Women’s ultramarathon starts

Some 181 hardcore female runners will try to hurdle the 50.5-kilometer challenge as the first ever “All Women’s Ultra Marathon” unfolds today starting at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu.

The event, which the first ultramarathon race in the country involving only women runners, will conclude at the Karancho Beach Resort on Mactan Island. The race is also held in line with the celebration of the International Women’s Month.

The 22 running clubs who have volunteered to make the event successful, will each put up an aide station along the race route.

Organizers said that 90 percent of the 181 runners are first time ultra runners. The starting gun fires off at 10 tonight with a 10-hour cut-off time, meaning runners need to be at the finish line not later that 8 a.m. tomorrow.

The ultra-marathon will pass through the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Out-of-town participants from Singapore, Japan, Manila, Davao, Dumaguete, Bohol and Bicol will also join the race while some 50 ultra-marathoners will serve as race marshals along with local enforcers to secure the race.

Exciting prizes will be given away to the winning runners including a specially designed scepter and crown for the champion. A specially designed medal will also be given to all race finishers.

From Ayala, the route will head up to Busay with the turning point at Mr. A’s Restaurant, head down to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, head straight to Fuente Osmena, Imus Road going to MJ Cuenco Avenue and to A.S Fortuna avenue all the way to Lilo-an’s Cansaga Bridge and head straight to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge down to the finish line.

Before the race, a mass will be held to pray for the safety of all participants and the success of the historic race.

All finishers will be treated to a free breakfast and massage.