IS "VERTEK" ONLY GOOD FOR 4TH OR 5TH PLACE?

Eduardo "Vertek" Buenavista, left, holds the champion's trophy after topping last year's Milo Marathon grand finals. At right is Hitler Dulay of Sports Resources Incorporated (SRI) which is marketing Brooks shoes and apparel in the Philippines. Buenavista will be available to pose for photos and sign autographs at Runnr Ayala Center Cebu from 7-8 pm August 12.

If you believe Willie Tanui, then Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista, the Philippines’ fastest marathoner will only be contending for fourth or fifth place in this weekend’s Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge.

            Tanui, who has been staying in Cebu since the Kawasan Falls Marathon, said his compatriots – namely: James Tallam, Douglas Mwiti and Abrahm Missos – are a cinch to finish 1-2-3 in the centerpiece 42k event of the said race.

            I interrupted Tanui and told him that a few weeks back, Buenavista outsprinted Tallam to win the MBC Manila Clean-up Run over 21 kilometers. His answer stunned me a bit.

            He revealed that they instructed Tallam before the race to give way to Buenavista because Filipino runners have been complaining about them Kenyans dominating races in Manila or somewhere else in the country and taking all the money. He said, Tallam, in that race was running shoulder to shoulder with Buenavista and could have outran him but held back.

            He further said that they (Kenyans) could run the pace of Buenavista and could wear him down.

            These Kenyans would usually set a blistering pace to start a race. Then after a few kilometers, they would look back to see if there is anyone giving chase. If there’s a runner, they will tire him out by increasing the pace. Like clockwork, those in the breakaway group would take turns in maintaining or making faster the speed of the lead pack.

            They would wait until the other runner tires out then make their move. Usually, these Kenyans would only race against each other in the last seven or five kilometers.

            If Buenavista plays catch up with these Kenyans, he would definitely lose. I didn’t tell Tanui that Buenavista would like to set a blistering pace himself.

            The way I see it: whoever could set the fastest pace and maintain it in this Sunday’s full marathon would be in a better position to win.

            We know that Buenavista is well-rested. Nevertheless, we also know that he is preparing to defend his marathon title in the SEA Games, which is just three months away. Now, will he give his all and risk injury or will he just coast along?

            Buenavista is competing in Race to Reduce because his coach is asking for “quality” performance from his wards. Jo-Ann Banayag, Mary Grace Delos Santos and Eileen Tolentino competed in the Manila leg of the Milo Marathon just for that.

Buenavista signed up for the Manila International Marathon but the event was postponed due to poor weather. He mulled joining the Manila leg of the Milo Marathon but then decided otherwise. Then Race to Reduce Challenge came along.

            I would love to see Buenavista show his true form and beat these Kenyans. I have always preached that these Kenyans are beatable. If there’s any runner that could beat the Kenyans that’s Buenavista.

            By the way, Buenavista will be available to pose for pictures and sign autographs at Runnr Ayala Center Cebu from 7-8 pm tonight (August 12).