2nd great Lapulapu run

CEBU, Philippines - Saying that they have learned some valuable lessons from the event’s inaugural staging, the organizers of the Great Lapu-Lapu Run promised of a bigger, better and more exciting 2010 edition of the annual event set on April 18 starting and ending at the historic Liberty Shrine in Mactan Island. Not only that, it’s going to be a high-tech race with bigger cash prizes and extra incentives at stake for the winners.

“This year’s edition is definitely going to be bigger and better,” said Lapu-Lapu City Tourism, Cultural and Historical Commissioner Hembler V. Mendoza during a press conference yesterday at Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino where he also served as general manager.

Save for the participants in the 3K fun run and 5K, participants in the premiere 21-kilometer and 10K categories will be using a microchip, a customized timing devise that was similarly used during the highly-successful Cebu Marathon last January.

The first Filipino finisher in both male and female divisions under the 21K action will enjoy a free trip to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon courtesy of Cebu Pacific, while organizing Lapu-Lapu Sports and Events Bureau, Inc. will provide them accommodation and entry fee for the said event.

These perks will surely be an added challenge for the Pinoy runners to perform well in the race. Also, it is Lapu-Lapu City’s way of helping out mold Pinoy world-class runners.

“This is part of our efforts to help the Pinoy runners. It’s an added incentive for top performing Pinoys,” said co-race director Noy Jopson.

Over P240,000 in cash prizes are up for grabs for the top performers of the event, which is among the highlights of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” - an annual activity commemorating Datu Lapu-Lapu’s sweeping success in warding off the Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan.

On the day of the race, there will be Gatorade station, an egg station and a sufficient water station. There will be also free food for the participants plus free massage for the runners after the race.

Some more freebies from the sponsors will be given away, making the second edition of one of the biggest running events in Cebu something to look forward to.

Of the 5,000-plus participants expected by the organizers, among the stars to watch out for in the men’s category include Cebu-based Kenyan missionary Simon Losiaboi, Mendel Lopez, Ben Alejandrino, Eric Panique and the Sabal brothers Elmer and Cris.

In the distaff side, it’s going to be a four-cornered battle among Mary Grace de los Santos, Madelyn Carter, Maricel Maquilan, Aileen Tolentino and Miscelle Gilbuena, according to race director Raffy Uytiepo.

Registration fee is pegged at P450 for 21K entries, P350 for 10K and P250 for 5K and 3K.

Entry forms are available at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-7 office located at the Cebu City Sports Center, Casa Ilongga at Robinson’s Place, The Runnr at the Ayala Center-Cebu, Columbia-SM City Northwing and at the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office. The deadline for registration is on April 13.

For further details, one may log on at www.greatlapulapurun.com. -  THE FREEMAN