Centurions

In the olden days especially during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ, centurions were officers in the Roman Army. In the modern era, centurions could refer to runners who complete 100 kilometers. Centurions come from the word century or 100. Last Saturday 160 ultramarathoners blasted off at midnight from the Bogo City Plaza to signal the start of the Century Properties 100km Ultramarathon (actual distance is 104.5km). The runners negotiated one of the critical areas of the run, the first 10 kilometers that were dark and included winding roads. But the support was just amazing both from the Bogo police, barangay officials and the runners ‘escorts. After passing Tabogon, Borbon officials were at the Municipal Hall where they had a water station with bananas and music with some drunks providing some street dancing. Our sincere appreciation to Mayor Butch Sepulveda. Vice Mayor Noel Dotillos and SB secretary Boy Arnejo for the support. Seven runners failed to make it to nine-hour cut-off station at Catmon. People who din’t give a Chinaman’s chance for Rening Ylaya to reach the halfway mark, were surprised when the 75 year-old checked in at km 50 in less than 8 hours. But the route was just too challenging for the other participants as they have to survive not only the hills but the oven-hot stretchers of the Danao Sugar Mill and the Cansaga Bridge. Unknown Bayani Alvarez of ABS-CBN dropped the upset axe on the veterans when he hit the tape at Plaza Independencia in  11 hours 6 minutes. Davao city’s Enrique Mangas came in second in 11:40:45 while favorite Noel Tillor salvaged third in 11:58:07. In the women’s side, Irene Ong repulsed the challenge of Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC) member Cynthia Arnaiz to claim the crown in 16:53:12. Arnaiz who was a doubtful starter until the final week of the race due to flu, pocketed second place while Katrina Perez wound up third. Twinkle Ignacio who was in her usual costume get up, ( a Vietnamese this time), was among the women entries. On the other hand, Rening never made it to the finish line. When the final cut-off was announced by Jonel Mendoza at 6:30 pm, 117 finisher were declared “CENTURIONS.” Congratulations and see you at the 160km Ultra next year.

Muchas Gracias

The entry of Century Properties made the ultramarathon more bigger with beautiful medals, shirts and other “ freebies”. Take a bow lovely ladies Terri Yu, Julienne Cruz and Erika Rodriguez. But the biggest support no doubt, was that of Bogo City. After agreeing to host the ultra, Mayor Junie Martinez asked me what else do I want from them. After listing the logistics like police escorts, two ambulances (that went all the way to Cebu City), a place to rest while waiting for the start and a “light meal”, runners were overwhelmed when dinner was announced. Earlier, I met with the energetic tourism head Joy Tan and my good friend City Administrator Pepe Leban for the menu . I suggested spaghetti and bread that’s all. But it turned out to be a fiesta with lechon, caldereta, and chicken besides the spag and the camote. We had everything we needed in a snap of a finger like when we installed the starting inflatable. During dinner, we were entertained by the   Bogo Choral that could give the UV Choir a run for their money. We would also like to thank Cebu police provincial director Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador for the security all over the route. Mayor Mike Rama and Dr. Librado Macaraya of Parks and Playgrounds for allowing the use of the Plaza Independencia as our finish line. To Grace , Janet and Nessa also of Parks and Playgrounds, thanks a lot. To the tremendous support of running clubs like Ungo and Cebu Ultramarathoners Club and to those whose names escape us at the moment “Muchas Gracias”.

Midnight run

Registration to the 10th Cebu Midnight Run set on December 11 is now in full swing at the RUNNR Ayala, The Athlete’s Foot and Planet Sports also in Ayala, City Sports Club Cebu and Casa Ilongga Robinsons Place. Because it’s our tenth year , we will be holding a 10k distance besides the traditional 5k. Entry fee of Php 300 includes a singlet, midnight snack and freebies.