Cebuano Champion Now Coach In CDO

CEBUANO elite runner Noel Tillor opens another challenging chapter of his running career after he left his hometown to accept a full-time coaching job in Cagayan de Oro City.

Leaving his hometown in Bogo City was a tough decision for Tillor but he couldn’t pass up this once in a lifetime chance. He’s been based in Cagayan de Oro City since September last year.

“I got hired as a personal running coach here and also a team coach. I’m currently in-house in Cagayan de Oro,” the former Milo Marathon Regional champion told SunStar Cebu in Cebuano.

Tillor, a many-time Cebu Marathon men’s champion, handles the running program for the DPS Racing Multisports, which has more than 20 members who are mostly triathletes.

“I give them running programs and also, I’m hands-on regarding their training loads. I coordinate with the other coaches because they have different coaches in swimming and biking,” he said.

Tillor, who recently received a citation award for running in the 37th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Beer Cebu Sports Awards two months ago, said his experience in Cagayan de Oro City has been overwhelming.

“In my many years as an athlete and coach, this is my first time to get a very good offer and support from my client. The family that brought me here is very accommodating to me,” he said.

Tillor found running as a way to change his life many years ago. He was an ex-drug addict but has since put his drug issues behind him when he got into running.

That’s the reason why Tillor values the power of sports in people’s lives.

“We are here to inspire the community, even if I’m poor. What’s important are the things that we do to for the community on our own little way. God has given us the blessing and we have to put that to good use,” he said.

Tillor admits that he misses home especially in this time of global health crisis.

“I miss my hometown but we need to explore other places for us to grow. I’m always thankful to Sr. Sto. Nino for keeping me safe always everywhere I go in life,” said Tillor.

Since the sporting world is in a standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tillor spends more time on his hobbies–painting and drawing.

“Because of Covid,-19 our training got cut off. The members are now doing indoor training. I gave them strengthening exercises that should be followed every day as part of the training program,” he said.

Tillor is hoping that this health pandemic will end so he can visit his hometown. (RSC)