Midnight Run

CEBU - When I first organized the Cebu Midnight Run 6 years ago, some people called me crazy “nabuang na na si Raffy, padaganon ta ug tungang gabi-i” was one comment I got. Well, 5,000 runners in New York City might be crazy running during midnight of New Years eve at Central Park. Actually, I patterned the race from that New York run, only it was timed on “Simbang Gabi”, a Filipino tradition. It was at first targeted as an exclusive event for members of the City Sports Club Cebu, but due to the clamor of other running buffs, we opened the race to what it has become today. After a year of absence in 2006 due to the Asean Summit, the race is back. Actually we last held the Midnight Run in January last year, but as CSCC, sports manager Rey Fuentes would say, “you can’t stop tradition”. So on December 14, the seventh edition of the race blasts off at the stroke of midnight in front of Marriott Hotel. As in the past, runners will be treated to a midnight snack right after the race.

Sponsors

While there are no cash prizes, winners will receive perks like Sun Cellular phones, thanks to Ariel Lianza and Lala Cervantes and New Balance Shoes courtesy of Athlete’s Foot under Linette Tagalog. The top winners will also receive sports bottles from Pfizer and Fastum gels from Transfarma. Beautiful Italian trophies will also be awarded courtesy of Stocks R Us managed by Josie Uy, while we also expect gym certificates from Holiday Gym and Spa through Miss V. Enriquez and Annie Neric. All runners will receive singlets made possible by Atan Guardo of Arthro, our title sponsor. Drinking water will again be provided by Waterfresh, that will also provide Brazilian coffee as well. It’s called Ben Café. Of course, the snacks will again be provided by Cebu Holdings Inc. while the Freeman and Banat News are still the official newspapers. Also providing undying support are Prycegas, Island Grill Express, Cebu Gazland Enterprises (Shellane), Manila Foodshoppe and Casa Ilongga. The race is also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Eruf. Registration is now in full swing at the PSC office at the Cebu City Sports Center, Athlete’s Foot at the Ayala Center and at City Sports Club Cebu at the Cebu Business Park. Deadline is on Friday. 

Ecstacy At Marco Polo Plaza

Every time there’s an event in the posh Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, I tried my best to be there especially if it’s boxing. So when Cely Osumo and event coordinator Carlo Borromeo invited me, to watch the Pacquiao – Dela Hoya bout, I was all fired up. Besides the excellent venue, the food (brunch) was a knockout. I would like to thank F & B Services supervisor Cyril Escorido for filling my plate every now and then. Thanks also to media communications manager Aileen Quijano, Anabelle and of course to Carlo and Cely. It was raining cats and dogs when I climbed the hill leading to the hotel, a sign that even the weather weeps for the defeat of Oscar Dela Hoya. Frankly when Aileen asked me who would win, I told her, it’s Dela Hoya. Of course I want Pacman to win but being a sportsman the odds are just too great, considering the height, reach and weight of Kong, I mean…Oscar. During the opening round, foreigners in the venue cheered for the Golden Boy, but suddenly became mutes as the bout progressed. I was wrong picking Dela Hoya but I was glad Pacman he won. “Di ba pinoy tayo.”

Team Guardo In High Gear

Last Saturday, Team Guardo covered 23 kilometers to intensify its training for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in February next year. As I said earlier I’m forced to wake up at 3 am so I could join Atan and company on their long runs. It’s been 11 years since I last ran a marathon so the weekly long runs are eating a lot of my time as I get to prepare for the Midnight Run, Sinulog Half Marathon and Dinagyang Run (Iloilo). But I’m happy with the progress of Team Guardo, in fact I’m scared “ako ang dili makatiwas”. Atan, Jerry, Jeson Guardo, Joel Garganera, Allan Delantar (who just returned to training after the death of his grandpa, former mayor Yoyong Borres), yours truly and two others, started at the Capitol and finished close to 3 hours later in Compostela. If the team keeps it up there’s no reason we cannot finish in Hong Kong.

All Cerc Runners Finish

All members of CERC finished the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon with flying colors CERC prexy Jess Taborada sent me a text message informing that he finished in 5:06, Hearty Satina in 4:07, Vic Verallo in 4:32, Steve Ferraren in 4:17, Dodong Sulatre in 4:45 and Millete Chiongbian in 3:49. “Sayang”, Millete was just 4 minutes away in qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Millete must clock 3:45 inorder to book a ticket to the world’s oldest marathon. Maybe next time Lette, you’re getting closer. Jesse promised to give me the rest of the CERC clocking when they arrive tomorrow.

 Congratulations guys!   (THE FREEMAN)