More than 200 ultramarathoners are expected to participate in the first-ever Olango Island Ultramarathon Eco-Adventure race on July 6 starting at the Talima Mini City Hall in Olango Island.
Tony Galon, president of the Cebu Ultra runners Club (CUC), said he is expecting majority of the runners to come from members of the 63 different running clubs in the Visayas. He also hopes there will be more who can join as the Lapu-Lapu City government has given its full support in the event.
The 50-kilometer running event is part of the Lapu-Lapu City government’s thrust to become the country’s tourism hub in sports and eco-tourism.
“After the event, we conduct clean ups, feeding and other services to the community,” said Galon. “And by bringing the runners to this place, we get to highlight its tourism spots and discover its products.”
Galon said the whole Olango Island only stretches 25 kilometers. Because of this, organizers have made two loops around the island to cater the 50-kilometer route.
For the first loop, runners are given 5.5 hours to finish it while the cutoff for the second is 4.5 hours.
Galon said that they chose to run at night starting at 10:00 p.m. since many runners requested for a night run.
The heat factor during daytime would easily weaken and dehydrate runners, especially since they are running more than 42 kilometers, the distance for a full marathon.
“Never mind the dogs barking or chasing after them, drunk men in the streets and dark areas along the route. It’s better than being affected by the heat of the sun,” said Galon.
Runners interested to join the event will have to pay a registration fee of P600. They will be given a singlet and a race bib.
There will be an on-site registration and a registration at the Tourism office of Lapu-Lapu City.
“From these funds we will get our expenses including the expenses for our community projects,” Galon said.
Meanwhile, runners are encouraged to bring head lamps. Organizers are also reminding participants about the LNT, or Leave No Trace, which means they should not leave any trash along the route.
Hembler Mendoza, Lapu-Lapu City’s Tourism Officer, said starting 6:00 p.m. on July 6, all motorists in the whole Olango Island and along the route will no longer be allowed to come out to travel. Residents are also asked to keep their dogs away from the route so as not to disturb the runners.