FORMER Boston marathon runner Edilberto Diaz of Bago City passed away on July 27 at the age of 61.
The multi-titled coach for the long distance event, who had represented and brought honor to the country in many international competitions during his prime, has been very successful in helping the development of grassroots in Bago City.
Bago City sports coordinator Ignacio Denila said Diaz suffered multiple organ failure which resulted to his death.
Diaz was supposed to return this month and demise is a big loss to the city's sports program, Denila added.
Diaz was well remembered as the Bago City runner who was responsible for Bago City's bagging the 1st Negros Marathon relay competition from Kabankalan to Bacolod City in the early '80s.
The story went that Diaz was chased by a dog in Barangay Suay and his fear of being bitten pushed him to speed up leaving behind all his rivals and gave the Bagonhons an insurmountable lead going to the finish.
Negros Marathon, a brainchild of Monico Puentevella and supported by the late Ambassador Roberto Benedicto, has produced dozens of long-distance runners like the late Rodolfo "Ajuy" Rizalde, Diaz long-long time rival.
Diaz remains lies at Baxter Funeral Homes and internment is set on Saturday. (HGD)