Lopez, Echavez aim high in HK marathon

CEBU, Philippines - Mendel Lopez aims to better his performance in this year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, while former top swimmer-turned-running buff Lhoriz Echavez makes her debut in an international running competition this Sunday at the former British colony.

Lopez ranked fourth in last year’s half-marathon battle in Hong Kong.

As far as his preparations are concerned, Lopez said is better prepared this time than last year.

“Prepared kaayo ko pero wala pa maan gud ta kabalo unsay mahitabo.Depende na lang pud unya na kung mas daghan baron ug kusog or mas lesser ang kusog nga mga runners nga mo-apil,” Lopez said.

Lopez is supported by sportsman John Pages, Leona’s Bakeshop and Holiday Gym and Spa. He is still awaiting assistance from sportsman-businnessman Jonathan “Atan” Guardo, his main benefactor last year.

On the other hand, Echavez will further test her might in the sport of running before finally focusing on her profession as a civil engineer.

Before going to Hong Kong, Echavez was a bit disappointed when they learned that the on-site registration had been cancelled, leaving them with no choice but to be enlist in the 21K run.

Echavez wanted to race in the full marathon, which she had been training hard in the past few months. —Caecent No-ot Magsumbol      (FREEMAN NEWS)