CUC runners strike a pose in front the Tapul Elementary School, where they delivered around a dozen arm chairs via foot. (Contributed)
A band of Cebuano long distance runners braved the scorching heat of the sun last Saturday and climbed Tapul Elementary School in the mountain part of Talisay City, south Cebu to share their blessings to the less fortunate kids.
Headed by veteran ultra marathoner and president of the Cebu Ultrarunners Club (CUC) Tony Galon, the group of 14 runners started their charitable program with a seven-kilometer run from the Talisay City Hall to the bottom of the hill where Tapul Elementary School is located. From there, they walked five minutes to the top to where the school was.
“It was really challenging but it was all worth it when we got to the top because we were greeted by big smiles,” Galon said. “And the view was scenic.”
The runners who took part were Dominic Panimdim, Florentino Somera Jr., Rondey Abaquita, Ej Zabala, Neo Medes, Jovahn Ybañez, Joey Nuñez, Richard Ytac, Ray Rolly Omnos, Dionisio Batarilan, Silver Cave, Codel Seville, Renato Abellar and Menchu Costanilla.
Most of the runners who joined are successful ultra marathoners who have finished at least a 50-kilometer run.
Upon reaching the school, the group delivered around a dozen arm chairs, which serve as the first batch of around a hundred chairs waiting to be delivered there. The group started their trip at 6:30 a.m. and arrived at their destination after an hour.
“At first we ran to the bottom of the hill and we started to carry the chairs which were made of wood and metal all the way up to the school,” Galon said. “We did this so that the kids there can enjoy new school equipment which can be used by for many years to come.”
This is not the only time CUC did something for a cause. Galon also spearheaded a tribute run last year for the 44 Special Action Force soldiers who were killed in combat in Maguindanao.