Explosive field

No doubt about   it The Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge set on August 14 will go down in Cebu running history as the strongest field ever besides being the richest.

With 10 Kenyans coming to town including James Tallam, who recently won the Milo Marathon Manila Elimination, the cast is star-studded.

The race got a boost with the participation of Philippine marathon record holder Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista who owns a best record of 2:18:44.

The other contenders are Douglas Mwiti (2:12), Willy Tanui (2:22), Eliud Kering, Abraham Missos, Willy Rotich, Josphat Kiptanui, Stanley Kirwi, Susan Jemutai Chepkwonly and Peris Poywo all from Kenya. 

Besides Vertek and Desamito, the Philippines will bank on Atlanta Olympian and six-time Milo Marathon champion Roy Vence (2:20), recent Milo Marathon runner-up Eric Panique, Rene Desuyo, former Milo champion Cresenciano Sabal, Coast to Coast Ultramarathon champion Ivan Villalon, Roger Sawin-Ay, Mona Lisa Ambasa, Luisa Raterta, Mary Grace de los Santos and Aileen Tolentino.

On the other hand Cebu will be bannered by Mary Joy Tabal, Madelyn Carter, Melita Arias, Adonis Singson, Philip Duenas,Ian Bernido, Elmer Bartolo, Joel Delposo, Joeyry Lee, Christy Tutor, Joebert Carolino and Jess Gonzaga.

It looks like the gang’s all here. When they asked me for my prediction, I said I don’t know about the other Kenyans’ best records, but I pick Vertek unless he takes it easy to prevent injuries since he’s looking forward to the SEA Games in November. 

Registration extended

We announced that registration ends August 5 with no extension, but due to the clamor of out-of-town runners, we have to give in and extend it until Wednesday, August 10, also the same day when we start giving out the race packets at the Persimmon Plus in Mabolo.

If you don’t know where it is located, it’s between the Mabolo Church and the Ayala Access road. It’s a landmark you cant miss.

As I write this column we have breached 2,000 runners. You could still register at Runnr Ayala and the Cebu City Sports Center until Tuesday.

Elvis

On August 17 the world will commemorate the 34th death anniversary of Elvis Presely. There will be “Elvis” festivals featuring Elvis impersonaters that number over 20,000, yours truly included.

Here in Cebu, Sam Costanilla plans a “Tribute to the King” on his show Sam Enchanted Evening aired on CCTN TV channel 47 every Tuesday night. I’ts been three years since Elvis guested in Sam’s program. Now with two other co-hosts Ate Ging and Lauro we are looking to an exciting show with all four of us singing Elvis songs exclusively.

While it’s hard to accompany the fast Elvis hits on piano, Sam said he’s gonna work on it. Sam, Ging and Lauro will perform the love songs such as “Love me Tender”, ”Are you Lonesome Tonight”, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, and “The Wonder of You” while Elvis tackles “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Jailhouse Rock”, “Hound Dog”, “Don’t be Cruel”, and “It’s Now or Never.”

Well this is only a “patikim” of a bigger event being eyed by Sam. We are plannning to hold a mini-concert by December or during the Sinulog week. It’s going to be a big production complete with back-up dancers and lights “ala Las Vegas style.” Watch out for details.