LDS Runner: RUNNR STAFF EYES GREAT LAPU-LAPU RUN

Noy Jopson (4th from left) with RUNNR Staff, from left, Yhaz,Raffy, Rose, Gladys and John Olen.

When RUNNR staff was encouraged by their managers to participate in fun runs so they could better understand their customers – the runners – little did they know that they would be hooked into running!

RUNNR staff has been on the road since then!

After getting used to those 5Ks and 7Ks, RUNNR staff is poised to take in part in the 10K category of The Great Lapu-Lapu Run on April 18. The staff had the chance last week to invite Noy Jopson (one of the country’s leading triathlete and organizer of the Great Lapu-Lapu Run) for a picture. Of course, Noy obliged and assured the staff that they will be given eights slots FREE in the forthcoming run that features 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K distances.

The Great Lapu-Lapu Run on April 18 is currently the talk of town what with the possible participation of Eduardo “Vertik” Buenavista the country’s record-holder in the marathon. There’s Cris Sabal, Eric Panique (third placer in the Cebu City Marathon last January 10, 2010), Alquin Bolivar, Rene Desuyo, veteran Roy Vence and many other runners from around the country.

Perhaps even the Kenyans (those based in Manila) would want to come to Cebu and compete.

Of course, there are local runners who are capable of winning as well like Mendel Lopez, Simon Losiaboi, Elmer Bartolo and upcoming talent Jobert Carolino.

The women’s division is even more exciting. Eillen Tolentino is coming to town. The news excites Mary Grace Delos Santos, who is eager to avenge her defeat at the hands of Tolentino during the Cebu City Marathon on January 10, 2010.

A trip to next year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon awaits the best-placed Filipino runner in both the men and women’s categories.

In the meantime, RUNNR staff is keeping their weekends booked with running events. Before the Great Lapu-Lapu Run, there’s the Pinay in Action (an all-women running event sponsored by Senator Pia Cayetano).

RUNNR staff first participated in the Seminary Fund Run in November 2009. They then ran in the 5K category of the Cebu City Marathon and joined the 2^nd Rotary Run and Quota Club 12K Classic.