INQUIRER Sports

SOME 700 running enthusiasts have already registered for the Running MAD (Make A Difference) of Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Ann De Los Santos which will kick off this Sunday May 24, 2009 at the University of the Philippines grounds.

This was bared yesterday during the final press conference held at the Adriatico Room of the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug.

Present in the press conference were race organizers headed by John Pages the president of the Sportswriters Association Cebu (SAC), Tinago Barangay Councilor Joel Garganera, Raffy Uytiepo and De Los Santos.

This year’s entrants, according to race director Raffy Uytiepo are newcomers and out of town runners as well as veteran racers such as Milo Marathon champ Mary Grace De Los Santos from Zamboanga, Madilyn Carter, Liezel Getaruelas, Michalle Gilbuenas, the Delposo and Guardo Bros., John Philip Duenas, Sheena Gacayan, TV anchor Heidi Acuna and Cebu City Councilor Edgar Labella.

Different running organizations and business establishments will also participate including the Cebu Executive Runners Club, Rox Gym, the Holiday Gym and Spa, The Mandaue Runners Club, Kabangis Runners of Talisay with 30 runners, Prycegas and the 250-strong Philippine National Police interns.

Registration fee is P100 and will end this Friday.

The winning runner in the 12K run will get P3,000, second placer will receive P1,000 while the third to 10th placers will pocket P300 and medals. Winners in the 6K race will bag P2,000, second P1,000 and third to 10th placers P200 with medals.The youngest and oldest runner and the runner with the most unique costumes will receive special awards.

Meanwhile, the Mango Park Hotel, Waterfront Hotel and the Grand Hotel will put up booths in the route. Grand Hotel will also put up a sound system and a drum and bugle corps to cheer the runners according to General Manager Carlo Suarez.

Companies and running clubs can also register by groups through a corporate registration.

Registration areas are at the Lahug barangay hall, Sambag 1 barangay hall, Athletes Foot, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City Sports Center, Holiday Gym and Spa and the City Gym in the Water Front Hotel, Lahug.