AND LOVE BLOOMS AT THE FINISH LINE. Sam Alvar proposes to his girlfriend, Journalyn Casas, after the latter finished her 50-kilometer run in the All Women’s Ultra Marathon at the Il Corso in the South Road Properties. (CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)
THE FEELING of relief after finishing a grueling 50-kilometer run turned into concern for participants of the 5th edition of the All Women’s Ultra Marathon (AWUM).
This after organizers announced that yesterday’s long-distance run could be the last edition after five successful years.
One of those who was dismayed by the news was eventual winner Preciosa Sanchez of Mandaue City, who finished the race with a record-breaking time of four hours, 59 minutes and 44 seconds.
Sanchez broke last year’s record of 5:01.01 by Sandra Soliano. Soliano finished second with a time of 4:59.47. Rounding off the top three was Daisy Batac, who finished in 5:04.01.
The 47-year-old Sanchez said if organizers decide to discontinue the event, it may also be the end of showcasing the empowerment of Cebuano women.
“We, the participants, encourage the organizers to continue this unique event because this is the only way we can showcase how strong Cebuano women are,” Sanchez said.
Dr. Willie Estepa of the Cebu Ultrarunners Club (CUC) explained the reason for the organizers.
“You can’t sleep for nearly two days to prepare and manning everyone got exhausted even though it’s been very successful,” Estepa said. “But we hope CUC and Thinktank Cebu will rethink their decision and continue this.”
Many of the 249 finishers who finished the running event yesterday echoed Sanchez’s sentiments and are hoping organizers will reconsider their decision.
Meanwhile, 27 finishers, including Soliano and Sanchez received separate plaques in recognition for participating in the race for five straight years. They were named hall of famers.