Daghang salamat

After the smashing success of the Freeman 86th Anniversary 10K Run, it is just fitting to acknowledge several corporations and individuals who gave their unselfish contributions. First we would like to thank the Freeman through it's general manager Bhoy Mendoza and marketing manager Tina Poblador for "thrusting" me to deliver the goods despite the limited time. A million thanks to Lilio and Conching Lim of Waterfresh Drinking Water for providing water at the aid stations, Prycegas through Dodong Sulatre for the stove and cylinders, San Miguel Corporation, Metro Sports and Timex for the Ironman watches.

To the Ayala Group, City Sports Club Cebu under Connie Te and sports manager Rey Fuentes III for the use of the venue and the facilities, Cebu Business Park under Eric Manzano and the coordination of Collin and Willie. And of course Cebu Holdings Inc. Willie did a good job in coordinating the traffic and security around the park. "Salamat gid" to Tachelin Classical Clocks through its pretty marketing officer Luz Castro, Graphic Star for the beautiful backdrop, UR 105, Home Radio, Metro Gaisano and SM City for the gift certificates. The Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) who watches my races all the time, Cheryl Dy and the COMM 15 (radio communicators) who has been assisting my races for more than 15 years now.

"Muchas Gracias" to the PSC Region VII Office manned by Audie Marte and Lerma Binarao who always handle the registration. Thanks to Ricky Ballesteros of the Cebu City Sports Center for the award stand, tables and railings. Seiko Service Center through George Daytia for the electronic timer, Presing Capangpangan and his group for the excellent officiating and to those whose names escape us for the moment "DAGHANG SALAMAT". EXECUTIVES JOIN MILO MARATHON

Six members of the Cebu Executive Runners club will be leaving for Manila soon to participate in the Milo Marathon elimination on August 7 at the Luneta Park. Past President Oscar Lopez, current prexy Roel Militar, Dr. Felix Barera, Joel Juarez, Dodong Sulatre and myself who will also act as coach, will head the contingent. The CERC members will attempt to complete the 42.2-kilometer distance while I might just run 20 kilometers, as I need more mileage. My training suffered after organizing three big races in four months. BREAKING BOSTON'S RECORD

I don't know anymore whether to be amused or irritated. But the Manila Marathon that was staged at the Rizal Park last Sunday was at it again. Last year Ali Atienza of the organizing MASCO said they are aiming to break the Guinness Book record of 38,000 runners who suited up for the centennial staging of the Boston Marathon in 1997. He gathered about 40,000 (well, I don't call them all, runners) participants with almost 80% walking and worse clad in either jogging pants or in maong with backpacks to match. It was one of the most chaotic races I experienced. This year is no different; Atienza said that the marathon attracted over 50,000. So "sa ato pa, na break ang Boston record". Sad to say nobody advised Atienza that the Boston Marathon is the oldest and toughest marathon in the world where there are qualifying times.

It was only during the centennial that Boston relaxed on its rules thus, the 38,000 marathoners, repeat marathoners who ran the full 42.2 kilometers. In the case of the Manila Marathon less than 200 joined the main event with most of the participants joining the 3K, 5K and 10K distances. So how in the world could he claim that the Manila Marathon broke Boston's record where all runners ran 42-kilometers? The Book of Guinness officials are probably laughing at the ignorance of Atienza.

Next time, "dapat magtanong-tanong muna siya, daghang bright boys diha tingali pero dili sad makahibalo". Ignorance of the law excuses no one. By the way I'm happy for my protégé Roy Vence who won last Sunday's race, he has indeed come a long way since I guided his running career starting in 1991. And speaking of Boston, Roy is competing there next year as part of his prize.