Half-marathon set on Corregidor's rugged terrains

MANILA, Philippines - The stage is set for the Corregidor International Half-Marathon (CIHM) on Dec. 19 in historic Corregidor Island, an inaugural 21.0975km race designed to test runners’ mettle on all types of running terrain.

With the fortress that was the last bastion of the Allies during World War II as backdrop, the CIHM will feature a route that encompasses a demanding combination of paved uphills and downslopes and intermittent segments of dirt trails, according to race director Edward Kho.

“This race is not about having convenience and being pampered; it’s more about running and racing like hell,” Kho said during Monday night’s press launch-cruise held at the MV Spirit of Manila yacht of event partner Sun Cruises, Inc.

Aside from having to negotiate tricky trails 40 percent of the way, runners will pass through Corregidor’s historical hotspots, including the full length of Malinta Tunnel, giving the race a nostalgic flavor.

“This is also one way to celebrate the heroism of our forefathers in the way that we know best – running,” added Kho in the press launch-cruise also graced by Corregidor Foundation, Inc. executive director Artemio Matibag, and Sun Cruises, Inc. general manager Roland Portes and sales and marketing manager Kristine Castro.

Envisioned to be held annually as the country’s most sought-after race and counterpart of the Boston Marathon, the CIHM will not require a finish time cutoff but will impose a 1-hour, 45-minute curfew time at the 10K halfway turnaround.

Cash prizes and medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s categories with the champions receiving P15,000 and a gold medal apiece as well as a replica of the CIHM trophy. The second-placers will get P8,000 and a silver medal, and third-placers P5,000 and bronze.

The race will be open to local and foreign runners from aged 18 to 70, with no qualifying time required. Only 800 runners, however, will be accommodated in the race.

Registration will be on all weekends of October and November.