P200T at stake in first SRP Midnight Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - A whopping P200,000 in cold cash is at stake for the top performers of the first Mayor Mike Rama-SRP Midnight Marathon on December 1 at the South Road Properties (SRP) grounds.

Cebu City Councilor Ritchie Osmeña said the landmark event in Cebu road running circuit coincides with the formal launching of the annual ‘Kasadya sa SRP’.

“We want to do something different from the other running events that’s why we decided to do a midnight run,” said Osmeña, himself a running enthusiast, in a press conference yesterday at Apurado Restaurant along Don Jose Avila Street in Brgy. Capitol Site, this city.

“Aside from being one of the highlights of the ‘Kasadya sa SRP’ launching, it will also be a great way to promote SRP as well as wellness to the general public,” added Osmeña.

Aside from the premiere 42-kilometer open division, the race also features the 5K and 21K categories.

Held in partnership with G-Concept through its president Jeson L. Guardo, the Midnight Marathon is a fund-raising activity for the benefit of the streetchildren under Operation Second Chance and patients of the psychiatric ward of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Guardo said they are expecting over 2,000 fitness buffs to take part in the charity event that will be filled with a festive mood as live bands will play in the beginning until the end of the race.

Since it will be done at midnight, Osmeña said they will coordinate with various agencies to ensure the safety and the overall welfare of the participants.

Aside from the cash prizes, souvenir shirts and specially-designed medals will be given away to the 21K and 42K finishers. Special awards will also be handed out to the best in costume and biggest contingent among others.

To give chance to local athletes, the organizers have decided to include a separate category for foreign runners especially the Kenyans who have been a dominant force in the local running scene for the past five years.

Registration fee is pegged at P350 for the 5K, P700 for the 21K, and P1,200 for the 42K inclusive of snacks, race bib and singlet.

Entry forms are available at Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) office located at the Cebu City Sports Center and at SM City-Cebu. One may also visit G-Concept’s fan page in Facebook for more details.

Online registration is accepted at Metrobank-Taboan branch via the savings account 3028089792 of Ian S. Luga. For further information, interested parties may contact 0922-8680737. (FREEMAN)