Hinunangan primed and ready for 2 landmark sporting events

The entire Hinunangan community in Southern Leyte looks forward to the twin ground-breaking events in their area with too much zest and excitement.

Over half a million pesos in cash prize is up for grabs in the landmark ‘Hinunangan Marathon' and ‘Hinunangan Baroto Regatta', a colorful boat race featuring marginalized fisherfolks from the Vis-Min region, all happening on June 24 as part of Hinunangan's 165th founding anniversary celebration.

“We are all upbeat because of this momentous activity in our place,” said Mayor Reynaldo Fernandez of Hinunangan LGU, the event's main presenter in partnership with Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, Hilongos Mayor Jay Roble, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through commissioner Ramon ‘El Presidente' Fernandez.

“We will do our very best to make it a memorable and meaningful experience for all the participants to remember in their lifetime.”

Former Customs district collector David ‘Kuya Boy' Odilao Jr., the mastermind of bringing these historic events on the shores of his hometown, assures the same.

“It's quite challenging given the magnitude of these events,” said Odilao, the acknowledged "Father of Sinulog" and "BahugBahug sa Mactan" among the many events of historical value and cultural significance he helped establish almost four decades ago.

“But I can guarantee this will be a huge success,” Odilao added.

For the marathon wherein the entries will be passing through a route that offers a breath-taking view of the picturesque Hinunangan Bay, close to P300,000 will be given away to the winners.

Aside from trophies, the champion in the men's 42km race will pocket P30,000, while the second to fifth will receive P25,000, P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000, respectively.

The women's top finisher, on the other hand, will take home P20,000, while the second to fifth will get P15,000, P10,000, P7,000, and P5,000.

The top winners in the 21km will receive P10,000 each, while the 9km champs will get P8,000 apiece.

Registration fee is pegged at P500 for 9km, P1,000 for 21km, and P1,500 for the full marathon.

Entry forms are available at the Hinunangan Mayor's Office, Southern Leyte Provincial Capitol, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-7 office at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Runners will get a 50 percent discount from Roble Shipping on their boat fare as well as that of their vehicles from their port of destinations to Hilongos, Leyte and back.

For more inquiries, one may contact Kuya Boy Odilao (0922-3942349/ 0915-1429580) or race director Joe Deresas (09335484858).