Crisis in Cebu Run Zone

Remember what they used to say when there are too many chefs in the kitchen?  Many observers say that this is happening in our midst.  Cebu circuit being the kitchen, organizers being the chefs and the race, oh well, the broth. And in the absence of a quick and solid fix, this is likely the state Cebu running is headed.    

With the running boom, I wouldn't like to think that it has become a money-making business or for others with enterprising minds, a cash cow. But a tell-tale sign that this may be true is evident.  This does not sit well with people who have genuine concern for the sport.  And soon, they will take action.   

Below is an excerpt from article "Jack en Poy" written by Mr. Raffy Uytiepo for the The Freeman. Mr. Uytiepo is an authority in sports domain and revered in the running scene, being an accomplished runner himself.  Here goes:

SPORTS EYE By Raffy T. Uytiepo (The Freeman) Updated July 06, 2010 12:00 AM

It looks like there’s no stopping the running craze in Cebu. From the weekly races sometimes two, in one Sunday, Saturdays are now being considered. While some people asked me if I’m happy with what’s happening, considering that I’m probably one of those who started running here, well, I’m not. In fact, I believe I’m Frankenstein who created a monster that has gone out of control. Last year when running was reaching fever pitch, race organizers met in an attempt to control road races. We noticed that “bisag kinsa nalang,” would organize a race that sometimes violate the rules and regulations of road running. If the organizer lacks experience or knowledge or maybe cut on expenses, the race is bound to suffer. The proposed body was called the Cebu Association of Road Race Organizers (CARRO), a rip-off from the Association of Road Race Organizers, a group that included Angel Colmenares, Michael Keon, Tom Carrasco, Red Dumuk, Jun Castro, Rudy Biscocho and myself who became the last president, before it became inactive. The organization was meant to foster harmony among race directors and schedule runs, so there won’t be two races at the same time.

SANCTIONS

But races were not too many then and we just agreed on a date. Now with the mush rooming runs, organizers are squabbling as who gets the priority. One of the rules that we set at CARRO which was brokered by Cebu City Sports Commission’s Raul Manawataw and PSC’s Audie Marte, was to give priority to long-existing races like the Milo Marathon, Cebu City Marathon, Don Sergio Osmeña Run, Tri City Marathon, Midnight Run and Cebu Doc Run, to mention a few. Meaning if a new race pops out, it has to take a back seat from the consistent ones. Anyway we will be solving this problem soon. We will again re-activate a body that will sanction races. We will ask organizers to submit a list of schedule of their races and will still give priority to the established runs. And if all these fails, “Siguro, Jack En Poy nalang” or toss coin, with the winner getting priority. 

Let us wish the move outlined above will resolve the brewing conflict permanently.

Here's hoping.

photo credit: www.digitaldivasdesigns.com