After accident, Cebuana runner still keen on competing again

AFTER a horrific accident that ended her run in the 42nd National Milo Marathon (NMM) Cebu Qualifying Leg last Sunday, would Ezel Conde still consider competing in future footraces?

If the 22-year-old runner was to decide, she still would.

“I would love to run again,” said Conde in an interview with Cebu Daily News on Monday. “But for now, I have to recover from these injuries and the trauma.”

Conde was a contender in the 10-kilometer distance and was nearing the finish line when she got accidentally sideswiped by a vehicle. She fell to the ground and sustained injuries to her head and different parts of the body.

Naturally, the accident worried Conde’s family, which is why deciding to make a return to competitive running might be a bit more difficult than expected. But the fighter in her still wants to make her try.

“I am kind of wary because my parents told me that they won’t let me run anymore. But I will try to convince them,” said Conde, a fresh graduate of the American International Culinary Hospitality Institute.

Conde was discharged from the hospital last Tuesday after being cleared of her injuries. She, along with her mother and relatives, headed back to their hometown in Pinamungajan, southwest Cebu to take a short break.

Although she is slowly recovering, Conde admitted the accident was the most traumatic experience she had in joining footraces.

“It was a very traumatic event in my life. I was totally shocked that I got hit by a car,” Conde, a member of the Philippine Long-Distance Runners (PhilDR), said.

Fortunately, help came immediately from the Barangay Guadalupe Medical Team, the Citom enforcers, and PNP personnel stationed in the area. Her friend, Bernie Flores, who is the PhilDR president, was also there to lend his support until Conde got proper medical attention.

“I am so thankful for those who helped me. Those who never left me after the accident. Without them,

I wouldn’t know what to do during that time because I was very scared,” Conde said.

Meanwhile, Conde divulged that she did not file any cases against 19-year-old Abel Tanjay, the driver of the Toyota Vios that hit her. She said Tanjay delivered in his promise to shoulder all her medical expenses.

NMM Cebu Qualifying Leg organizer Ricky Ballesteros confirmed that Conde is now out of danger.

“Her CT scan and X-ray tested negative of any serious injuries,” said Ballesteros. “When I visited her at the hospital, she had a very positive outlook. She did not even complain. She really loves to run and I heard she teaches running to kids in her hometown for free.”

He also said they still plan to give Conde a finisher’s medal, especially since she was a potential top five finisher before the accident happened.