30 Kenyan runners to invade Subic

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino runners will again be hard-pressed to beat their world-class counterparts from Kenya in the second Smart Subic International Marathon set Oct. 24-25 at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

So far, 30 Kenyan tracksters have already made themselves available for the two-day event, including defending men’s champion Nelson Kirwa Rotich and lone female entry Lydia Cheromei.

Together, they form part of the 10,000 participants organizers of the meet are targeting to participate and vie for the P1.6 million total prize at stake.

Winners in the full 42-k marathon for both men and women will take home $5,000.

Among the local runners competing along with other entries from China, New Zealand and Singapore are Allan Ballester, Alquin Bolivar, Bernardito Desamito, Allen Quisay and Elmer Sabal.

Top Filipino long-distance runner Eduardo Buenavista, runner up to Rotich last year, skipped the competition as he is currently preparing for the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos.

Race organizers Gen. Sam Tucay, Adi De Los Reyes and Smart Sports’ Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and Anton Almeda graced yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch and talked about the event, now on its fourth year and being supported by Smart for the second straight time.

“We expect runners from all over the region and from the 1,600 cities and municipalities to join this unique international marathon. Mas maraming tatakbo, mas masaya,” said Tucay.

“This is indeed, a big international race in the country and Smart is proud to be a part of it,” added Gregorio in the Shakey’s, Accel, Outlast Battery and Pagcor sponsored weekly session.

The race is unique in three aspects, according to De Los Reyes.

“First, the route is perfect; second, this is the first international marathon in the world that will be run at 4:30 p.m., and third, our advocacy of encouraging everyone to run to have an active lifestyle,” he said.

Route of the race will be at the newly built SCTex, highlighting the scenic route and runner-friendly course starting at Floridablanca, Pampanga, then through Remy Field in Subic Bay, Olongapo.