TWO MAJOR sporting events are expected to spice up the 165th founding anniversary celebration of the Municipality of Hinunangan in Southern Leyte this Sunday.
The two are the Hinunangan Marathon and the Hinunangan Baroto Regatta Race. Both will be held simultaneously on Sunday morning.
The sporting events are made possible through the efforts of David “Kuya Boy” Odilao Jr. and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Visayas headed by Commissioner Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez.
Odilao, the acknowledged “Father of Sinulog,” is a native of Hinunangan, which will celebrate its 165th anniversary on June 27.
“It’s quite challenging, given the magnitude of these events. But I can guarantee this will be a huge success,” Odilao said.
The Hinunangan Marathon will start and finish at the Hinunangan Bay. It will have 42-kilometer, 21k, and 9k distances. The Hinunangan Baroto Regatta Race, on the other hand, aims to give the marginalized fisher folk of not just Southern Leyte and neighboring islands in the Visayas and Mindanao the needed exposure.
“We are all upbeat because of this momentous activity in our place,” said Hinunangan Mayor Reynaldo Fernandez. “We will do our very best to make it a memorable and meaningful experience for all the participants.”
The event is held in partnership with Representative Roger Mercado of the lone district of Southern Leyte and Hilongos town Mayor Jay Roble.
Entry forms for both events are available at the Hinunangan Mayor’s Office, Southern Leyte Provincial Capitol, and at the PSC-7 Office at the Cebu City Sports Center.
For more inquiries about the marathon and the regatta race, one may contact Odilao at 0922-394-2349 and 0915-142-9580 or race director Joe Deresas at 0933-548-4858.