One-hundred seventy three endurance runners from around the country will converge in Bayawan City on Saturday, Dec. 12 to start the 103-kilometer overnight race to Dumaguete City within a span of 24 hours.
According to Race Director Paultom Paras, the 103-kilometer race, dubbed Negros 100 Ultra, is organized by the Negros Oriental Sports Development Program under the Office of Gov. Roel Degamo is now running on its third consecutive year.
Because of the positive feedback that last year’s 125 runners brought home to their teams around the country, this year generated more serious distance runners from: Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Lanal del Norte, Aklan, Manila, Masbate, Negros Occidental, Western Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboang Sibugay.
The oldest runner who registered this year is Franco Divino from Sibulan, 64 years old. He will be running NegOr 100 for the third consecutive year. He finished the race course last year in 14 hours and 27 minutes.
There will be 133 solo runners who will attempt to complete the 103 kilometer route.
Six man & wife teams (12 runners) will run in tandem. Seven teams (28 runners) will run a relay of 25 kms each.
Last year’s man & wife team champion, Albert & Maripol Tecson, came in 17 hours and 31 mins. They will attempt to beat that record this weekend. Arcel Bohol, last year’s overall champion, came in after 12 hours and 29 minutes.
Together with NOSDEP, the race is organized by the Dumaguete Adventure Runners & Striders with Maripol Rotea-Tecson as race coordinator; and the Metro Dumaguete Roadrunners Club, represented by Bernabe Bustillo as technical director. Joel Balajadia is registration head.
Paras acknowledged the support of Bayawan Mayor Ismael Martinez, Sta. Catalina Mayor Nathaniel Electona, Siaton Mayor Alberto Ator, Zamboanguita Mayor Kit Mark Adanza, Dauin Mayor Neil Credo, and Bacong Mayor Lenin Alviola.
He added the barangay captains of the villages along the Bayawan-Dumaguete route have also committed their invaluable support to the ultramarathon: Villareal Kag. Donald Jamin, Caranoche Capt. Dexter Villamor, Poblacion Sta. Catalina Kag. Jason Vasquez, Cawitan Kag. Lucita Raganas, Alangilan Kag. Monica Obrero, Nagbalaye Kag. Junny Agbon, Manalongon Kag. Luz dela Torre, Mabuhay Kag. Joselito Namoca, San Francisco Kag. Abundio Amil, Omarod San Pedro Kag. Samuel Ragay, Bonawon Capt. Obet Diaz, Giligaon Capt. Dioscoro Gomez Jr., Cabangahan Capt. Irving Macabinguil, Maloh Capt. Norping Bon, Salag Capt. Topi Diocos, Mantuyop Capt. Silvano Macalipay, Poblacion Barangay 1 Siaton Capt. Joseph Solis, Sumalering Capt. Moises Ebrole, Malabohan Capt. Godofredo Badon, Napacao Capt. Jovenvio Japon, Mayabon Capt. Toel Tugaoen, Poblacion Zamboanguita Kag. Bolin Ada, Basak Capt. Delfin Credo, Maluay Kag. Nenita Compuesto, Maayong Tubig Capt. Jesus Salvoro, Masaplod Sur Kag. Maldo At-at, Poblacion 1 Dauin Capt. Greg Araula, Lipayo Kag. Jovenciano Tubosa, San Miguel Capt. Andres Tindoc, Buntis Capt. Monico Tindac, North Poblacion Bacong Capt. Julita Venenoso, and Banilad Capt. Bernardino Iso Sr.
Overnight security along the 103-kilometer route will be provided by the Negros Oriental Provincial Police headed by Sr. Police Supt. Dionardo Carlos, and the Philippine Army brigade led by Col. Allan Martin. (IFBP)
