By Leonardo V. Micua
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Feb. 6 (PNA) — Some 300 local and foreign runners are expected to join the first-ever 100-kilometer Hundred Islands Ultra International Marathon set on March 15-16 sponsored by the Pangasinan provincial government and the local government unit of Alaminos City.
This was disclosed by Jones Campos, president of the 100 Alaminos Club and event organizer, in a press conference with the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) February 5 in Manila.
Campos said that western Pangasinan was chosen as venue of the big sporting event to further promote sports and tourism which are among of the priority thrusts of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and Alaminos City Mayor Arthur F. Celeste.
Governor Espino approved the project and extended full support to the event as this will further promote Pangasinan’s sports and tourism potentials, two of the priority thrusts of his administration.
Mayor Celeste, on the other hand, thanked the provincial government for the all-out support that the LGU Alaminos has been getting since he assumed his post in July last year especially in terms of tourism.
“We are doing our best to revive the lost glory of the Hundred Islands and with the help of the governor, we are assured of a positive result,” Celeste said.
Campos said that as early as January some Kenyan elite runners signified their intention to participate.
“We are expecting more foreign runners to join because we offer more than the price. Aside from the trail run from Alaminos City to Bani, Anda and Bolinao, participants will enjoy the sight and will get the chance to experience the best nature tripping that these western towns of Pangasinan can offer,” Campos said.
Philip Pacle, race director, explained that a full marathon covers 42 kilometers, and beyond 42 kilometers, the race is already considered as ultra marathon.
Pacle also said that security and medical personnel will be assigned in designated areas to ensure the safety of the runners.
Big prizes await the winners of the first-ever ultra- international marathon which has two categories: the 100-kilometer race exclusively for males; and 50-kilometer race for males and females.
On the other hand, cash prizes for the 100 kilometer run are as follows: P100,000 (first); P30,000 (second); and P20,000 (third).
For the 50-kilometer category, the prizes include P20,000 (first); P10,000 (second); and P7,000 (third).Registration fee is P3,500 for the 100-kilometer race; and P3,000 for the 50-kilometer run.
The fee shall cover the following: souvenir shirt, welcome drinks and snack, get-together party at Lucap Wharf before the run, dinner and awarding at the Governor’s Island, boat ride day tour and island hopping at Quezon, Children, and Governor’s Islands.
Registration started last January 30 and will end on February 28. (PNA)