150 runners vie in Labor Day ultramarathon today

SOME 150 ultra runners will take the challenge in the second Labor Day Coast-to-Coast 65-kilometer ultramarathon today 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 race will start at 4 a.m.

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

This year’s edition of the ultra marathon will also feature a relay category, where two  runners will run 32.5 kms. each.

As usual, no cash prizes will be awarded as only a finishers medal, finisher’s 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 age and cranky knees in the lung-busting race.  /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL