Move over Usain

Move over Usain Bolt, take a hike Tyson Gay, the “oldies  but goodies” are set to take center stage on March 16-17 as they plunge into track and field action when the 1st Masters Athletics Invitational Championship unfolds at the Philsports (Ultra) in Pasig City.  Former Olympians, Asian Games, Sea Games and ordinary enthusiasts,  try to access  if  “naa pa sila “ikabuga” while others will just be there for the fun and camaraderie, reliving the past.  All set to compete are Elma Muros Posadas, Lerma Balauitan Gambito, Emerson Obiena, John Lozada, Erlinda Lavandia, and Renato Unso.  National Masters and Seniors  Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) president Manny Ibay  said there are teams from Singapore and Malaysia that will compete in the 10 track and  8 field events.  The trackfest is just the first of regional games slated to be organized this year.  Meanwhile, Ibay has appointed  yours truly as Masters Regional Director, tasked to organize the Visayas Region’s Masters and Seniors competition maybe in September.  We will have participants from Dumaguete, IloIlo, Bacolod, Capiz, Tacloban, Samar and Bohol with Cebu playing host.  In October, Mindanao will have their own games with Davao City as the venue, then in December, Manila will host the Luzon edition which will also serve as the finals.  Masters will also have the chance to compete in Asian Masters and the World Masters competitions held every two years.  Do you know who’s competing in the World Masters marathon? Well, It’s only former record holder Haile Gersbselasie who could probably still clock 2:06 today.  Another, is Linford Christie and Bill Rodgers.

Team Cebu City

An  8-man  Team Cebu City departs for Manila  Thursday to participate in the Masters trackfest. I’ll be heading the team as coach and captain.  The team is composed of 77 year-old Rening Ylaya (100m,200m,400m), Dr. Abe Manlawe, 68 (5000m walk, 5000m run and 10,000m), Nemie Escasinas,60  (100m, 15000m,5000m), Tessie Escasinas,56 (800, 1,500,5000m), Raffy Osumo 53, (100m,200m,400m), Al Geyrozaga, 60 (10,000m, 4x4m and 4x100 relay), Florencio Sanchez, 55 (400m, 800m and 1500m)and yours truly, 65 (800-1500, 4x400m relay).  We will be joined by Fredo Villarta,58 (5000m walk, 5,000 m run).  As I write this column, I re-injured my groin as I showed my “tokayo” Raffy Osumo the proper starting positions in the sprints. UC coach Lyle Larida who will assist me today as we practice the relays said, “hunahuna nalang na sir Raffy, nagtuo ka 25 paka”. That’s true Lyle, but you know once I’m  in the starting line, I totally forget my age.  We are not bragging but we’re sure to bring home medals, “gold pajud”.  Wish as luck.

Notes:  Congratulations to Runnr’s Rose  Abellana who finished the all Women Ultra Marathon 50k last Sunday in 7:38:18 to place 56th over all.  Rose never imagined  to beat more seasoned runners in her first try of the Ultra.  It was a belated present for herself who celebrated her birthday last week. 

Some 50 runners have already registered in the Coast to Coast 65k Ultramarathon which fires off on April 28 from the Cebu Provincial Capitol Highway.  Registration is now on going at Runnr Ayala.