Machine dominated the two categories with Abraham Missos winning the premier 10K event in 32 minutes and 54 seconds with compatriot Douglas Mwiti pocketing second in 33:48. Local entry Micheal Largo salvaged third in 34:58.  In the distaff side,  it was a Joy Tabal show with no serious contenders in sight to challenge her.  Tabal cruised to victory in 38:37 with Christy Tutor, a far second in 44:48.  Kisha Mae Delechos took third in 45:37.  In the 5K category, Kenyans Isaac Simat and Eluid Lelie annexed first and second places respectively.  Robert Daang wound up third in 16:38.  The Andrin sisters as in previous races, made the run another family affair as they won the top three places.  Lovely edged her sisters winning in 21:30 Cherry clocked 21:31 while Jhean timed 22:17 for third place.  In the non-competitive 3K division.  Ralph Edward So emerged the best runner while Celso  Vergabora and Egmedio Avendanio were second and third respectively.  In the womens category, Issa Priagula reigned supreme.  Aalijah Ricci Mataragnon took second place while Jenilyn Abujeco salvaged third.  Telemco of PLDT won a trophy for the biggest delegation.  Mayor Mike Rama escorted by son Mikel and 78 year-old Rening Ylaya ran in the 5K while councilor Nida Cabrera, chairperson of the Cebu City Cooperative Development Council ran in the 3K.  Mapfre-Insular runners headed by Charmaine Yba also joined the 3K while backing the race as a major sponsor.  The winners received their prizes from the Cebu City Cooperative Development Council (CCCDC) headed by director Nap Sentillas and Rolly Diorico.  A million thanks to Mapfre-Insular, Waterfresh, Cebu City Government, CITOM and Dr. Lorna Diorico for and to those whose names escape us for the moment.

BALAAN BUKID TRAIL 21K

After  resting for a few days I’ll be heading to Dinagyang Festival-bound IloIlo City for the Balaan Bukid Trail Half Marathon that blasts off on January 26 in Guimaras. The route is similar to Mt. Patag in Silay City, Negros Occidental (where the Kenyans tasted their first  debacle), with the finish line perched in the mountain top.

Coast to coast ultramarathon

Registration to the April 28 Coast to Coast 65K Ultramarathon starts at Runnr Ayala next week.  Entry forms for the country’s longest race the Sugbo Ultramarathon 228km will also be available. (FREEMAN)