We moved it!

Months of preparation finally paid off after the successful staging of the STAA Move with Air Run at the STC Campus. Over 1,000 runners answered the starter’s gun fired by Rep. Nerissa Soon Ruiz. Everybody was there, members of the STAA board Iris Polotan, Kristine Kintanar and Mariles Del Solo who finished the 3K STC category won by fast-rising executive runner Haide Acuña.

Also sighted were members of the Cebu Executive Runners Club headed by prexy Jesse Taborada, Dr. Vic Verallo, Roy Trani, Barry Marquez, Judge Gabby Ingles, Jon Consunji, brothers JR and Rovie Aguilon, Ken Casquejo, Jacs Jacalan and Dodong Sulatre. Dr. Peter Mancao, James Abilla and the Wannabee Runners led by Dr. Philip Larrazabal were also there. Also at the starting line were the Guardo brothers Jerry and Jeson, Lahug Barangay Captain MaryAnn Delos Santos (who promised to also hold an Immaculada run come December), Cheryl Ouano, Rose Holganza Borromeo, Carlo Borromeo Suarez of Cebu Grand Hotel (thanks Carlo, for the impressive water station), Waterfront’s Hembler Mendoza and a lot more.

Out-of-towners Elmer Batolo of Davao City and Zamboanga City’s Mary Grace Delos Santos continued to dominate the Cebu races when they topped their respective categories. Bartolo clocked 18:32 to grab the crown in the men’s 5K open followed by Joel Delposo and Ian Bernido.

In the distaff side, Delos Santos was unchallenged in the absence of Milo Marathon Cebu leg champion Madelyn Carter and Leszl Gitaruelas who were resting after competing in the Milo race. Delos Santos timed 21:41 while Haziel Retavalle and Gerly Rose Baylon completed the top three. The STAA board headed by president Yvonne Gomos was so satisfied with the results of the race; it is planning to hold another run next year, a 10km distance this time.

EPIDEMIC

If you think the swine flu (AH1N1) is causing havoc worldwide, be ready for a more deadly virus that has swept the globe. In Hong Kong, for instance, it infected 55,000 people last February while downing 35,000 more in New York City late last year. Only three weeks ago, the virus struck 20,000 people in Cebu City.

But don’t be alarmed, this is a good kind of virus. Yes folks, I’m talking about the running virus and that the cities I mentioned were the hosts of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, New York City Marathon and the Milo Marathon Cebu Leg respectively. It looks like this virus will continue to infect more people. In July alone we had three races and one more this Sunday. Last July 5, the Milo Marathon Cebu Leg blasted off followed by Yong Larrazabal’s monthly Run for Sight circuit, last Sunday, the Move with Air Run at STC, also took off with flying colors. Another run organized by Metrosports was also held at the same day with the STC run. Then on Sunday, the Great Lapu-Lapu Run will unfold in Mactan Island.

Rock And Run ¼ Marathon

Just when I thought I’ll be having some sleep guess who called? The prince of Spas himself Johnie Lim who said whether I like it or not I will be his race director when the Rock and Run ¼ Marathon will be staged at the Cebu International Convention Center on August 16.

The unique race is the highlight of the Cebu Province founding anniversary. I wanted to say no but of course you can’t do that to Johnie. To ease out some of the workload, Johnie contacted Loida Genova to handle the marketing while Joel Baring takes care of the technical aspects. Johnie also said that a popular band will play before and after the race, “I’m almost certain the King of Rock n’ Roll will show up, this race is tailored-made for him” said Johnie. Besides the 10K main event, a 5K and 3K races will also be held. Keep posted for more details. Then don’t forget the CDU Run for Sight Anniversary Race follows on Aug. 23.