'Vertek' to defend Mizuno Infinity crown

MANILA, Philippines - Close to 4,000 runners are competing in the fourth edition of the Mizuno Infinity Run 2010 kicking off on April 11 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig with two-time marathon champion Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista out to defend his title.

Buenavista is heavily favored to win a second straight title because of his vast running experience, having competed in various international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

Other prominent runners expected to compete include Alley Quisay, Bernardo Desamito Jr, Jujit de Asis, Reynaldo de los Reyes, Alquin Bolivar and the Sabal running brothers, Cresenciano, Elmer and Gerald.

The annual footrace is the first ever event to banner the “Beat Your Own Time” challenge. Of the total number, 1,000 compete in the premier 15K.

Other categories in the race sanctioned by Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, are 10K and 5K.

The 15K starts at 5:30 a.m. and the 10K and 5K will fire off at 5:45 a.m.

The 15K is open to all runners, including members of the national track and field team that competed in the 2009 Laos SEA Games.

Winner in the 15K pockets P5,000 plus Mizuno running shoes, watch and a pair of sunglasses.

“It’s going to be an exciting race like in three previous races. The presence of the country’s prominent long distance runners makes the footrace enjoyable to watch,” said Paolo Cagalingan, Master Sports Corporation general manager.

According to Lovell Gopez, president of Master Sports Corporation, this year’s race will be supervised again by Rudy Biscocho.

Biscocho gave media the details of the race during the press conference held Wednesday at the Pent House of the BMG Center where the main office of Mizuno is located.

To make the race more exciting and interesting, Mizuno will give a surprise bonus to the runner who will submit the fastest personal time over last year’s record.

The race is one of the most anticipated races in Metro Manila. About 10,000 runners already showcased their running skills since 2008.