Simultaneous Races in Cebu will ruin our Running Community

Late this year, the "Running virus" has been an epidemic and is spreading faster than the AH1N1 virus. It does not choose its victim. It infects younglings, not so younglings, health buffs / athletes, executives and even night owls who run races after a rave party. These addicts flock in sports/ athletic stores and obsess on buying the latest gadgets and equipments to help improve their game. They eagerly wait for the opening of the much anticipated RUNNR shop Cebu. They read running blogsites (like this one) and talk to other runners about long runs, racing schedules, training programs and the upcoming Cebu City Marathon.

Racing 3K's then 5K's and 10K's constantly cloud our minds. We form running packs and call ourselves funny names just to keep our morale and spirits high. We endure the pain of running and constantly push our bodies to the limit. These running freaks are constantly seen running side by side in the oval of the Abellana sports complex. There they plan their next venture and choose among the various races posted in large tarpoline ads. 

Races help newbie runners gauge their performance or improvements as well as give them a chance to run amuck in the busy streets of Cebu. It opens their eyes to the beauty of the streets of Cebu which are often concealed with smog. 

Races will continue to prosper as long as Cebuano runners run the same race. We swarm and run one route to the finish line and cause little mishap. Multiple weekend races staged on the same day and time in one City will not only baffle runners but also vex the driving traffic. Because scenic routes are expected, multiple races tend to follow the same path and converge. These will confuse runners and race marshalls alike. 

The Cebu City government should approve and schedule only one race every weekend. This will help organizers prepare better for the race and assemble a larger crowd. All Runners will run one race on weekends and enjoy it more. More sights, more challengers, more babble, more smiles = SEE YOU IN NEXT WEEK'S RACE. 

The RUNNING VIRUS spreads when we cluster... It dies when we disperse.