Maternity Run features special category for pregnant women

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House, Inc. will culminate its 90th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind running event on September 29 at the hospital grounds.

The event is completely unique as it features a category for menopausal and pregnant women as well as those who were born and delivered at CMH.

Pregnant women are allowed to run provided that they have consent from their doctors. They only have to deal though with a one-kilometer distance.

“Any of our patients can join as long they have no complications especially on pregnant women. A little excise is also good for them,” said race organizer Dr. Humility Igana in a press conference yesterday at the CPCMHI Board Room. “They just have to walk and not run really.”

Haide Acuña, a TV personality who is making an impression as an ultra racer in the local running circuit, is among the first to enlist in the special category. She is currently six months pregnant.

The regular race categories have the 3K and 10K open. There is also an exclusive 10K class for those who were born or delivered their babies at Maternity Hospital.

Medals and cash prizes will be given away to the top finishers in the 10K action.

Registration fee is pegged at P250. Entry forms are available at Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu and at the lobby of Cebu Maternity Hospital.

CPCMHI director Raid Varona said proceeds of the event will go to their charity program, something that they have been doing since their independence from mother club, the Cebu Women’s Club, in the 70s.

“We would like to let everyone know that we have been here for 90 years already and are willing to help out the less fortunate ever since,” said CPCMHI president Florencia Streegan.  – THE FREEMAN