History beckons with first ever marathon, boat race in Hinunangan

CEBU, Philippines — History unfolds in Hinunangan today with two landmark sporting events, the first Hinunangan Bay Marathon and 'Balik Baroto Regatta' in the bustling town of Southern Leyte.

Conceptualized by former Customs district collector David 'Kuya Boy' Odilao, Jr. in partnership with Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, Hinunangan Mayor Reynaldo Fernandez, Hilongos Mayor Jay Roble, and Philippine Sports Commissioner Ramon 'El Presidente' Fernandez, the twin landmark events are among the highlights of Hinunangan's 165th founding anniversary.

For the ground-breaking marathon that drew close to 1,000 entries including a bunch of Cebu's top long distance runners, nearly half a million pesos will be given away to the winners.

Aside from trophies, the champion in the men's 42km race will pocket P30,000, while the second to fifth will receive P25,000, P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000, respectively.

The women's top finisher, on the other hand, will take home P20,000, while the second to fifth will get P15,000, P10,000, P7,000, and P5,000.

The top winners in the 21km will receive P10,000 each, while the 9km champs will get P8,000 apiece.

Cash prizes are also at stake for the top performers in 'Balik Baroto Regatta', a colorful boat race featuring fisherfolks from all over the country. - EBV