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Cebu's chances of bagging the prestigious title in the 42-kilometer run in the first-ever Cebu City Marathon this Sunday lies on the fleet feet of Kenyan missionary Simon Losiaboi.
And despite his relative inexperience in the 42K, the affable foreigner is still up to the challenge.
Losiaboi, a missionary for the Bright Star Ministry, is currently the hottest male runner in Cebu as he has come away with nine crowns in as many races since arriving Cebu a mere two months ago. His last victory came in Danao City last Dec. 24, where he took home the crown in the Mano Amon Run.
However, unlike his forays in the 21K and 10K distances, where he has ruled in such a short span of time, Losiaboi is not as enthusiastic when it comes to the full marathon. In fact, this will mark the first time he will be running in this distance.
?I don't have any confidence whatsoever with this. I have trained for one month for this but still, I cannot have any expectations since I don't have any experience with this. I have been running for a long time and I just want to try this,? said Losiaboi in an interview yesterday at the Mooon Cafe at the Terraces at the Ayala Center Cebu.
He added that he has been running 20 kilometers three times a week as part of his intense preparations for the event. He is also doing speed training at the Cebu City Sports Complex oval. His best time in the 21K is at 1 hour and three minutes, a mere five minutes away from the world record.
TOUGH CAST
Losiaboi's hands though, will be full as he fends off several elite runners including some of his countrymen, who are based in Manila but will be flying in to compete for the title and the cash prize that comes along with it.
Kenyans Willy Tanui, David Kinsang and Kimber Keberes will be in town to compete for the 42K crown while the 21K will have Willy Rotich and Jonathan Cheboi.
Marathon veteran and two-time Olympian Roy Vence are also expected to be here along with Cresenciano and Elmer Sabal.
The distaff side will have Mary Grace delos Santos as the favorite to win it all. The latter is also unbeaten since arriving in Cebu in October of last year.
Delos Santos's claim to fame is finishing in second place in the national Milo Marathon last year.
?I feel ready. I feel 100%,? she said as she hopes to contend with the likes of Eileen Tolentino and Michelle Gilbuena for the 42K crown.
According to organizers, almost 500 runners have signed up for the 42K, while 750 have signed up for the 21K. Almost 2,000 participants are expected to compete for the 5K title.
The full marathon will start at exactly 4 a.m. while the half marathon will kick off at 5:10 a.m. The 5K run will start at 5:30 a.m.
