Larrazabal, Mancao eye LA marathon next

CEBU - After their successul entry in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon recently, well-known Cebuano running doctors Yong Larrazabal and Peter Mancao train their sights next on the Los Angeles Marathon set on February 16 next year.

Larrazabal and Mancao, along with St.James Premium Water’s James Abilla, a Cebuano who is now based in the US, are also targeting the Boston Marathon next. The LA Marathon could be their qualifying race for the 2010 Boston Marathon.

After taking part in their first major marathon, Mancao and Larrazabal thought of joining all major marathons of the world.

Two down, three to go for them including the Boston, Berlin and the London Marathon.

Of the three, Larrazabal is targeting 33 marathons in his lifetime. The LA event would be his sixth.

More than the self satisfaction they get, Larrazabal and Mancao said they are doing this as an example for others to promote a healthy lifestyle regardless of how young or how old they are. They also want to build friendship and camaraderie through running events.

Mancao recalled that during the Chicago Marathon, he thought of giving up because of the extreme heat, but seeing an 84-year-old man trying his way to the finish line revitalized him and gave him strength to go on.

Larrazabal said he suffered cramps on both legs, but was lucky enough that some Canadians helped him out along the way and got him back in good condition, thus, paving the way for him to finish the race.

“Well, they (Canadians) wanted to call an ambulance but I said, no way. I came all the way from the Philippines just for this marathon, I must finish this race,” said Larrazabal.

“I am grateful for the support of my family and friends in Cebu as well as the Filipino community in Chicago. Larrazabal Eye (Clinic) and St.James (Water) have committed their yearly support for our marathons around the world to help raise awareness on the importance of physical activity to our health and well being,” he added.

Mancao, for his part, hopes to see as many Cebuanos running for a healthy lifestyle in the future. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)