CEBU, Philippines – Close to 400 footracers are expected to navigate rough roads and terrains as the fourth edition of the annual Arthro Cebu Mountain Trail Run fires off on May 31 in Brgy. Kalunasan, this city.
The trail run covers a seven-kilometer route from Harlemermer bridge to Kalunasan Summit in Sitio Napo to Sitio Casili and back.
The competition features the men and women’s open category. It will be participated in by the different running clubs of Cebu, fun runners, hikers, running enthusiasts from the different schools, and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Cebu’s road running queen Leizl Lumindas-Getaruelas is gunning for a historic grandslam feat time in the women’s division.
Getaruelas and Madelyn Carter are joining the trail run as part of their preparations for the 23rd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon on October 24-25 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Getaruelas faces a serious threat to be toppled in her two-year reign with the entry of Milo Marathon champion Mary Grace de los Santos from Zamboanga City. The other strong title contenders include Sheena Gacayan, Michelle Balbuena, and ABS-CBN TV Patrol Central Visayas news anchor Haide Acuña.
In the men’s side, Eugene Delposo will be on hand to defend his crown.
“The runners will really pass very rough roads. This is another kind of run which is far from the usual road marathon. This is more on a nature run wherein runners will pass through a lot of terrains and rough roads,” said race director and The Freeman sports columnist Raffy T. Uytiepo.
Aside from medals and trophies, the champion will receive P3, 000, while the second and third will pocket P2, 000 and P1, 000 respectively. The fourth to 10th placers will get a consolation prize of P200 each and goodies from race sponsors.
Registration fee is pegged at P150. Interested parties may register at Planet Sports in Ayala Center Cebu, Casa Ilongga at Robinson’s Place, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-7 office located at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The event is sponsored by Arthro Food Supplement, Casa Ilongga, Waterfresh, Aguilon Construction and Development Corporation, Ben Café, Tiger Power Max Energy Drink, Robinson’s Place-Cebu, Prycegas, The Freeman and Banat News. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)