Fabulous sixth Jose Sulaiman Race of Champions

More than three thousand competitors and fun joggers, took part in and enjoyed the glorious Sixth Jose Sulaiman Race of Champions in Mexico City, either scampering round the six kms course in next to no time, or gritting their teeth and redoubling their efforts for the full grueling twelve Kms.

At shortly after 7am,  in Calle Ghandi, just off Avenida Reforma, seven times world champion in four weight categories and Host of the Glorious Sixth, Jorge “El Travieso” Arce, warmly clad, also wearing a gray ski cap,  clanged the bell which was enwrapped by a famous Green and Gold World Boxing Council Belt…and they were off. Jorge said: “It`s great how the people are supporting the WBC and this race, while running for health.  It`s a fitting  salute to Don Jose Sulaiman and his everlasting memory.  I`m very proud to have been chosen to ring the starting bell.”

Wave after wave of smiling and waving people walked and trotted up to the starting line, and then the gigantic bottleneck fanned out, as the real and true running commenced.

Some had their beloved pet dogs on a leash, running beside them.  Several others were pushing their kids in prams.  Superman, the Flash and other gaudy eye catching costumes sprinted by the podium. The attitude of good will, fun and happiness was heart warming and inspiring.

Race Organizer Jose Manzur said: “This is the first big running race of the year, and has provided a good opportunity to lose some weight after the Christmas feasts. This is my fifth Jose Sulaiman Race of Champions and every year we try to further improve every aspect of organization. The runners are also better prepared, we have more sponsors, and a beautifully designed race shirt. This is a great memorial of Don Jose Sulaiman`s legacy, of which we are so very proud. Everything after expenses are met will be donated to WBC Cares.”

Some nippy times were registered by the super fit athletes

6K Winners were:

MEN:

Joseph Hernandez Espinoza. 21.27

Hector Miguel Mendoza Fernandez. 22.12

Alan David Picasso Romero. 22.24

WOMEN:

Veronica Iturbe Bermejo. 26.06

Nayeli Briseno Mendoza. 26.11

Norma Angelica Sanchez Rangel. 27.13

12K Winners:

MEN:

David Sanchez Galoete. 41.52

Diego Adrian Garduno Martienz. 42.43.

Santiago Gerez Levy. 43.22

WOMEN:

Reyna Viridiana Cotija Garcia. 50.45

Itzu Villarce Cervantea. 51.50

Fabiola Martinez Plata. 52.08

Hector Sulaiman Jr got into the ring beside the course to present Scholas Occurants Certificates to children with Special Needs, who`s braved the early morning chill to come along.   He spoke of the joy of the youngsters in being  part of this event.  There was a marvelous and so memorable photo session.

The Foundations which he is helping are:

FAE, Clara Moreno y Miramon, Dr Jose Maria Alvarez I.A.P, Fraternidad sin Frontieras I.A.P

The aim is to better and change lives, steering the young generation away from despair and crime, offering opportunities and through real hope for a brighter and better future.   Children in a remote area of Chiapas have been given forty Tablets and access to the Internet.  Many other projects are underway.

Back at the race runners were recording PB`s,  having photos  of themselves with their participant medals, eating light snacks and having quenching drinks. The Race started in darkness, transforming into dawn and then a bright radiant day, of which Don Jose would have been so very proud.

Many of the runners were wearing Cleto Reyes Gloves in tribute to Alberto Reyes, who passed away earlier this month. Don Alberto will forever be remembered for the excellence of his famous products including: “The Puncher`s Glove.”  But also and speficially for his kindness and longstanding work to help many charities and good causes.