APPARENTLY, race organizers can depend on Cebu’s top racers to lend some star power to their events only if cash prizes are at stake.
Yesterday, in the Run for Bebe—A Fight for Nasopharyngeal Cancer—Cebu’s top runners did not show up save for very few familiar names.
The race, which was intended to raise funds for a former nursing staff supervisor, attracted well-meaning runners who wish to help out “Bebe” in her fight against cancer.
Organizer Naomi Fajardo of the Code Blue Runners Club of Chong Hua Hospital said they are happy that the turnout was okay and they were also able to raise more than P100,000 for their cause.
“There were a lot of novice runners, which was a very good thing. We aren’t disappointed that they did not join because we can’t really insist on the elite runners to take part in our cause because most of them choose to join the really important races,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo added what was more important is that it allowed the new runners to feel what it was like to be in a race.
“We had several runners, especially nurses and other hospital workers, who enjoyed the run and who are looking forward to joining other running events. It was a good diversion from their hectic work in the hospital. What is important for us is being able to raise the funds and getting more people to get into a healthy lifestyle,” said Fajardo.
Race official Lyle Larida said the race gave the other runners a chance to shine.
Winning the men’s 5K were Charlie Berberio, triathlete Noy Jopson and Jessie Misa, while Pamela Apuhin, Veronica Ong and Odelyn Borlado took the top three spots in the distaff side.
Jay Yosores and Harem Mendoza topped the 10K medical division, with Audrey Mendoza, Mizraym Capangpangan and Ma. Rosan Trani winning in the women’s side.
In the 3K division, University of Cebu high school varsity Tricia Mae Lapasaran and Kresha Mae Ygot took the top two spots in the women’s division, while Maria Nona Matos finished third.
Gary Garcia, James Noval and taekwondo coach Kenneth Toledo took the top three in the men’s 3K.
Frank Caesar Tag-at, Luigi Lim and Augustus Rodriguez topped the medical division of the men’s 3K, while Cecil Milan, Urlyn Doydora and Katrina Moore took the top three in the women’s side.