Men return favor

WHAT makes the 1st All-women Ultra Run extra special aside from it's inaugural inception, is the spirit of volunteerism from members of the local running community.

There will be a total of 22 running clubs from the province including one from Bohol who will man the water stations every 2.5 kilometers after kilometer 15. Before that, there will hydration areas every 5 kilometers.

A total of 50 male ultra-marathoners will also be mobile marshals of the 181 female warriors who will try to beat the sunrise as they finish a 50K run from Ayala Active Zone Driveway until Karancho Beach Resort in Mactan within 10 hour cutoff.

The numbers still doesn't include the traffic agents from local government units from Cebu, Mandaue and Lapulapu who have supported the run.

"We're very excited because this is our way of giving back to the women who have been our support crew from the ultra runs we've joined. It's our time to return the favor," said ultra-runner Joel Garganera.

There will be no support crew allowed and pacers and escorts are also prohibited.

Prior to the race, a six-week clinic had been conducted to runners to prepare them for the race.

The runners will be wearing a personalized bib bearing their names and for the first time, ultra-runners will use a timing chip.

"This is totally a labor of love," said runner and Ayala General Manager Joy Polloso.

The run which also celebrates the International Women's month was spearheaded by the Cebu Ultra Runners Club and Ungo Runners to attract female first-time runners.

Of the 181 runners, 90 percent will make a debut in ultra-running. There are runners from Singapore and Japan while some from Manila, Davao, Dumaguete and Bicol.

Finishers will receive loot bags, a new balance shirt and will be welcomed by a breakfast buffet prepared by the Lapulapu City government. Runners will also receive a certificate which has the record of their time.

The top female finisher will receive a scepter instead of a trophy, a crown and a customized medal. There is no cash prize but she will be given a gift certificate of an overnight stay at Parklane plus a Rocket Chic plug it from Smart.

Official finishers list will be published in newspapers according to age group categories.

There will be a distribution of race bib tonight at Ayala Active Zone, 7pm, where runners will be briefed of the route.