CEBU City Councilor Edgardo Labella is planning to pass a resolution that will give way to the formation of a club composed of the city's top runners who will compete in future international and national tournaments.

According to Labella, a member of the Cebu City Sports Commission, he wants the project to be realized because he believes running is a healthy and a less expensive sport.

“I am really contemplating on the idea of supporting the runners of Cebu by forming a club because I know most of them are really having a hard time financially to support their training and out-of-town competitions" Labella said in a phone interview.

The news came as a welcome development for runner Merlita Arias, who has been representing Cebu in various international races.

"In the past, most of our support came from the private sector, I hope Councilor Labella's plan will push through," Arias said.

Arias earned the distinction of being the only Filipina Skyrunner who landed in the top 10 of the Mount Kinabalu climbathon in Malaysia last 2005. She also placed 9th in this year's race.

With Arias are Leszl Gitaruelas, Madelyn Carter, Elmer Bartolo and Brandon Bon.

According to Gitaruelas, who finished 4th in the Mount Kinabalu race and has dominated local races, Cebu City has potential runners but the lack of support hampers their training.

"If mahitabo gyud na nga moporma og runners club ang Cebu City, nindot gyud na nga development kay kami mga runners mag focus nalang gyud sa training og dili na mag hago og pangita og paagi aron maka compete sa gawas," Gitaruelas said.

Currently, Cebuano runners are seeking sponsors for the upcoming Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon this December and the Arafura Friendship Games in Australia this summer. /Correspondent Iste Leopolodo