Run as a team

I always thought that the only way to run and never lose is to run for fitness and not in the elections. But apparently that is not always the case especially when there is a conflict in the schedule of events.

With the popularity of running soaring like the stock exchange the day after the relatively peaceful elections, it is expected that there would also be many interested to organize races and fun events.

I have not been involved in the organization of running events except for the Queen City Run, but I wasn’t among those doing the details of running the race, so I can’t tell you what it takes to put one together, but I believe it is not easy and there is a lot of manpower need to ensure that everything goes smoothly and there are no accidents.

I have covered many running events though from my early days as a sportswriter.

When I came across the report of two running events happening at the same time next weekend in yesterday’s newspaper, I had to read closely and see why this has happened.

This is not the first time that two running events are held at the same time in Cebu, but I thought that the organizers have already developed a system where they support each other and not compete.

I know for a fact that the group organizing the 1st Eagle Run has long announced their event. Although I am not a runner, I was very interested in the story on the Eagle Run as the guys putting it together graduated from high school the same year as I did and some of them are even my friends.

While I would not have put in my thoughts about the conflict of schedule ordinarily, I did not seem to like the way one of the organizers of the other event on May 23 reacted to the conflict of schedule.

Yes, this is a free country, but then if the running event organizers cannot work together this could lead to problems in the future.

I hope that the event organizers and the clubs can work together to help push running towards greater heights with a concerted and coordinated effort.

As mayor-elect Mike Rama’s campaign slogan read, “together we can make things happen.”

* * *

Manny Pacquiao scored a knockout in the elections and is now Congressman-elect of Sarangani.

I have always been critical of Pacquiao’s foray into politics since I believe that if his intention is really to help people, he can do more as not only the nation’s, but the world’s boxing hero.

Maybe he will pull surprises in congress, but his punching ability and speed would not be the key to being a good legislator. There’s a lot of hard work ahead for the new congressman and a big fight with Floyd Mayweather can mean him losing his focus on his new job or his new job interfering with his focus on his fight.

* * *

MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings go to Alan Larot, Carlo Panganiban, Michelle Holganza-Aldemita, Trixie Gomez and my cousin Raiza Lebumfacil, who are all turning a year older today.

Advance greetings go to my niece and sportswriter Marigold Lebumfacil, my cousin Barbara Lebumfacil, and Audrey Rose Resma of TOPS, who turn a year older tomorrow.

More power to all of you!