The Rotary Run is one of Cebu's well attended Fun Runs. If it weren't for Derek Ramsey running topless in Manila, Cebuanos would not have flown to Manila to join the Century Tuna Race.
I just ran the new 15K course of the 2nd Rotary Run held at SM Cebu today. Race organizer, Kenneth "Asphalt Eater" Casquejo, made sure that this year's race would be bigger and better than last year. With more than 1,800 participants, runners flooded the busy streets of Mabolo, Lahug and Jones as these runners aimed to achieve new personal records. Kids dashed to the finish line as this year's event did not forget to include the younglings.
The race started on time and caused me to run from the rear of the pack since I came in late. I heard the starting gun fire as I was still preparing my running gear. I ran fast but controlled since I was not able to warm-up for the race. My muscles were cold and my joints were stiff when I started my ascend towards JY Square, Lahug. Instead of climbing at 4:40 pace, I ran at 5:10 pace and dodged every runner in front of me running at slightly lower pace. As my muscles warmed-up and my joints loosened I then increased pace to 4:30 as the course cleared of other runners. I also did short tempo runs of 150-200 meters at 4:20 pace when the course was flat or downhill. I also could not help but smile everytime I hear strangers shouting "Reel Runner" when I passed them during the race. I felt my thigh muscles tighten on my way back to SM causing me to slow down and run at 4:40 pace. I descended towards SM at 4:30 pace and finished number 48 of all 15K runners despite starting late and from the rear of the pack. My unofficial time is 1 hour 15 minutes 38 seconds and was enough to land me to the Top 5 in the Executive Category.
Overall, the race was good but my performance was not. I could have shaved at least a minute of my unofficial time if only I started at the front and had time to warm-up. Anyway, Congratulations to Kenneth Casquejo and the other organizers of the 2nd Rotary Run for a job well done.
Here are photos of friends who participated in the event.
Reel and Dams
Dr.Junia and Dr.J.C.Aranas
Physician Runners of Cebu
CVGH Family
Dr.Entera
Reel with Dr.Aranas
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