Boston Dream

Every marathoner’s dream is to run in the Boston Marathon, the oldest at 112 years and the most prestigious. On top of that there’s a qualifying time, that’s way the field in Boston averages between 10,000 to 15,000 runners, as compared to New York, London or Chicago that draw over 30,000. Filipinos who have competed in Boston include my wards, Jimmy Dela Torre and Roy Vence and Eking Baisac. Just recently, I was talking to Cebu’s top female executive runner Milette Chiongbian who revealed her dream of running in the Boston Marathon. Two years after her first marathon (Sinulog Marathon), Milette has shown amazing improvement. In the Cebu log of the Milo Marathon early last month, Milette shamed the veterans when she placed third in 1:43.32. What are Milette’s chances of making it to Boston? Well first Milette is petite therefore she is very light just like former world record holder Tegla Loroupe of Kenya who is only 4’11. Take a look at 1984 L.A. Olympics third placer Rosa Mota of Portugal who is also below 5 feet. Our very own Vertex Buenavista is also a “four footer,” but owns the national record of 2:18.42. While in basketball, height is might, short is it, in running.

Before Milette could head for Beantown however, she has to qualify. Milette should clock 3:45 in order to earn a ticket to the marathon. On December 7, Milette together with about 20 runners from Cebu, the bulk coming from the Cebu Executive Runners Club will join the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. This will be good venue for Milette to clock 3:45 or below. However, having run only one marathon, I would suggest Milette should run with a pacer. Why not bring veteran coach and Honolulu Marathon finisher Elberto Banzon? Besides, Berto has been pacing Milette in several of her races. I had the honor of coaching the best runners of the country including 3 Olympians, Herman Suizo (Barcelona,) Hector Begeo (Seoul) and the six-time Milo Marathon champion Vence (Atlantia). Although, they are the best, they needed someone who sees what’s going on from the outside. Even, the great Michael Jordan gets instruction from a coach. Well Milette, having coached the best, I’m almost certain you will wake up to reality, finishing the Boston Marathon.

As I write this column, more runners have signified their intentions of running in the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Fresh from their stint in the Mt. Kinabalu Climbaton, fourth placer Leszl Gitaruelas and Melita Arias are also heading for the Lion City. Joining the duo is this year’s Milo Marathon Cebu leg champion Madelyn Carter. “Dili sab pabiya” si Atan Guardo and Dr. Rosan Trani who will also be at the starting line at the Esplanade, Atan is running in the half marathon.

If no compromise is made, there will be two running events on Sept. 28. Friendship Run organizer Loida Genova said her race originally scheduled on Sept. 21 has to be moved to the 28th as there will be an Alay Lakad on the same day. On the other hand, Dr. Peter Mancao announced that the World Heart’s Day Run is also scheduled on the same date. We are trying to get the two organizers to work on what’s best, but if no agreement is reached then they may proceed with their respective races as long as they don’t use the same route. Loida said she already got a permit for the race that will start and end at the Capitol. I hope Doc. Peter and Loida could resolve this dilemma as soon as possible.

Note: As we go to press, Loida in the spirit of cooperation and harmony has moved here race to October 5 paving the way for Dr. Mancao’s run to go on schedule. I salute you both.