First fun run of 2013 draws 700 runners

HOLIDAY vacations and bad weather hampered the registration of the Cooperative Advocacy Run as only 700 runners signed up for today’s race at the Plaza Independencia.

Some of the people who have been away for the holidays have not yet returned either because of the extended vacation in their provinces or they can’t travel because of the weather.

“Not really the best time to expect more runners because most for them are busy after the holidays and the weather is also not helping,” said race director Raffy Uytiepo.

The event is organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Cebu City Cooperative Development Council (CCCDC) and the Cebu City Leaders Council of Cooperative. Organizers were expecting the cooperative organizations, which number around 40 in Region 7, to support the race but only a few responded to the invitation.

It will have the 10K, 5K and 3K race categories.

Members of cooperatives in Dumaguete wanted to join the event but couldn’t leave for Cebu because of the weather.

But the group is still expecting to hit 1,000 runners as they wait for runners from Bohol and other parts of the region.

Although they only have a few runners who signed up, the race still attracted elite runners like Kenyan contenders Abraham Missos, Douglas Mwiti, Franics Kakui and newcomer Elui Lelei.

Mary Joy Tabal will kick off her year in this race together with coach Philip Dueñas.

Robert Daang, Christy Tutor and the Andrin sisters will also be in the race.

The race will also have the support of the local officials, as Mayor Michael Rama and Councilor Edgar Labella will be joining the 5K, while Councilor Nida Cabrera will run in the 3K.

A few foreigners, who are already in Cebu for the Sinulog celebration, have also signed up for the race.