Labor Day ultramarathon to feature relay category

THE second Labor Day Coast-to-coast 65-kilometer ultramarathon will feature 150 ultra runners this April 29 starting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and ending at the old city hall of Toledo City.

The race is organized by race director Raffy Uytiepo and Front Runner Magazine editor Jonel Mendoza.

The race route passes through the Transcentral Highway. This year, organizers decided to start the race at the Capitol, which was the finish line last year.

The finish line this year will be at the old Toledo City hall, which was the starting line last year.

“We want to put a little twist in this annual ultra marathon but this will be easy because there will only be a small part of uphill climb and the rest will be downhill all the way to Toledo,” said Uytiepo.

Uytiepo also extended the cut-off time from 10 hours to 12 hours.

“I am a little bit worried because the heat of the sun is not normal anymore. So I advise the participants to be properly hydrated.  I also decided to extend the cut off time so that they will not be pressured,” added Uytiepo.

This year’s edition of the ultra marathon will also be featuring a relay category, where two  runners will run 32.5 kms. each in the entire route.

As usual, no cash prizes will be at stake. Only a finishers medal, finishers shirt, lunch and hydration will be given to the participants.

Among the runners to watch out for are 76-year-old Rening Ylaya and Dr. Abraham Manlawe, who will try to defy their age and finish the race. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL