Brand new track oval, After PRISAA, CCSC rubberized track ready for public use

CEBU, Philippines - Here's a good news to joggers and other fitness buffs who turn to running to keep themselves fit and nurture a healthy lifestyle.

The installment of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) rubberized track oval, which cost the City government at least P30 million, is nearly complete and will be open for public use soon.

"The replacement of the rubberized track oval is almost done. We will be putting the final layer of the rubber this weekend so that by next week we can already concentrate on the lining and markings of the lanes," said CCSC manager Ricky Ballesteros.

Once they are through with the markings, Ballesteros said the 400-meter, eight-lane facility can be used already, but it will first cater to the athletes competing in track and field events of the 2012 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games scheduled to be held here from April 22 to 28.

"We're just happy that we're going to finish the track oval in time for the PRISAA National Games," said Ballesteros, an award-winning sportsman and event organizer. "After the PRISAA, we're going to open it to the public already."

Ballesteros said the new track oval is made of the finest rubber crafted by high-end technology. "It can't be destroyed easily but of course we have to enforce some measures so we can take good care of it."

“I am hoping that the athletes and the running community will help in maintaining our new track oval by simply following the rules and regulations. Every little thing they do will already be of great help to us,” Ballesteros earlier said.

Ballesteros said all rubberized track ovals are expected to last at least five years but with proper maintenance, it could endure up to 10 years or more.

The previous CCSC oval amazingly lasted for 17 years. It was constructed in 1994 in line with Cebu City's hosting of the Palarong Pambansa.

“With the cooperation of everybody, its lifespan would be longer. That is why we will strictly implement the rules and regulations [once it will be opened to the public],” Ballesteros said. — with Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)