The Boston bombs

Both  bombs  exploded on the north side of Bolyston Street with  the first one going approximately  65 feet  from the finish  line at  2:49:43 pm.  The second  bomb exploded 528 feet to the  west of the first explotion. One died during the first blast while two expired in the second.  Two-hundred-eighty two people  were injured. The clock read 4:09:43 when first bomb exploded  with  the last finisher crossing the line at 2:57:06 pm with a chip time of 4:11:50.  Race officials  then stopped the clock. There were  25, 336 starters with 17, 580 official finishers.  Of the 5, 633 runners who were stopped on the course, 4,503 made it past the 40K mark.

Securing the races

After the explosions that rocked the Boston Marathon this year,  several changes are in order to secure the  races.  Here are some of the safety percautions implemented  in major races.

Runners

Many areas will be limited to runners only.  The Pittsburg Marathon for instance implemented the starting line corrals while cutting off side streets and sidewalks and created a runnners-only area with no bags. 

SEE THROUGH BAGGAGE –  During my visit to the  New York City Road Runners Club, I was informed that they are implementing  clear plastic bags for any item stored  during the race.  STRICKLY NO BANDITS– Security  guards and marshals have been instructed to remove anybody running without a race number.

Spectators

Spectators will be searched, all backpacks and bags will be banned at the finish line.  Checkpoints will be  visible at various points while helicopters will patrol the race route.

Safety first

Former director of Security  and Intelligence Operations of New York City,  Sal Lifrieri, offers these tips: 

1. Tuck  phone numbers,cash or credit card into shorts.

2. Before the race establish a post race meeting spot and back up location to gather family and friends.

3. Runners tracking is a plus, they will know your whereabouts.

4. Don't use headphones, they dampen awareness of your surroundings.

5. Wear a medical Id.  If you're injured, the information can greatly assist paramedics.

6. Watch for suspicious people or packages.

Christmas  with  Elvis  and friends

On December 23, Christmas with Elvis and Friends, a two-hour variety show, will be staged at the Activity Center of Robinsons Fuente. Performers include broadcasters Sam Costanilla and Max "Daloydoy" Andrino, collectively known as Dos Gwapos, Boyet Lim one of Cebu's  top balladeers, Mark Babiera, the Michael Jackson of Cebu, comedian-magician Chocolet, and Jun Villahermosa, also regarded as the Frank Sinatra of  Cebu.  Of course the main act  will be Elvisaya (Elvis of  the Visayas) who is fresh from a mini-concert in Queens, New York City.  Sam said the show might have two more guests Herb Buot, the Perry Como of Cebu and TV host Ate Ging Monesclaros.  On the other hand, Villahermosa said he will launch the new tourism theme" Cebu What's the Magic in You" which was composed by Freddie Madarang who also  wrote " Cebu" originally recorded by Jun Polistico. Elvis and Friends will be singing mostly Christmas songs.  Show starts at 5:30 pm and is supported by  Casa Ilongga, Metrografix, Summit Circle and V12 Radgear.