Richest race

The Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge set on August 14, 2011 is undoubtedly Cebu’s richest race to date. The partnership with the Cebu Provincial Capitol has made the race even bigger. The Php 70,000 top cash prize is indeed the biggest in the history of Cebu running which is attracting not only the top runners in the country but the Kenyans as well. As I write this column, three Kenyans have already registered including Abraham Missos, Willy Tanui and Peres Pogio. Tanui told me more of his compatriots are also coming. If things don’t miscarry, national marathon record holder Vertek Buenavista will be around to match strides with the Kenyans. Vertek is trying to get a go signal from the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) to participate in the Cebu race. PATAFA however might prevent Vertek from joining since he is training his sights of the Sea Games Marathon in November in Indonesia. It has been a PATAFA policy not to allow their athletes to compete in a race 3 months before a big event such as the Sea Games. However my protege six-time Milo Marathon champion and Atlanta Olympian Roy Vence said there’s a good chance Vertek would come. Vence is the National team marathon coach who will also run in the 21K category. Also confirming their participation are former marathon champion Crescenciano Sabal, Rene Desuyo, Eric Panique, Mona Ambasa, Romeo Derza, Roger Sawin-ay and Joel Alcorin, Ivan Villalion (Coast to Coast Ultramarathon champion) and oh yes, Mary Grace Delos Santos is competing too. Providing stiff competition are the locals Mary Joy Tabal, Madelyn Carter, Christy Tutor, Adonis Singson, Mendel Lopez, Ian Bernido, Joebert Carolino and Joel Delposo. Registration is still ongoing at Runnr Ayala. One Cebu at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and at the Cebu City Sports Center (near the entrance) Registration ends August 5.