The 2022 Cebu City Marathon (CCM) once again organized a virtual race, instead of a festive and extravagant race that traditionally has been part of the Sinulog celebrations in the heart of Cebu.
For years, I have been longing to run the streets of Cebu City, and be part of this much-coveted race. This remains in my bucket list of races I have always wanted to compete in the Philippines, since retiring here two years ago.
For two consecutive years now, the CCM has gone virtual wherein there are three distances to choose from with their respective cut-off times: 12K (2.5 hours), 22K (5 hours) or 42K (10 hours).
One must complete the distance within the cut-off time to avoid disqualification.
With a fee, it includes a finisher’s medal, a certificate, and a commemorative shirt. Racers must complete the distance within the prescribed time in one day, then submit the result for validation.
Originally, the period to do the race was from Jan. 8—23; however, due to the distraction from the impacts of typhoon Odette, the virtual race has been extended until Feb. 12.
Local runners in Dumaguete have participated in the virtual race. Some ran in groups, while others ran on their own. Some of the local runners who ran the 42 kilometer distance chose to start even before the cock crowed in the morning, so they could beat the heat if they were still on the streets longer than their planned four hours. One never knows what could happen during a road run.
It is always advisable to run with a group, or a running buddy when doing long distance, for safety reasons and for purposes of camaraderie.
One should be adequately physically-trained and mentally-prepared when running 22 or 42 kilometers.
In the days leading to the chosen date of race, experienced runners know the routine in preparation for the race. First is to taper or cut down on the training runs to keep the legs rested, refreshed, and ready for the rigors of the long distance.
Next is to enjoy carbo-loading day before the race, to store some energy needed for the exhausting race. This can be done by feasting on pasta, or any high-carbohydrate meals, and getting well-hydrated.
On race day, it would be wise to carry a water bottle, especially if starting by dawn, because it will be hard finding a sari-sari store that’s already open during the first couple of hours of your run.
It is also important to carry some cash to buy food and drinks along the way, or who knows, for your pedicab fare in case finishing the race suddenly becomes physically impossible. You wouldn’t want to risk suffering any physical injury.
For the last two years since the beginning of the pandemic, virtual races have become a major way in keeping runners in shape. There are no shortages of races to choose from, and it could be completed any time of the day, any day of the week. There’s even no need to travel far and book for an overnight stay.
All those conveniences, however, cannot replace the excitement of an actual race, where runners pin their numbers infront of their jersey, anxiously wait for the race to start at dawn, then excitedly ‘start’ their watch as they cross the starting line, and run the best they could to beat their previous time, or merely enjoy the company of other nameless runners until they cross the finish line. Thereafter, they would walk to receive their medal (proof of their bragging rights), grab some refreshments, and celebrate their achievement.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have that experience once again? The joy of exchanging ‘good luck’ handshakes at the start line, or congratulatory hugs at the finish line is a thing of the past due to CoViD-19. Being around like-minded sports enthusiasts in the same race, and the camaraderie that it brings are greatly missed by many.
But there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, which may not be in the far distance. There are some talks by race organizers about bringing the races back in this Province in the near future.
Mountain bike races have already made a comeback, and the upcoming triathlon events in Bayawan City, and here in Dumaguete are going to happen soon, so why not road running races as well?
Unlike a team sport like basketball or soccer, there is less interaction among athletes in road runs and bike races. In running and cycling races, there’s a constant movement in one direction, at a certain pace or speed, and there’s ample room on the road for physical distancing between runners or bikers.
Restricting unvaccinated individuals from signing up for the race could be another safety guideline that would make participants feel safer, and thus, enjoy the race.
While the whole world is still under this pandemic, some countries have returned to organizing run races from 5K to marathons and beyond.
We do not expect to see an end to this virus anytime soon but with more people getting vaccinated, the severity of transmission of infection may have decreased a bit, and may not be as deadly as when we first encountered this back in 2020.
Ironically because of the pandemic, there are now more people involved in some kind of exercise routine to strengthen their immune system and improve their overall mental health.
It may take awhile to attract new runners to join a fun run or a marathon, but it is a good start to see old faces, and some new ones running the streets again as one.
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