SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews / 14 Sep) – All is set for the longest foot race ever in this city, the 1st Surigao City Ultra Marathon Race 2016, slated on September 24-25.
Ultra Marathoner Cherry Rose Betonio, the event organizer, said this charity run will cover a total distance of 65 kilometers.
The event is among the three leagues being organized, which will be followed by Siargao Island Surfing Capital 360 (80 kilometers) scheduled on April 15-16, and from Butuan to Surigao (120 kilometers) slated on June 10-11, 2017.
“Participants will get to see and experience for themselves the charm of Surigao,” Betonio said, adding that the race is an expression of their desire to promote Surigao del Norte not only as a destination for runners to get together and be fit but also as a place where visitors can take a deep breath and appreciate its stunning beauty.
The 65-kilometer race will start and finish in Surigao City, the race course passing through the municipalities of Sison and San Francisco in Surigao del Norte, bringing the runners through picturesque destinations like Punta Bilar, Lipata and Day-asan villages.
Betonio disclosed that proceeds of the run will benefit poor families in Surigao del Norte. Like the previous successful run she organized, she gave sacks of rice to poor families in Dinagat Island.
Betonio said that registration has already closed as there are only limited slots.
The race is rain or shine, the gun will signal the start at 10 p.m. of September 24 and will end 12 hours later.
All participants, Betonio said, must be at the starting area two hours before the gun start and must be fitted with mandatory gear like reflectorized vest, hydration bag, headlamp or flashlight. Support vehicles are welcome but not mandatory.
There will also be lechon and a cold tub of water waiting for the runners at the finish line.
“Runners have been requesting me since last year to organize these events. These runs will support different charities. The first successful charity that I had was the Run for Cab-ilan Island in Dinagat Island that accumulated almost 50 sacks of rice which I gave to the poor families in the island,” the multi-awarded ultra-marathoner said.
The event is sponsored by 2XU Philippines and Fitness First Philippines, also supported by Surigao Runners Club. (Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)
