280-kilometer ultra marathon kicks off today

CEBU, Philippines - The record breaking South to North (SN) 280, a 280-kilometer ultra marathon race, starts today in Santander and ends in Daanbantayan this Sunday.

The race is the longest ultra marathon race not only in the country but also in Southeast Asia.

Defending champion Joel Cuyos will try to defend his throne against tough opponents including another seasoned local runner in Tony Galon. Also providing challenge to Cuyos are policeman Brian Guillen,Benedict Meneses, Noay "Doc Lope" Lope, Edwin Colina, and Joel Ouano.

Last year’s top female finisher Rhoda Oporto will not be able to defend his title in the women’s class due to her health condition that gives top bet Katherine Villaflor a chance to be crowned as the new champion.

A cut-off time of 27 hours will be imposed to the participants. Stage 1 is located in Toledo City gym.

Those who can't make it in the first stage's cut-off time will be marked DNF(did-not-finish) and will no longer be allowed to continue. The final cut-off time is 56 hours which is at 9 am this Sunday.

Finishers of the event get a buckle and a souvenir shirt.  No pacers are allowed in the event at any time or distance of the race.

Participants are allowed leave the course for any reason, provided the support crew will note the exact location with a marker  which include race number and name visible to other participants and race officials and must resume the race from the said marked point.

Aside from having no pacers, there will be no aid station along the route except at the Stage 1 in Toledo. Runners are allowed to buy food and drinks at any point of the course. —(FREEMAN)