Corregidor half-marathon not a fun run

MANILA, Philippines - The third Corregidor International Half-Marathon takes place on Dec. 1 at the historic island that played a major part in the country’s war history.

Close to 1,000 participants are expected to compete this year and this early they’re looking forward to the race billed “Showdown on the Rock.”

Runners can prefer to stay overnight in the island, which was heavily bombarded during the latter part of World War II, prior to the 21K race.

Or they can board the ferry off Manila Bay in time for the morning races. Organizers have also prepared an after-race party for everyone.

“But definitely this is not a fun run,” said one of the race organizers, Edward Kho, Thursday evening during the event’s press launch.

It was no ordinary launch because it took place off the waters of Manila Bay, on one-hour cruise hosted by Sun Cruises just after sunset.

It’s a tough race which offers the runners a roller-coaster ride in and around the island, and a couple of runs in and out the fabled Malinta Tunnel.

“It’s an uphill, downhill and flat race. It’s very unpredictable,” said Kho who was joined in the launch by CIHM co-founder Raymund Martelino.

“Part of the proceeds from the registration will go to the Corregidor Foundation,” said Martelino, who runs the full marathon twice a year.

Registration starts on Oct. 15 and will run until Nov. 23. Participants may avail of race tickets at SM Tickets outlets nationwide and at www.corregidor21.runningmate.ph.

Among the sponsors are Big, Big, Big, Inc., Sun Cruises and Soleus, and as media partners The Philippine STAR, Business Mirror, Mellow 94.7, Kulitrunner, Total Fitness Magazine, Pinoy Fitness and Multisport Magazine.