6T runners expected in SM2SM Run

From roughly 2,000 runners in its maiden year in 2010, the cash-rich SM2SM Run has grown to become one of the biggest and most popular footraces in Cebu.

This as 6,000 runners have already enlisted for the sixth edition of the race scheduled on Feb. 21 starting and finishing at the SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. Vice President Marissa Fernan told the press in Tuesday’s launching at the Laguna Garden Café SM Seaside City Cebu branch that this year’s edition of the  running event  is the biggest in terms of cash prizes and number of participants.

“We’ve grown over the years and we are proud of where our running event is right now,” Fernan said.

This year, the running event will award winners in the 21-kilometer race a whopping P60,000.

Because of this, race director Joel Baring of the Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE) said noted runners from Manila and Mindanao will be competing in the race.

Among the top names expected to compete are Philippine team member Mary Grace delos Santos, Milo Marathon National finals champion Rafael Poliquit and Milo Marathon Cebu Leg champion Noel Tillor.

One of the reasons for the success of the race this year is the support of sponsors like the  Rider Omega Pro Tri Team headed by its team captain Paul Jake Castillo, who was also present in the launching.

Meanwhile, for the first time in six years, runners in the 21k and 12k will pass through the premises of the newly-opened SM Seaside City Cebu.

This will also be the last year wherein the start and conclusion of the race will be at SM City Cebu. Organizers said starting next year, the starting line will be at the spacious grounds of the SM Seaside City Cebu.

Fernan revealed SM City Cebu will undergo a major expansion starting next year. She said that a portion of the Northwing parking area will be the future  site of  a 17-story condominium building.

Registration is still going on at the SM City Cebu and will end on Feb. 15.