Cebuano runners unite for Melinda

The Cebuano running community will unite for a fallen comrade this Sunday at the Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces.

Cebu’s noted runners come together to honor ultrarunner Melinda Ponce via the “Run in Peace, Melinda Ponce” starting at 5 a.m.

Ponce was shot dead by her husband Emmanuel  last Sunday in their home in Talisay City. She was 53 years old.

After her tragic death, the local running community decided immediately to hold a run to honor Ponce.

Ponce was actually on a streak this year, winning her last two ultramarathons—the Summit 60k Ultramarathon in Talisay City and the Be Resorts Warrior 53k ultramarathon in Lapu-Lapu City. She also qualified in her age group for this year’s 35th National Milo Marathon Finals slated Dec. 11 in Manila.

But she was not the typical athlete from the start. She began running only at 48 years old. That was a year after undergoing total hysterectomy.

This weekend’s  race will be a 5-kilometer race. Registration fee is pegged at P150, inclusive of a race singlet. Participants are encouraged to wear a white shirt aside from the singlet. Participating running clubs are also advised to wear white singlets.

The 5k route will pass through Marriot Hotel, Colegio dela Inmaculada Concepcion, Mango Avenue, Fuente Osmeña, Cebu Provincial Capitol, Escario Street, Parklane International Hotel and back to the starting line at the Ayala Center Cebu.

The run aims to show support for Ponce and for the lone surviving member of the Ponce family, 14-year-old Embrelaince.

Melinda was gunned down together with her three other children and their house helper. Emmanuel spared Embrelaince but killed himself too.

A requiem mass will be held after the running event. Registeration can be done at RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Clinica Melgar and Room 205 above KFC Fuente Osmeña. /Correspondent Dale Rosal