VETERAN runner Abby Ponce is hoping that the Cebu Marathon will get more community support when it stages the 12th edition on Jan. 13 next year at the Cebu Business Park.

Ponce, 50, has seen the start of the running event, being a mainstay runner since it started in 2008 when it offered only the half-marathon distance.

Ponce, who’s been running for the past 15 years, has not missed a single edition as part of her devotion to Sto. Niño, the child Jesus.

Sinulog event

The running event is one of the activities in the annual city-wide Sinulog Festival conducted to honor the child Jesus.

“It’s my way of honoring Sto.Niño and starting the year right. Running is really for everyone; you run regardless of the distance or your age,” said Ponce during the event’s launching.

Ponce, a weekend warrior from Talamban, Cebu City had also participated in marathons in Australia, Japan, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

“I wish there would be more support just like in the races abroad. In races here, you can hear complaints from the commuters. I hope there will be fewer since this is done only once a year,” she said.

Ponce, who works as a freelance administrative assistant, said the first edition of the Cebu Marathon was the most memorable experience for her.

“It was bongga gyud kaayo and very festive and different,” she said of the 1st Cebu Marathon.

The organizer, Cebu Executive Runners Club, expects more than 3,000 participants with about 30 countries represented for the 12th edition.

The distances are the 42-kilometer, 21K and 5K. All will have the men’s and women’s divisions.

The registration is open until Sunday, Dec. 16. Entry fees are P2,100 for the 42K, P1,800 for the 21K and P750 for the 5K. (RSC)