A run for the whale sharks

MANILA, Philippines - Fit, fabulous and famous. Stars are known for maintaining their great physique and their active lifestyle. But more than just keeping their good looks and developing their undeniable charisma, they also possess a heart for the environment, eager to take strides to show their support of a most worthy cause and make a difference.

Recently, TV personalities, along with thousands of Filipinos, were able to experience the joy of running and to help protect the marine environment, as Condura once again made marathon history as thousands flocked to the Bonifacio Global City grounds to dash to a winning finish in the Condura Skyway Run for the Whale Sharks ‘09. The advocacy, featuring the very first 21K half-marathon to pass through the Skyway, was a premier running event that took the initiative to protect the wonders of the aquatic deep, the renowned whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon, which can be deemed the “Whale Shark Capital of the World” and perhaps even the “Whale Shark Hatchery of the World.”

Recognizing the Philippine’s marine environment as the country’s key asset, Raul Anthony “Toni” Concepcion, president and COO of Concepcion Durables, Inc. as well as founder of the Condura Run, launched 2009 Condura Skyway Run for the Whale Sharks. Condura partnered with ABS-CBN foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan for the undertaking, and also joined forces with Runners for Others and Operation Smile to make the running affair possible. Runners who added an additional P100 were able to get a cool race bib and were also able to help children with cleft deformities to smile again. 

This year, the race included the 3K Fun Run, 5K Discovery Run, 10K Challenge, and 21K Skyway Run. Certificates and cash prizes were awarded to the top three male and female finishers for each of the race categories. As a unique memorabilia of the event and recognition of the half-marathon achievement for the Skyway Run top finishers, they were awarded medals.

Proceeds of the run will go to the preservation and other activities that aim to care for the whale sharks of Donsol, which is also a major source of livelihood for people in the nearby areas. Indeed, the celebrity runners crossed the finish line with a sense of fulfillment and exhilaration as not only were they able to complete the historic race, they were also able to contribute to the worthy causes of making a child smile again and helping preserve as well as protect the incomparable majesty of the seas.