Successful campaign

When a running event is graced by the region’s best distance runners, the race becomes prestigious. In international marathons for example, the race becomes attractive when you have the Kenyans or say, the world record holder. Some organizers give appearance money to champion runners. So last Sunday at the Holiday Gym & Spa Health Run, the field was star-studded despite the absence of some rated runners who were in the CVIRAA in Bohol. Just to give you an idea, the list reads like this national triathlon record holder Noy Jopson, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (10K Category) fourth placer Mendel Lopez, Cebu’s marathon queen Leszl Gitaruelas, Kota Kinabalu Climbathon veteran Merlita Arias and national karatedo champion Dahlia Espinosa. The list continues, Judge Gabby Ingles, Councilor Edgar Labella, Chris Aldeguer ABS-CBN news anchor Haide Acuña and the come backing original marathon queen of Cebu Christy Sevilleno. Oh yes Dr. Yong Larrazabal a New York City Marathon Veteran who had to rush to the Cebu Doctors University graduation also joined. The race was indeed star-studded.

Battle Royale

During the planning stage of the race, Holiday Gym & Spa supervisor Annie Neric, herself a fast rising executive runner, only wanted a small field geared for club members particularly. But the clamor of the competitive runners made Annie and the ageless gym operations manager Miss V Enriquez to increase participation to 450. As expected, action was fast in the two divisions with Mendel Lopez shaking off the challenge of SWU’s Philip Dueñas in the 5K run. Lopez clocked 17:19 while Dueñas timed 17:33 Gabriel Zabate pocketed third in 18:14. In the 5K women’s category, SWU’s Michelle Gilbuena finally climbed the winner’s podium as she took first place. Merlita Arias and Honeylyn Jubay were second and third respectively. In the main event 10K run, the Delposo brothers again made the race a family affair by taking the first two spots. Eugene registered 35:56 to nip Joel who came in 36:01. Mandaue  City’s Adonis Singson settled for third in 36:52. In the distaff side, guess who won? Well you don’t have to guess at all. The invincible Leszl Gitaruelas breezed to the finish line in 43:06 to continue her winning streak. Madelyn Carter took second in 47:13 while the still off-form Christy Sevilleno served notice that she’s back to reclaim her crown, clocking 49:32 for third.

Holiday Gym Category

In the HGS category, (5K Male) Gerry Malixi reigned supreme followed by Sydney Carcel and Rico Gunhuran rounding up the top three. In the women’s 5K, Korean Park Myeong Hee was just too much for Irene Ong and Dahlia Espinosa who proved she’s not all karatedo. In the 10K Gym category, Warren Vergara was the fastest trailed by Joie Nuñez (officially not a club member) and Frederick Chiongbian. In the women’s side, top executive runner, Milette Chiongbian took the crown with former triathlete Amale Jopson and gym supervisor Annie Neric settling for runner-up honors. With the race a smashing success, Annie, Miss V and another “appetizing beauty”, (to follow Scoop president Bob Inoferio’s personal dictionary) Johlee Jimenez, are training their sights on another race. Well, even while planning this race. Annie already hinted on a half-marathon during the clubs’ third anniversary in October. I’m thinking of a 10 miler (16km) instead. So keep tuned and campaign more for healthy living. We would like to thank our supporters and sponsors Smart, RCTV, Bratpack, Olympro, SRP Bikers, Waterfresh Drinking Water, The Travel Club, ERUF and the Philippine Sports Commission Region VII.

NOTE: We would like to congratulate CERC member Steve Ferraren who finished the Los Angeles Marathon in 4:00.28, Steve failed to make a sub-4 hour clocking by a mere 28 seconds Steve made a run for it but the legs won’t follow. Anyway congratulations Steve! By the way I’m running also in the City of Angeles next month. That’s in Pampanga!