All systems go for Bradford Centennial Run slated Oct. 26

THE Matilda Bradford Memorial Chapel’s centennial celebration will be highlighted with a running event dubbed Bradford Centennial Run on Oct. 26 starting at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) grounds along Osmeña Boulevard.

The 100-year old Matilda Bradford Memorial Chapel was built in 1913 and is considered as one of Cebu City’s heritage sites. But because of its age, it now needs to undergo a major restoration, which is the reason for the staging of this fund-raising race that will offer a 21-kilometer half-marathon distance.

The organizing committee of the centennial celebration is inviting the Cebuano running community to join their cause in restoring this historical landmark.

“We thought that running is one way of informing the public that Bradford church is already 100 years old,” said Reverend Haniel Joses Taganas, the administrative pastor of the Matilda Bradford chapel. “We don’t want to confine the 100-year celebration among the members, we want to let the Cebuanos know that the church has already reached 100 years and it needs restoration.”

Joining Taganas in yesterday’s press launching at the back of the 100-year old chapel along Osmeña boulevard were Justice Portia Hormachuelos, who serves as the liaison officer of the centennial committee; Dr. Paterno Guasa, the chairman of the centennial committee; event organizer Richie Villagante; and race director Joel Baring.

Approximately P2 million pesos will be needed to fully restore and repair the 100-year-old church. So aside from the running event, a series of other fund-raising programs are being conducted by Rev. Taganas the members of the church.

According to Villagante, cash prizes will be given to the top three winners in each category.21k finishers will be awarded a finisher’s medal.

Meanwhile, Baring said the Saturday morning run will use a route that will pass through Fuente Osmeña, General Maxilom Avenue, Gorordo Avenue, Salinas Drive, Gov. Cuenco Avenue all the way to Talamban and vice versa. Aside from the 21k race, there will also be 3k, 6k and 12k distances.

Registration fee is pegged at P300 for the 3k and 6k distances, P350 for the 12k distance and P500 for 21k inclusive of the race singlet, bib and refreshments after the race.

Registration can be done at the Matilda Bradford Memorial Chapel beside the Visayas Community Medical Center. Villagante said they are planning to offer more registration sites in the future. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL