All set for 1st Run U.P. High

CEBU, Philippines - Local runners who just want to do a short distance run, if not help out others during Labor Day can opt to race in the 1st Run U.P. High at the University of the Philippines Visayas-Cebu College grounds in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

There are two other events taking place on May 1, but UP Cebu High School Alumni Association led by its president lawyer Mark Tolentino is optimistic they can attract as many participants as possible not only those from the UP family but from the general public.

There’s no cash prizes at stake so it will be one’s discretion to run fast for the top spot and establish a personal best time or simply just have fun.

The route involves an uphill climb around Marco Polo Hotel in Nivel Hills, thus, adding up challenge for the participants.

The event, presented mainly by SMART Communications, features the 3K, 6K and 12K categories.

The 3K will have an individual and a barkada run in which a group of four runners will be tied together while running the race.

“I think this adaptation of London’s caterpillar run is something new here so we expect more runners to join,” said Tolentino.

More than the fun and excitement, it is the thought of helping out put up funds for the scholarship program of the U.P. Cebu High School Alumni Association, Inc. as well as for the professional development of deserving faculty members that matters most.

“We are giving full support to this activity. We are looking for ways to raise funds since the UP High School department’s existence had been under threat. We hope to help build a stable future for the UP High and sustain its operations,” said Congressman Pablo John Garcia, a UP High alumnus.

Registration fee is pegged at P200 for the 3K, P250 for the 6K and P300 for the 12K. Entry forms are available at the UP High School Cebu and at Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu.

Onsite registration will be accepted but the singlets are available only for the first 1,000 registrants. – THE FREEMAN