Hundreds run for trees

10km men's run: (l-r) Race Director Frank Echevarria, third-placer Alvin Villanueva; winner Jeson Agravante; second-placer Joel Alcorin; event organizers J J Coscolluela and Ojie Aguilar

Some 300 runners from Negros and Panay competed in Sunday's 'Run Forest Run', a fun run featuring distances of three, five and 10km.

Staged as part of the official opening of Cool Runnings, a new athletic specialty store, the event started and finished outside the store's premises at the East Block.

Never too old. Veteran runner Dr. Gil Octaviano (center), aged 72, received a special award for being the oldest competitor. On the left is Race Director Frank Echevarria and right is chairman of the organizing committee J J Coscolluela

The beneficiary was the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation (NFEFI). Organizers will plant one seedling purchased from the NFEFI nurseries for each entrant.

Winner of the women's 10km run was Jennylyn Nobleza with a time of 42:56 minutes. Second was Melanie Poticar and third Mereeis Ramirez.

"Only a few feet more"

Winner of the men's 10km run was Jeson Agravante with a winning time of 33.18 minutes. Second was Joel Alcorin and in third place Alvin Villanueva.

"We were delighted with the enthusiastic turnout," said JJ Coscolluela, chairman of the organizing committee. "And we were pleased to do our bit for the environment by supporting NFEFI."

NFEFI trustee Romy Lopez thanks Cool Runnings and runners for their support. Looking on are Race Director Frank Echevarrias and chairman of the organizing committee J J Coscolluela

A special award went to well-known veteran Bacolod runner Dr. Gil Octaviano for being the oldest competitor at age 72. He's been running for over 30 years and trains every day.

Cool Runnings plans to stage a series of major runs over the next 12 months.

Major sponsors of the event were Coca-Cola, Energo, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, Cool Mineralized Water Station, Solar, Xtenex, Asics and Sportline Hydracoach.

10km women's run: (l-r) Race Director Frank Echevarria, third placer Melanie Poticar; second placer Mereeis Ramirez; winner Jennylyn Nobleza; event organizers J J Coscolluela and Ojie Aguilar (front row). Sponsor Chac Mirano (back row)

 Issued by the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation (NFEFI). For further information please contact NFEFI trustee Robert Harland on 433 2036 or 0916 343 7048