Runners hit lack of marshalls, water stations, signs in Run for Japan; director defends race

Monday, May 23, 2011

THEY only wanted to hold a run for disaster victims, instead, they had to deal with a disaster themselves.

The Run for Japan stirred emotions among the runners after it was bombarded with complaints regarding its unclear technical guidelines that put them at risk on the road.

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Runners hit the absence of directional signs and marshalls on turning points, lack of water stations, absence of lead pack escorts and a roving ambulance.

“It was a poorly organized race. It started late without preparation and warm up,” said Dr. Adam Alvierno.

Less than 400 runners were present out of the 700 who registered in the run organized by the Message Senders Association of the Philippines (Mesa), which aimed to raise funds for the earthquake and tsunami victims of Japan. Jordan Bacong won the 16K men’s title, while Alyssa Lagahit took the women’s title.

Southwestern University’s pride Ian Bernido experienced the disorder. He was registered for the 4K but he got to the 8K turning point because no 4K turning point sign was seen along the way.

“Naulahi og abot ang marshalls wala gyud mi kita og turning point. Abi gani nako gipatas-an ra nila kutob naabot naman ko sa 8K turning point,” Bernido said.

It was the same case for kiddie runners from Mandaue, who cried from frustration after losing their way in the 4K route. The kids ran until they reached the 8K turning point.

Sherwin Managil was escorted by the police after he kicked the railings at the finish line. Managil said in an interview that he did it out of frustration. The issue was settled later and no charges were filed.

Managil was the initial leader of the pack of runners in the 16k but lost his way because of the absence of escorts. He tried his best to catch up with runners who went ahead of him but he was already behind by 600-700 meters. He failed to finish in the top three positions.

“Okay ra man unta walay prize basta okay rapud ang dagan,” Managil said.

The issue on road safety was also raised by trail runner Merlita Arias Dunkin, who almost got hit by a speeding jeep.

Dunkin appealed to the City Sports Commission to look over this incident because it is bad to the sport.

“I hope mahatagan og gamay attention ang kani nga problem kay instead of helping the sport, kay it leads to frustration sa mga runners,” Dunkin said.

On the other hand, technical director Job Cereno said his run was well-planned.

According to him, he coordinated with the Citom, police and got marshalls from the Cebu Bicycling Club to ensure safety of runners.

He, however, admitted that the marshalls came in late for the run but defended them and said they have already attended a lot of races and have always been trustworthy.

He added that there were three water stations but unlike the usual setup of placing plastics cups on a table, they used plastic bags like the “ice water” sold in sari-sari stores.

According to him, if not for what Managil did, the run would have been a successful one. He called the police to protect the runners from Managil.

“There were runners who were able to follow the route and they finished it well,” Cereno said.

Cereno said it was an individual project and his group Sugbotriathlon had nothing to do with the run.

He clarified that this wasn’t his first run and that he has been organizing events in Siquijor, Medellin and Bohol.