LEARNING from the best marathons around the world inspired the Kawasan Falls Marathon (KFM), which will stage its fourth edition on March 15 in Badian, Cebu.
The race, which is known for bringing marathoners to scenic views in three Cebu towns of Malabuyoc, Alegria and Badian, features the 42K, 21K and 12K categories.
Organizer Dr. Potenciano “Yong” Larrazabal III, who has 40 marathons tucked under his belt, said the event’s concept was adopted from some of the marathons he had joined.
“When I joined the Niagara Falls International Marathon, I was energized passing through the falls and it inspired the creation of this event. The Berlin Marathon gives beer after the race, so we adopted the giving of tuba (coconut wine) to our participants since it’s our local product. The scenic route of this race is the same as that of the Big Sur International Marathon’s,” Larrazabal told reporters in a press conference yesterday at the Run For Sight Foundation office.
“Those tourism advances in Europe and the United States, we can also generate them in municipalities in Cebu,” he added.
Chance to showcase
With the marathon, the organizers and the local governments involved can take the chance to improve and promote their towns’ tourist attractions.
“We aim to make the race better every year and hopefully be part of the runners’ bucket lists,” Larrazabal said.
The 4th edition of KFM will have the same route and categories as last year’s with the start at the old Badian Chapel in Matutinao, Badian. The full marathoners will be passing the towns of Alegria and Malabuyoc and the scenic Kawasan Falls before looping back to the finish line.
To give participants a flawless race, the organizers will stick to 600 registrants, with 200 runners per category, the same number they had last year.
During the press conference, Larrazabal was joined by representatives from three local government units. Also present were race director Joel Juarez of Coco Running and Donna Cruz-Larrazabal.
Sande said the way to Kawasan Falls was damaged by tropical storm Seniang, but assured that the road will be fixed before the event, as they have already started to rehabilitate it.
The three municipalities will also be highlighting their products. Their local delicacies will be given in some of the water stations, while the coconut wine will be available after the race. Sande said they will tap the winners of Sinulog sa Badian to perform.
There will be 13 water stations and two energy drink stations along the route.
A cutoff time of six hours and 30 minutes will be applied for the full marathon, while there will be no cutoff time for the rest of the categories.
Prizes
All the finishers will get a medal, while the top three runners will receive cash prizes. Badian Mayor Robburt Librando will be providing the meals and cash prizes.
Organizers said the KFM 42K finishers’ medal and the 25K finishers’ medal of the University Run will be attachable to each other.
Showtime hosts Kim Atienza, and celebrity couple Karylle and Yael Yuzon will be invited by the organizers. Atienza is expected to join the full marathon.
Early bird registration starts on Feb. 1 to 15, with rates at P1,000 for the 42K, P800 for the 21K, and P600 for the 12K. The late registration period rate will be at P1,200 for the 42K, P1,000 for the 21K and P800 for the 12K, all are inclusive with singlet and finishers’ medal.
Entry forms are available at Run For Sight Foundation office at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, and online registration at runforsight.net.