No Kenyans in Phoenix Marathon

Kenyans  will not be seeing action in this year’s Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Marathon: Takbo Para sa KinaBO-OKasan on March 11.

“We have not accepted the entries of the Kenyans for we want our local runners the chance to win,” said Neb Bulaclac of the organizing Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Inc. in the recent SCOOP at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

At least 15 Kenyans, who are based in Manila had earlier wanted to join the race which offers more than P300,000 in cash and other prizes for the winners, Davao-based Lito delos Reyes posted in SCOOP Davao Chapter's Facebook Page.


“Maybe next year, we will come up with an international category and that would mean another P100,000 budget according to our race director Atty. Pinky Cabreros,” Bulaclac added.

But top caliber Filipino runners from all over the country, however, are still competing including Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio and Davao.

There are now 3,000 registered runners in the race that will start and end at Roxas Avenue. The categories are the 42K, 21K, 10K, 5K and 500-meter for kids.

“Our target is to break last year’s record of 4,500,” he said.

Registration is ongoing at the following Phoenix Marathon registration centers: Phoenix Acacia, Udenna BPO Park Headquarters in JP Laurel, Bajada, Adidas Shop at the 2nd Floor Gaisano Mall of Davao, Toby’s in Abreeza Mall, and all Dencio’s Kamayan branches in SM Davao, Lanang, NCCC Mall, Damosa, GenSan, and Tagum.

The following Phoenix sales offices also accepts registrants: Cebu City Office – 12th Floor, Skyrise II Building, Asia Town IT Park, Lahug, 6000 Cebu City; Bacolod City Office – Door 5-7, Ground Floor JFC Bldg., Palanca Avenue, BREDCO Reclamation Area, Bacolod City; Cagayan de Oro Office – Suite 1 & 2, 8th Floor Limketkai Gateway Center Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City; and General Santos Office – 2nd Floor JMP Building 1, South Osmena St., General Santos City.
Proceeds from the event will support Phoenix Philippines Foundation in providing books to elementary students in Davao. The five school beneficiaries are the Davao City Special School (SPED-Bangkal), Corcuera Elem. School., Quezon Elementary School, Sta. Ana Elem. School, and Lapu-Lapu Elem. School.

The Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run 2011 is presented by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Pioneer Insurance, and organized by Vantage Sports Promotions.