Mesa Run for Japan turns ugly

Runners who competed in the Mesa Run for Japan yesterday ended up disgusted after race officials failed to provide the basic needs of the participants.

The problem started after 16-kilometer participant Sherwin Managuil from Mindanao complained to technical director Job Serenio about the absence of a leading escort.

Managuil said he was leading the race but got confused somwhere down the route since no escort was present. Escorts guide the leading runner to the finish line. Complicating things was the lack of turning point signages.

Not only that, the entire route also lacked water stations and race marshals, which are basic requirements for a race.

Upon crossing the finish line, Managuil confronted Serenio. Both had a heated argument, which ended in Managuil being brought to the Mabolo police station.

“Wala nako lain choice but to call the police kay nanghagis na man gud siya (Managuil),” said Serenio, who talked little about the issue and clearly tried to avoid any interview. He, however, promised to e-mail his side on the controversy.

Other runners immediately backed up Managuil in the police station.

Dr. Adam Alvierno, president of Cebu Fitness Center Running Club and a participant of the race, came to Managuil’s rescue  and aired his disgust over Serenio.

“This is really a total failure.” he said. “I pity the runners because there were no water stations, no guiding marshals, no directions and he insulted Managuil in the precinct, which I find very unprofessional.”

Dozens of other complaints from  runners swarmed the technical team of Serenio after the race.

Veteran runner Merlita Arias-Dunkin complained that she was almost hit by a passenger jeepney since no marshals guided the traffic in the area where she ran.

“Nag sige ug lurat-lurat akong mata wala man jud ko makit-an nga sign sa turning point so sobra pa sa 8k akong nadagan,” said multi-titled runner Ian Bernido of the Southwestern University (SWU).

Head of the marshals Tante Cabaral said they were not briefed by Serenio before the race on their assignments along the route.

Around 500 runners joined the race yesterday, which started at the Ayala Center Cebu Terraces. The race had 16-, 8- and 4-kilometer distances. Proceeds of the race was aimed at helping victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan.

MESA, a civic group based in Minglanilla southern Cebu, said it would probably not organize another running event after this experience.

A member of MESA who requested to withhold her name said they should have double- checked Sereño’s credentials. “Dako na kaayo ni ug impact sa among organization tungod sa iyang gibuhat.” said the MESA member.

Despite the controversy, Jordan Bacong, the first placer in the 16k race, still got his P3,000 prize.