Race To Reduce Challenge 2

After the smashing success of the Aboitiz Race To Reduce Challenge held last year at the South Road Properties (SRP), a bigger and better race unfolds on Aug 14 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). It’s definetely bigger, what with a full marathon being added to the original 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K categories. Not only that, Aboitiz will be in partnership with the Province of Cebu which will be celebrating its 442nd Founding Anniversary on the first week of August. So you could just imagine the logistics with two giants joining forces. We wanted to keep this event a secret until we announce it in a press conference on the first week of July, but it seems we just can’t help the excitement. If there will be no changes, the champions (male and female) in the marathon, will receive Php70,000. The big money is sure to attract the best long distance runners in the country with the Kenyans expected to join the fray. As in the initial staging of the run last year, timing chips will be used in the 42K, 21K and 10K divisions. Entry fee in the 42K marathon is Php700 (chip and singlet) with the runner having an option of not getting the singlet, thus paying only php550. In the 21K and 10K divisions, a runner not getting the singlet, pays only Php450. While marathon fees in Manila hovers between Php800 to Php 1,200. Cebuanos are getting a better deal. Aboitiz Chief Reputation Officer Sebastian Lacson said foot massage and a hearty breakfast await the finishers. A photo contest will also be held. Registration starts on July 1st at the RUNNR Ayala, Toby’s SM City, Cebu Provincial Capitol (Secretariat) and at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Animo La Salle run

It’s all systems go for the Animo La Salle 12K Run set July 10 at the Cebu International Convention Center. The race which is being organized by the De La Salle alumni (ASMA) to mark La Salle’s 100 years of existence in the country. The race got a boost recently with Carmen Copper Corp. represented by Kokoy Cal, agreed to be one of the major sponsors. On the other hand, the De La Salle University Alumni Association (DLSUAA) through Bobby Martinez and Dave Karamihan also confirmed their support. Centrex, Julie’s Bakeshop, Waterfresh, Metrografix, Casa Ilongga Robinsons Place, Cebu Midtown Hotel and RUNNR Ayala are the other backers of the run. We are calling all La Sallites and also Ateneans to join the “Green Run”. Registration is now in full swing at RUNNR Ayala, Cebu City Sports Center and at Casa Ilongga. Distribution of race packets will start on July 7 until July 9 at Robinsons Place lobby at 2pm.

Gaisano country mall run

Lighthouse Seafood Restaurant at the Gaisano Country Mall, hosted a press conference for the Fit and Fab 15K Run set on July 17 at the Gaisano Country Mall parking lot, recently. Store Operations Manager, pretty woman Charmine Suson said the race is being held to mark Nutrition Month and is Gaisano Country Mall’s payback to their clients for their continued patronage of the mall. Part of the proceeds will go to their feeding program. The race will have a 15K, 7K and 3K categories with the champions in the main 15K event receiving P4,000 cash and P4,000 worth of gift checks. The first 1,200 finishers will receive P200 worth of groceries and singlets. Suson also said there will be surprise celebrity runners joining the race. Registration is now ongoing at Gaisano Country Mall, RUNNR Ayala, Casa Ilongga Robinsons’ Place and at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Bro. Carlo “Bakal”

Everytime Bro. Carlo Bacalla tells me he’s off to another ultramarathon, I don’t get excited anymore. While some people doubt if Bro. Carlo could finish the race, I’ve already listed him as one of the top 30 finishers (and that’s consistent). Bro. Carlo texted me last Sunday that he finished 25th out of 199 starters in the Nuvali Trail Run (50K) in Laguna. Actually, he said it was 57 kilometers and that he covered the distance in 8 hours, 13 minutes. The route was 75 percent trail with creeks and a river to cross. The other runner from Cebu was BE Resort GM Garry Garcia who will host the Warriors 50K in September. Congrats, guys!  (FREEMAN)