Wednesday, November 15, 2006 1,000 expected to join Guimaras run
AROUND 1,000 runners, including the track stars of Cebu, are expected to see action this Sunday when the Run for Guimaras marathon takes center stage starting at the park under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in Lapu-Lapu City.
This was announced yesterday by the organizers of the event, which is aimed at raising funds to help the victims of the oil spill in Guimaras Island in Iloilo last August.
The tragedy greatly affected the seawaters and coastal borders of several islands in the Visayas region.
Chief race organizer Dr. Potenciano “Yong” Larrazabal III bared during yesterday’s formal launching of the event at Yayoy’s Grill and Restaurant that the proceeds of the competition from the registration fees will go directly to an NGO of their choosing.
“The main focus of this race is not only to win but also to help in the plight of the people in Guimaras,” said Larrazabal, who was accompanied by his father, Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal II in the meeting.
The 10K division of the race will feature three divisions- Men’s and Women’s Open, Men’s and Women’s Executive and the Doctor’s category.
Aside from the 10K race, the event will also feature a 6K Fun Run Open and the 3K division, which is open to kids.
The younger Larrazabal said he hopes to raise at least P50,000 to P100,000 from the competition, while the older Larrazabal pledged to give an equal counterpart amount.
“Whatever is raised, I will double it. And the more participants the better though it also makes me poorer,” Larrazabal II said in jest.
For his part, race director Joel Baring said there will be a possibility that the starting point of the race will be transferred if the participants exceed 1,000.
“Kung moabot og 1,800 to 2,000 ang participants, didto na nato i-start sa highway kay maghu-ot man,” said Baring. (If the participants will reach 1,800 to 2,000 we will start the race at the highway.)
Larrazabal III also added that buses will be provided for non-Lapu-Lapu residents to and from the race, The buses will be waiting at exactly 4:30 a.m. in front of the Cebu City Sports Center.
Aside from the cash prizes, the participants also will have the chance to win cellphones and Avia Shoes in the raffles.
This run for a cause is already the second one organized by Larrazabal III after the successful 1st University Run-Run for Sight last August. (JAF)
