Locals want bigger prizes for best Pinoys

Sunday, January 8, 2012

BIG marathons in the country like the Cebu City Marathon invite runners of international caliber and Kenyans are always there. And when there are Kenyans, the Filipino runners, save for Mary Grace delos Santos, are always left scampering for scraps.

Delos Santos was the only Filipino to beat a Kenyan in yesterday’s race as she won the women’s 21K. For the men’s 42K division, eight Kenyans made the Top 10.

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That is why local elite runners are asking organizers to give a bit of importance to the elite Filipino runners. The organizers announced that they will reward the top Filipinos but only promised gift packs and other giveaways.

Christy Sevilleno-Tutor, who was fourth overall in the women’s 42K and second-best Filipino finisher in the division, had hoped for cash incentives for the top Filipino finishers.

But she was disappointed to learn that they will only be given gift packs. Sevilleno added that while it is also important to use the race as an avenue to improve one’s personal record, she said organizers should also take into consideration the efforts of the elite runners.

“It is an international competition and they invited elite runners to this race. This isn’t just a race for joggers. A little incentive would really help us out,” said Tutor, who was once dubbed as Cebu’s running queen. “Dapat huna-hunaon sad nila ang mga locals na hatagan sad mi for our efforts bisan gamay,” she said.

Mendel Lopez, another elite runner, said the registration of P1,200 is enough if only the prizes for local runners were increased.

Sevellino and Lopez are still thankful that they got cell phones in their gift packs, among other items from sponsors.

Lopez and Sevellino said the Cebu City Marathon should try and follow the Subic Marathon, which awarded prizes to the top Filipino finishers. Lopez was the second-best Filipino and he came home with P95,000.