Vertek

When I was asked by reporters for my choice to win the 42k category of the Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge held the other Sunday, I didn’t have second thoughts and answered that I’m picking Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista. In fact I gave him the No.1 race bib. However, I was also thinking that Vertek will be holding his “punches” to avoid injuries, especially that the SEA Games is just around the corner. Actually, the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) prohibits its athletes to compete in a race not sanctioned by the sports body with Vertek training for the SEA Games marathon. However, Vertek promised national marathon coach Roy Vence, who is also my protege that he will take it easy. If you notice during the early part of the race, Vertek was behind the pack and was running sixth going into the last few kilometers. Vertek unleashed a powerful kick and still managed to salvage third place. After replenishing lost energy at Casa Ilongga in Robinson’s Place, Vertek said he will be facing the Kenyans in the Milo Marathon Finals and this time he will be going “all-out.” I believe him.

Warriors 50

Close to 100 runners have already registered for the Warrior 50 Ultramarathon that fires off on September 10 at 3am at Be Resort in Mactan. Frontrunner Magazine and chief organizer, Jonel Mendoza said participants who will beat the 9 hour cut off will receive a finisher’s t-shirt and a medal plus a bottle of Rogin-E Vitamins. All finishers will be treated to a party later in the afternoon. Race bibs will be claim starting at 1:00 am at Be Resort.

Lawyers on the run

Not known to many, the Clerks of Courts Association of the Philippines Visayas held a 4k run among its   members last Thursday morning at the Asiatown IT Park. The race which was officiated by Precing Capangpangan was the sporting activity of the delegates from all over the country who attended a convention here. The race was organized by Atty. Chevin Vasquez and Janice Estil. When Janice first asked me and Precing to direct the race, we initially declined since it’s a working day but when Janice said they will issue a subpoena if we refused, so there goes!

Davao and Bacolod

I was in Davao City for a few days to cool my heels in the mountains. After talking to the monkeys at the Maa Crocodile Farm, I’ve decided to call off my decision to boycott those who criticized the last race we organized. Let’s smoke Marijuana...este the peacepipe. Tomorrow I’m off for Bacolod City to start preparations for PLDT-SMART Masskara 10 Miler which unfolds on October 9 at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.