Kenyans picked in Bohol marathon

PANGLAO, Bohol—Kenyan runners Abraham Missous, Francis Kakui and Douglas Mwiti will be the favorites in the Bohol Marathon 2012, which kicks off at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island, Bohol today.

The Kenyans are expected to take advantage of their inclusion in the 42k race as they aim to dominate the race, whose  route will use most of Panglao’s major roads and some roads of Dawis.

In Cebu, the Kenyans are oftentimes restricted to join the competitive side of a race since organizers want to give Filipinos a chance to win.

But in the Bohol race, organizers decided to let them compete so their youth could look up to them and make them their role models.

Aside from the 42k, the race will also offer 21k and 5k categories.

In yesterday’s press launching at the Bohol Beach Club, organizers said they are planning to hold this race annually.

“We want to make Panglao Island a sports tourism destination aside from Camsur and Cebu,” said Nap Betonio, the president of Bohol Runners Club.

This race is the first full marathon held in Bohol.  The Bohol Runners Club also staged the Sandugo Bohol Half Marathon last year.

Proceeds of the running event will be used for the benefit of Dawis Parish Church’s sports development program.

Around 700 are expected to answer the starting gun with  200 taking part in the full marathon./CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL