In what could be the opening salvo to kick off the celebration of the 110th Founders Day of Silliman University, the Silliman Run — Run to Educate was held starting at 5:30 a.m. Aug. 7 with the participation of a record 2, 500 runners from Negros Oriental and Cebu. Spearheaded by the Silliman Alumni Association Inc. with the assistance of the prime mover, the SUCebu Alumni Association, the event was in support of a fund-raising drive for a scholarship program for deserving students to acquire a Silliman education.
The run was open to everyone with 1.1K, 5.5K, and 11K categories corresponding with the years of existence of one of the oldest universities in the country. A canyon from the Philippine Army 302nd Brigade provided the starting signal for the runners, with Board of Trustees vice-chair Judge Candelario Gonzales, VPAA Dr. Betsy Joy Tan, and VPFA Prof. Cleonico Fontelo leading the opening, together with national alumni association president Judge Rafael Crescencio Tan Jr. and Engr. Deo Salem, president of the Metro Dumaguete Roadrunners Club. Providing technical assistance was Paultom Paras, race director.
The run in Dumaguete is an offshoot of the successful Silliman Run last year organized by the SUCebu alumni chapter According to Engr. Siegfried Sia, president of the SUCebu Alumni Association, the turnout was immense and inspiring last year that the officers thought of organizing it this year right in Dumaguete. The officers of the Cebu chapter came in full force to lend support and assistance to the laudable event. Aside from sending deserving students to Silliman University, the activity likewise promoted healthy lifestyle among people from all walks of life through running, which has become quite a fad among Dumagueteños today with running enthusiasts growing in numbers.
In the 11K category, top 10 men finishers: Rohildo Iso, Wilbert Laurecio, Arcel Bohol, Christian Calumba, Cedrick Rosel, Teoffy Mag-oraso, Bryan Mark Gabilagon, Enecito Dionela, Ericson Renz Gabuya, and Garry Calubo. Top 10 women finishers: Lijeaven Noay, Iresh Belleza, Katrina Acar, Maripol Tecson, Iris Armogenia, Ma. Luisa Nebrida, Juliet Reasol, Yancy Lou Sojor, Jade Dawn Marie Amor, and Dr. Remi Grace Apla-on.
In the 5.5K category, top 10 men finishers: Eduard Villareal, Erlincito Pioneal, Niño Belleza, Loreto Gaso Jr., Relex Bayunado, Jayson Villanueva, Ariel Salasalan, Marcjon Agustin Gaudan, Timoteo Besario, and Steven Ly. Top 10 women finishers: Reyshel Queding, Jonah Claudine Rebojo, Shalni-Fe Antosada, April Rose Catalbas, Jane Zerna, Vivian Tamoran, Relyn Amod, Tina Rey Santos, Maria Cindy Solamillo, and Emma Louise Martin.In the 1.1K category, top 10 men finishers: Jay Pionela, Karlovy Klaus Eisele, Armando Pabuaya, Rys Ray Dalmacio, John Nicole Ogabang, Genesis Abayon, Kevin Carl Garcia, Ven Albert Buenaobra, Norris Wagas, and Amiel Andrew Arañez. Top 10 women finishers: Cathyrine Pionela, Moonyeen Natanawan, Danielle Stephanie Anne Rebojo, Frances Clara Duran, Key Rubia, Disney Dawn Dingding, Ivy Christine Ross, Raline Baracoso, Abigail Binwag, and Karlisle Isobel Piera.
Biggest contingent was the SU ROTC unit with 845 registrants. Youngest runners were two-year-old Kyra Leigh Besario and Debbie Tinagan; oldest runners were 62-year-old Julieta General, who ran in the 11K category, and Ron Wilson.
Also spotted participating in the 1.1K category were Sillimanian senior citizens Bruno Festejo and Dr. Rolando del Carmen who came from the US.
The winners received prizes in cash and in kind, as well as medals. The organizers acknowledged with gratitude the generosity of many presenters, major and minor sponsors, donors, partner organizations, support from individual alumni and alumni chapters here and abroad, the Silliman academic community, and the greater community. (Cecile M. Genove)