Cebu City Marathon or Runrio Marathon?

CEBU, Philippines - I joined my first Cebu City Marathon in 2010. I was 309 lbs. then. From that moment on, I've been part of the race and even ran the 21-kilometer  distance three times already. For me, taking part in the CCM has been sort of a ritual. It's an event that I look forward to each year with excitement because  the organizers never fail to surprise me, pumping in beautiful elements in almost every facet of the race. No wonder the event gets bigger and better every year.

But something was off in this year's edition of the annual race. First when I registered, I asked "why is the fee so expensive? The lady answered:"Runrio man gud sir!" On another note, I am usually excited in claiming race kit wherein booths are being prepared including one for photo opportunities among other promotional gimmicks. This time, I felt disappointed because when I claimed my race kit, I was handed only an envelope with a race bib and race jersey inside and nothing else. No info sheet and other related materials. Imagine, if you are from out-of-town or from out of the country and you're getting only that piece of envelope? I know you get my point.

In the past CCM, I usually stayed for a couple of hours, hanging out and enjoying the booth and the expo-like atmosphere. They invited speakers and hold clinics to help the runners.

No offense meant to John Pages, a good friend of mine who is one of the organizers. I called him last week to express my sentiments and unequivocally told him that, "I like CCM before when it was run by you guys." John explained to me that "they are collating everything to improve on next year's run."

From a runner's view, Cebu is somehow losing the identity of its own International Marathon. Good thing that it's a Sinulog week as decorations run through the entire city with colorful posters and streamers splashed all over.

What really surprised me most was the race venue itself. The branding was all Runrio. The Runrio logo was so huge, while in sharp contrast, the CCM logo "intawn" was very small, placed side by side with the logo of the sponsors. And guess what? When we get our loot bags, we got Runrio slippers, bottle, etcetera with ensaymada. Runners were looking for the "puso and barbeque station" or a bit of 'lechon' just to be consistent with the medals given to the finishers.

CCM should be about Cebu and not Runrio. It should promote Cebu as a travel destination not only for white sand beaches, whale sharks and scenic views but also as a major sporting hub. Having said all of these, I really meant no offense to Rio de la Cruz, who is a very credible technical race director.

Furthermore, foreigners, or shall I say Kenyans, should not be barred from joining the 21K and 10K categories. They should be embraced and welcomed with open arms. Our runners should be ready for globalization. If the organizers really wanted to promote the grassroots, then award a top winner in the Filipino elite category but don't bar foreigners from joining. We send our athletes to compete and train abroad, so let these fast runners be our measuring stick on how we fare with the international runners. This goes out also to all race organizers.

Anyway, enough of the negative side. On a positive note, this year's CCM Run route was the most efficient from the hydration, nutrition, cheering and most importantly, marshals. Water and gatorade were available at almost every 2 km, some even at 1.5 km.  I am speaking in behalf of the 10K and 21K participants. The banana station was in a great location, very timing when one was already hungry.

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Congratulations to the San Miguel Beermen for the winning the PBA Philippine Cup championship, their first all-Filipino title in 14 years. Kudos also to Arwin Santos, the Finals MVP. For me, he was inconsistent in offense but very consistent in defense. He made his opponent changed their shots just by being there. He may only have two blocks per game, but in my book, I can account for more than 10 shot changes! As for Cebu's pride Junemar Fajardo, the Kraken's offense was none existent in the second half, but what was important is his presence in the middle, grabbing 25 rebounds and making free throws. He missed only one free throw in the second half. Alaska could have won if they made all their free throws. Still, the Alaska Aces should be proud of themselves as they were the heavy underdogs but managed to stretch the best-of-seven series to the limit.

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Want to experience something different this Sunday, January 25? Watch as the Cornerstone 8080 events group hosts its inaugural Cebu City Triathlon at the Cebu City Sports Center, this is part of the week long Sinulog Celebration. What makes this triathlon different is that it is staged in the heart of the City. The swim leg will be at the sports center, so expect fun and excitement there as triathletes have to run back and jump or dive to the pool for the second and third loop. And for the bike stage, it's going to be another first as the route takes you to one of the oldest streets and the historic church of Cebu, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. For the run portion it's going to be a sprint finish from the sports center to the Capitol and back. If you want to watch the race, come early before 5am. Expect traffic along the route, so motorists please be patient. It will be over before lunch time. I enjoin eveyrone to please come down and cheer the athletes. (FREEMAN)