First Kawasan Run fields 800

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

THE First Kawasan Falls Marathon registration is already closed with 800 runners set this Sunday.

The race will start at the old Badian Chapel in Matutinao, Badian, Cebu.

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Considered as the biggest out-of-town running event, the race is presented by ThreeSixty Pharmacy. It has attracted two Kenyan runners-Abraham Missos and Willi Tanui.

There are 11 Cebu elite runners who will be joining the race. In the 42K, they are Merlita Arias, Elmer Batolo, Sherwin Manangil and Christy Tutor while in the 21K they are Noy and Amale Jopson, Jordan Bacong, Madelyn Carter, Adonis Singson, Donna Larrazabal and Melinda Ponce.

“We are closing the registration to 400 runners for the 21K distance and 400 runners for the 42K distance to give the runners a quality running experience, to ensure safety, so it won’t be congested and they will enjoy the scenic view,” marathon veteran Dr. Potenciano “Yong” Larrazabal III told Sun.Star Cebu in a phone interview.

Overwhelmed

Larrazabal said they are overwhelmed with the great support of the three municipalities Alegria, Malabuyoc and Badian, after Larrazabal and Pete Mancao personally met with three chiefs of police last Sunday to map out the route to ensure the safety of the runners.

“The resorts are fully-booked,” Larrazabal said.

However, the Matutinao Elementary School will be open to runners without accommodations.

The event will be holding a carbo- loading party by the beachside at the Matutinao Beach Resort near the starting line on July 23 at 6 p.m. It will be hosted by the Municipality of Badian. It is free for all the registrants, but reservation is required.

All names of the finishers and their race time will be published in Sun.Star Cebu and other papers.

Stations

There will be water stations every 2 kms. There will be two power drink stations. The three towns will also provide local delicacies along the route, including coconut juice.

Larrazabal said there will be separate male and female restrooms along the route. IPI-Omega will also be providing massage centers at the finish line.

Two free bus rides will also be available, provided by Librando Lines and ThreeSixty Pharmacy from Cebu to Badian with the first trip on July 23 at 2 p.m.

The second trip will be at 4 p.m. and will be for runners on a first come, first served basis.