Run United draws 1,000 racers

More than a thousand runners have enlisted for the 21-kilometer run of the Run United-Cebu Leg slated Dec. 18 starting at the Cebu IT Park.

This was announced yesterday by the organizers, headed by Cebu chief organizer Ricky Ballesteros, in a press conference at the Le Cafe Noir in Escario Street.

Also in the meeting were Run Rio’s Mark Tibangan,  Unilab Active Health Sports Marketing Group’s Zeny Mejias and co-race director Kenneth Casquejo of Run Check.

The 21k participants make up the bulk of the 2,200 who have enlisted for the Unilab-organized running event that also features 500-meter, 3k, 5k and 10k categories.

But the organizers are still aiming to break Davao’s record of 4,200 runners during the opening leg held earlier this year.

“We are very confident that we can reach our desired number of runners,” said Ballesteros. “Cebu has a lot of serious runners that’s why the 21k category reached a thousand.

Registration is extended until Dec. 16.

Meanwhile, due to an ongoing road construction near the Cebu Provincial Capitol, the organizers decided to change the 21k route for the safety of the runners.

Instead of going to Banawa, runners at the Capitol area will be asked to turn left as they will be re-routed to the South Cebu highway en route to Kinasang-an, Pardo, where the turning point for the 21k is.

“The road will be half closed in the entire 21k route so that runners can enjoy a safe race,” said Casquejo.

Side events like a cheerdance competition will also be held during race day.

Registration can be done at the Cebu City Sports Center, Active Zone of the Ayala Center Cebu, Toby’s Sports House in SM City-Cebu and at the Philippine Sports Commission office.