22 running clubs to back Women’s Ultra Marathon

Twenty two Cebu running clubs have pledged to give their all-out support to ensure the success of the country’s first ever “All Women’s Ultra Marathon” slated on March 10.

The race will cover 50.5-kilometers with 181 women trying to hurdle the tough challenge not just to prove to everyone that they can be equal with men in ultra marathons but also to celebrate the annual International Women’s Month.

In the event’s final press conference yesterday at the Café Laguna in the Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, organizers coming from the Cebu Ultra Runners Club vowed to do everything they can to make the running event both memorable and successful.

Members of the 22 running clubs will each put up aide stations along the route.

The race will kick off at the Active Zone Ayala Center Cebu and will end at the Karancho Beach Resort in Mactan.

“We are just giving back to the women runners the support that they gave us when we are doing ultra-marathons,” said organizer Joel Garganera.

Organizers revealed that of the 181 entries, 90 percent are first timers who will answer the starting the gun at 10 p.m. with a cut-off time of 10 hours.

The historic event will pass through the cities of Mandaue, Cebu and Lapu-Lapu.

BEAT THE SUNRISE

Some out of town runners come from Singapore, Japan, Manila, Davao, Dumaguete, Bohol and Bicol.

“The real challenge for the participants is to finish the race before sunrise,” said Garganera. Some 50 ultra-marathoners will serve as race marshals while local enforcers will secure the race.

Exciting prizes will be given to the winning runners including a specially-designed scepter and crown to be awarded to the top placer. A specially designed medal will also be given to all finishers.

The route will traverse all the way up to Busay with the turning point set at Mr. A’s restaurant, going down to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, head straight to Fuente Osmena, Imus Road going to MJ Cuenco Ave. and proceed to A.S Fortuna all the way to Lilo-an’s Cansaga Bridge, head straight to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge all the way to the finish line.

Before the race, a mass will be held to pray for the participants’ safety while the distribution of race packets will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Active Zone.

OLDEST, YOUNGEST RUNNER

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on 57-year-old Sheila Colminares and 16-year-old Niña Ignacio, the daughter of popular costume runner Twinkle Ignacio as these two are the race’s oldest and youngest runners, respectively.

Most of the participants have already finished 21k and 42k races and have been attending running clinics making them qualified to compete.

For those who want to look their prettiest best at the finish line, organizers are putting up a retouch station at KM45. All race finishers will be treated to a free breakfast and massage.