Road closed

I’ve organized over 600 running events ranging from 5K to the ultramarathon in my 36 years in the running scene.  Every now and then, I encounter problems like being denied the use of the race route.  On one occasion, a traffic consultant (no name mentioned) told me why he’s not granting me a permit for a race.  He said, “roads are for vehicles not for runners.  “Murag mga buang nga nagdagan-dagan sa kalye.”  I shot back that if this is his idea, then the 40,000 runners who participate in the New York City Marathon, “mga buang” and “buang sab ang mga officials” of New York City for closing the five boroughs. Well, that’s the predicament of the organizers of next month’s Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship.  Tom Osmeña denied a permit for the use of the SRP while Mayor Cristina Frasco also said “no” for the closure of the Liloan roads.  Of course, Mayor Tom sees the nightmare that will occur if the SRP is closed since the Mambaling underpass is under construction and is already creating a big headache for commuters and drivers.  On the other hand, Mayor Frasco is almost certain it would be chaotic if she closes the highway to the North.  Anyway, Mandaue City has come to the rescue by shortening the route. The bike leg, which is the problem, will be done in three loops. Organizers should start looking for an alternative venue next year. Subic is perfect since the event could be contained inside the base.  It’s been years since I  assisted Trap president Tom Carrasco and Red Dumuk conduct the Subic International Triathlon (SUBIT) and we never encountered a big problem.  Or better still, try Iloilo, they have 8 lane-roads and white sandy beaches for the swim.

Up Rising

Don’t look now but the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will be a force to reckon with in this year’s UAAP.  The Maroons got a lift when US-trained Kobe Paras joined the team in its bid to end a title drought which has spanned for over 30 years.  Earlier, UP got the high-flying Ricci Rivero from La Salle.  Also giving support to Paras and Rivero are prized Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie and brothers Javi and Juan Gomez De Liano.To recall Kobe’s dad former UP star and PBA great Benjie, powered the Maroons to their only UAAP crown in 1986. It will also be a reunion of sorts for Paras and Rivero who were teammates for one season at La Salle Greenhills in 2011.  Are you listening Blue Eagles and Green Archers?

Did you know?

Karl Malone once said ever since he was little boy he wanted to have his own trucking company.  He said he even wanted to own a truck more than playing basketball. So in 1992, his dream came true.  He bought a 48,00- pound, custom made 18-wheeler.  After Malone’s gold medals in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, he finally put the truck into service hiring himself as the driver. Malone was known in the NBA as “the Mailman.”