All set for 1st SRP Midnight Run

CEBU, Philippines - Everything is already in place for the 1st Mayor Mike Rama-SRP Midnight Marathon on March 2 starting and ending at the South Road Properties grounds.

The organizers, however, announced during a press conference at Port Seafood Restaurant yesterday that they have stretched the deadline for registration until Friday to accommodate runners from other parts of the country who are willing to join the charity event.

"Instead of tomorrow (today), we have set the deadline for registration on February 28 because more runners from other areas of the country have sent feelers to join the race and we are more than willing to  accommodate them," said Allan Delantar, one of the race organizers.

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.

The landmark footrace sponsored by Shell, Port Seafood Restaurant, Barako Energy Drink, Thirsty Juices and Shakes, CEED Marketing, Dragon Fireworks, and Nature's Spring was originally set last December 1, but was postponed to give away to the relief efforts in the areas affected by super storm Yolanda that battered the Visayas region.

A whopping P200,000 in cold cash is at stake for the top performers of the race that features the  42-kilometer, 5K and 21K categories.

Since it will be done at midnight, Cebu City Councilor Ritchie Osmeña assured that they will coordinate with various agencies to ensure the safety and overall welfare of the participants.

Aside from 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 placed 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.

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 Philippine Councilors League-Cebu Chapter and patients of the psychiatric ward of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.— EBV (FREEMAN)