From left, race director Joel Baring, Cebu Parklane International Hotel general manager Cenelyn Manguilimotan, and race chairman Nick Nacorda lead a press conference for the Hunat Sugbu: Dagan Para Ni Maning.
CDN PHOTO/Chirstian Maningo
FROM merely a thousand runners in its first staging in 2011, the Hunat Sugbu: Dagan Para Ni Maning has grown to one of Cebu’s premier footraces.
On its eighth edition on June 24, the organizers from Cebu Parklane International Hotel (CPIH) promises another memorable experience for the participants.
The running event, which was initially organized as a call for justice for the slain owner of the CPIH Manuel “Maning” G. Ting, has become one of the most sought-after running events in Cebu because of being a well-organized race.
“Our first year was very challenging because we had a short time to prepare for the run but we were able to feed the runners in our buffet at the finish line. This eventually became the trademark of our run,” said CPIH general manager Cenelyn Manguilimotan.
Manguilimotan added that maintaining the quality of a race isn’t easy. But they still managed to do it anyway.
“Over the years we tried to come up with a new idea to encourage more Cebuano runners to run because it’s the cheapest way to exercise. All you need is a pair of shoes. Our main purpose which is to encourage people to exercise was maintained through the years,” she said.
Separate starting, finish line
To pump up the excitement in the Cebu running community, Manguilimotan along, with event chairman Nick Nacorda and race director Joel Baring, modified the race route to make it easier for the runners to finish.
Although the 21-kilometer route is significantly the same as last year, Baring separated the starting area and the finish line.
The race now starts at the Biliran Road of the Cebu Business Park while the finish line is at the Terraces of the Ayala Center Cebu.
Also, parts of the route were also modified to make it easier for the runners to finish the race.
Aside from the 21-kilometer distance, there will also be a 12k, 6k and 3k. Cash prizes will be at stake for all distances.
Proceeds will be used for the hotel’s medical mission in partnership with the Jesu Christi Community of Cebu and to fund Parklane Para Tri Team’s Alex Silverio who is aiming to qualify for the Paralympics.