Negros Oriental Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria has approved the hosting of the 2023 Negros Oriental Ultramarathon: The North 116 that begins the 116-kilometer foot race from Dumaguete to Guihulngan from Dec. 9-10.
Organized by the Negros Oriental Sports Federation (NOrSports) in partnership with the Sports Action Group and Reforms (SAGAR), the NegOr100 Ultra: The North 116 will take the runner through Hinakpan “Chocolate” Hills of Guihulngan, about 116 kilometers north of Dumaguete.
The event will flag-off on Dec.9 and finishes on Dec. 10, with a 24-hour cut-off period.
NOrSports and SAGAR aligned their NegOr116 with the existing program of the provincial government’s Negros Oriental Sports Development Program (NOSDeP) which has been promoting local government unit-based athletic competitions for endurance running.
Governor Chaco Sagarbarria has been invited to flag-off the event as he welcomes the runners, about 75 percent of whom come from around the country.
Meanwhile, Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria, who had opened for NOrSports a distance running competition back in 2013 when he was Dumaguete mayor, has committed the same support for this year’s event. The Congressman will provide financial assistance for the purchase of water jugs and food trays to be placed in 32 stations along the 116-kilometer route.
According to Race Director Paultom Paras, the organizers have prepared 25 water stations at five-kilometer intervals, and seven sweet & salty stations to aid the runners’ hydration as they traverse the highway to Guihulngan.
“What makes it more significant is that all 75 water jugs and 21 food trays, and other race materials will be donated to the barangays along the route who have committed to assist the event,” Paras added.
During the pandemic, SAGAR Sports was formally launched in November 2020 to administratively and technically manage the Youth Sports & Enhancement Program of 2nd Congressional District, in partnership with NOrSports conducting program-based sporting activities. (PR)
