100K Ultra run offered for super typhoon Yolanda survivors ends in Bogo today

CEBU, Philippines - As offering to victims and survivors of super typhoon Yolanda, an ultra-marathon kicked off last night at the Capitol grounds in Cebu City.

Destination?  Bogo City 100 kilometers away.

A total of 50 runners assembled at the kilometer zero marker at the Cebu provincial government compound and started at 6 p.m. the long run towards northern Cebu, which was devastated by the strongest typhoon to make landfall in recorded history last year.

Of the registered ultra runners, around 30 are set to go all the way to Bogo City while the others would only be up to Danao City.

Runners in Bogo City would welcome and join the ultra runners from Cebu City in a short commemorative program especially dedicated to remember last year’s catastrophe.

From the Capitol, the ultra-marathoners trudged Osmeña Boulevard before turning left at the Fuente Osmeña Circle for General Maxilom Avenue. They then headed towards Mabolo in Cebu City before crossing the boundary towards Mandaue City all the way to the north.

The runners are expected to reach Bogo City 16 hours after.

Most of them are members of the Cebu Ultrarunners Club, a group of running enthusiasts who have gone beyond the regular marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers.

Tony Galon leads the group of ultra runners who include Dr. Lope Noay, Edwin Colina, Joel Ouano, Brian Guillen, and Alfie Galon.

Cebuano mountaineer and environmentalist Dondon Dimpas was one of those tailing the group with his vehicle serving as support.

“There are at least three of us on vehicles which will act as support team. We help them in taking the road along with motorized vehicles, and also with replenishments,” Dimpas told The FREEMAN.

As of 9 o’clock last night, the group has already reached Consolacion town.

Apart from being a memorial ultra run, the activity also aimed to raise awareness on climate change.

Ultra-marathon or ultra distance race is a sporting event involving running and walking 50 kilometers, or 80.4 kilometers, or 100 kilometers, or 160.9 kilometers, among others.

Of these, 100 is the official world record event by the International Association of Athletics Federation, the global body that governs track and field.  (FREEMAN)