Ultramen

After 162 runners mostly with no ultramarathon experience except two, hurdled the first ever Cebu 50K Ultramarathon last November, I was apprehensive that only a few would survive the Labor Day Coast to Coast 65K Ultramarathon held last May 1 in Toledo City. I was wrong and shame on me and Jonel Mendoza. While I screened the entries of the first ultra, I was a bit “kinder: in the last one. Frankly, I believed we will have a big ratio of DNFs (Did Not Finish) this time, considering the additional 16K. But I also think the 4:00 am start will be a plus factor compared to the Manunggal Ultra that started almost six in the morning because of the fog. Just like last year’s race, the runners were again treated to the Cebuano “generosity” especially the Ungo group that scattered aid stations all over the route. My hat off to you, guys! Last minute entry Eivan Villalion of Sipalay, Negros Occidental surprised everyone including himself when he beat all odds to rule the ultra in 6 hours and 22 minutes. Actually, my good friend Dr. Bob Ledesma called me a few days before the event that he is sending his runner Eivan to join the ultra. Eivan arrived Friday and only ate a decent meal during the carbo-loading party hosted by Parklane International Hotel. Parklane by the way, fielded nine (9) runners who all finished. Eivan also slept at the plaza using cartons to keep his back warm while surviving the mosquitoes. He also didn’t have a support crew, but he had a big heart that carried him to the finish line. And did you know Eivan was wearing old shoes that had stitches so it won’t fall apart?

Sponsors

Just like the first race, this year’s ultra had 226 entries with six failing to show up. There were 187 official finishers who made it within 12 hours, the cut-off time. The ultra would have not succeeded if not for our sponsors. First, we would like to thank the City of Toledo under Mayor Rudy Espinosa who fired the starter’s gun. Cebu Parklane International Hotel under GM Cen Manguilimutan for hosting our presscon and carbo-loading party. Metrografix of Jung Cases, Gatorade, Nathan Performance Gear, Be Resort, A Runners’ Circle, Rudy Project, Runnr Ayala Cebu. Nature Valley Granula Bars, Jacobo Grill, Captain A’s Seafood, Sunstar, Sonshine Radio DYAR and Casa Ilongga. Big thanks to Bro. Carlo Bacalla and his water station crew coming from Don Bosco Training Center, Pasil and to the Municipality of Balamban and the Province of Cebu. 

Hunat sugbu

It’s all systems go for Hunat Sugbu Dagan Para Ni Maning that fires off on May 15 at the Terraces in the Cebu Business Park. The race is being organized by Cebu Parklane International Hotel to commemorate the birthday of its late president Maning Ting, a runner himself. Also happening on the same day is a medical mission and opening of Parklane’s latest native restaurant “Kan-anan”. Attractive cash prizes are up for grabs with the champions (male and female) In the 15K main event receiving P7,000; the second placers P5,000 and the third placers P3,000. In the 5K division, the champions (male and female) will take home P 3,000; the second placers P2,000 and the third placers P1,000. Registration is P250.00 (two hundred fifty pesos) for both categories inclusive of a dri-fit t-shirt. Registration centers are located at Runnr Ayala, Cebu City Sports Center (near the gate) and at the Active Zone also at the Ayala Center. Distribution of race packets will be at the Hunat Sugbu booth at Active Zone starting May 10 (2pm) until May 12. Runners will then claim their packets at Parklane Hotel on May 13 and 14.