Coast to Coast 65km

Registration to this year’s 3rd Coast to Coast 65k Ultramarathon set on April 28 is now open at the Runnr Ayala.  As last year, the race will start at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and will pass the challenging Transcentral Highway, finishing in Toledo City.  Mayor  Rudy Espinosa who supported the last two stagings of the run, will again back the event that will also have a relay category composed of two runners that will each complete 32.5 km. There will be five (5) aid stations in kilometers 32.5, 50,55 and 60 but participants are advised to bring their own hydration bottles as there will be no cups.  Runners are also allowed to have support vehicles but is optional. The race starts at 1:00 am and will finish at the Toledo City Sports Complex with a cutt-off time of 13 hours. Registration fee is Php 1,250.00 for solo and Php 750.00 each for the relay. Finishers will receive a medal, finisher’s shirt and post- race meal. Again, participants are reminded that cheaters would be at  the losing end. They will just be fooling themselves.

Weekend warrior

Mayor Mike Rama is indeed up and running in the real sense of the word.  Did you know Mayor Mike has became a weekend warrior, running three races in three weeks, starting with the Sinulog Run last December 30? Mayor Mike did the 5K carousel route of the Sinulog parade with Elvis who ran in his signature white jumpsuit after warming the participants with rock and roll music.  The following week, Mayor Mike ran the Cooperative Advocacy Run at Plaza Independencia, this time escorted by 78 year-old Rening Ylaya.  Then last Sunday, he ran in the 5k category of the  Cebu City Marathon . What’s next Mayor? The full marathon or Ultra? Of course the mayor  is running in the election come May.

Masters track fest

National Masters and Seniors Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP) president Manny Ibay gave me a call to remind that it’s all sytems go for the 1st NCR Masters Athletics Championship that fires off on March 16-17 either at the Rizal Memorial Track and Field  oval or at the Ultra at  Pasig City.  Manny and I were team mates on several National Masters contingent. Events to  be  contested are 10 running and 8 field events including pole vault and hammer throw. Entry fees are as follows.  (Participants must be members of NMSAAP.) Membership fee-Php 500.  First event Php 200, second and third events, Php 100.  Manny said sleeping quarters will be provided at the venue. This early I’m organizing  “Team Cebu”. With 77 year-old Rening Ylaya.  Honorato Corpin, Edward Beronia, Precing and Babette Capangpangan, Ruth and Berto Banzon, Raffy Osumo , Dr. Abe Manlawe and Cynthia Arnaiz.  Manila-based  Fredo Villarta and Sea Games medalist John Lozada also signified their extensions  of joining Team Cebu.  Those interested to join may call me at 0917-364-4828 .

La  Salle  rebuilding

The La Salle Green Archers are bent on re claiming lost glory in the UAAP. Recently, La Salle recruited Bacolod-based Kib Montalbo 16, of St. John’s Institute who had been participating in Jr. NBA programs.  The phenomenal Montalbo led his school to the province’s top basketball tournament. His performance impressed no less than La Salle benefactor Danding Cojuangco who promised to back La Salle again this year.  La Salle barged to the Final Four last year through the heroics of rookie Jeron Teng who will call the shots for the Archers come UAAP.  La Salle even offered SWU  star Ben Mbala but the Cameroonian is staying put in Cebu. Expect a stronger La Salle team this year.  ANIMO!