CEBU, Philippines - There are dozens of reasons why people join marathons. Some for the thrill of it, the challenge, personal pride and victory or simply to burn those unwanted fats and calories while strengthening bones, muscles and heart .And then there are those who run to support worthy causes and projects.
Globe Telecom's recent annual charity fun run dubbed Run4Home 2012 held at the Cebu International Convention Center drew over five thousand runners, composed of novices, experts and professionals who joined primarily to raise the much needed funds for various partner institutions. A portion of the registration fees will be donated to their beneficiary of choice to support their respective advocacies and programs.
At the crack of dawn, each participant eager to meet the challenge gathered at the starting line to do warm- up exercises with instructor Jay Clark Tampus. Shortly before the start of each category, a fabulous display of fireworks sponsored by the Department of Tourism lit up the sky. Soon enough the competition begun.
The city's running enthusiasts who lent their support included Cebu sports personalities, ophthalmologist Yong Larrazabal and his actress wife Donna Cruz. They were joined by Noy Jopson, the first Filipino to hold a Cobra Ironman title and his wife Amale, ABS CBN News anchor and champion ultrarunner Haydee Acuña, breast cancer survivors headed by Mary Ann Solomon and hundreds of sports aficionados from the well-respected financial institution JP Morgan.
This year's beneficiaries include Gawad Kalinga, (GK) Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), Cebu Biodiversity Foundation (CBF) and the Philippine Tarsier Foundation (PTF). The GK and HFHP are both raising funds for their housing developments in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan city to assist those who lost their homes due to Typhoon Sendong. CBF on the other hand, aims to transform communities in key biodiversity areas into becoming more effective stewards of the environment while PTF spearheads a massive campaign to save the Philippine Tarsier and preserve their habit.
The winners in the men's 21 K division were Kenyans Benjamin Kipkazi, followed by Jopshat Tuo and Eluid Kering. They received P 15,000, P 10,000 and P7,000 cash respectively.
Cebuana Milo Marathon Queen, Mary Grace de los Santos bagged the women's 21K crown followed by Christy Tutor and Leslen Abella.
In the men's 15K run, Willy Rotich came in first followed by Abraham Missos and Lemuel Wamar. Once again Cebuana runner Mary Joy Tabal topped the women's division followed by Susan Jemutai and Madelyn Carter.
Mendel Lopez, Jobert Carolino and Kenyan Douglas Mbui were winners in the 10k run while Maryjane Beboso, Jojelyn Pepito and Aiza Suaybaguio prevailed in the women's division.
Joel Delposo took home the trophy in the men's 5k battle followed by Alex Remedio and Ricardo Adolfo. Lovely Fe Andrin effortlessly led the pack in the women's side while her sister Cherry came in second and Verjita Soco, finished third. Jhean Andrin and Jerry Ycong topped the 3K category.
Globe's Run4Home 2012 has prompted many people into improving their well being but more importantly, joining this charity quenches one's desire to support laudable projects and in the process help the needy.