Raising Hope with every step
MANILA, Philippines - At the break of dawn on Nov. 29, Sunday, Bonifacio Global City turned into a racecourse as 6,500 runners gathered to be part of the “New Balance Power Run…Raising Hope.”
Each runner’s participation directly made a contribution to support the cancer awareness projects of Carewell Community, ICanServe Foundation, and the Philippine Cancer Society. The projects of the beneficiary organizations help uplift the lives of individuals and their families afflicted by cancer.
Cancer advocates and survivors became the celebrities of the event as they led and completed the 3k fun run/walk for cancer. “I hope that we were able to inspire others that life can still be lived to the fullest despite the challenges we face,” said Kara Alikpala-Magsanoc, chairman of ICanServe Foundation. “Our members conquered the three-kilometer walk with flying colors and smiles on their faces.”
Earlier that Sunday, at 5:30 a.m., the 21k event started, followed by the 10k and 5k events. At the finish line, runners received finisher medals, Hershey’s chocolate, Dole bananas, Summit mineral water, and 100 Plus, to make sure that they were properly hydrated and energized. New Balance socks were given to the first 250 runners in New Balance footwear as a bonus treat.
Top finishers of each category received cash prizes and goodies from Smart, Timex, Phiten, Rider, Ipanema, Dole, and New Balance. The 21k event was dominated by Alley Quisay of Team Army and Marecil Maquilan of Team Bald Runner receiving P10,000 each plus goodies from sponsors. Elmer Sabal and Genevieve dela Peña were named the fastest at the 10k event, receiving P8,000 and goodies. The 5k event was easily conquered by Johnny Espana and Nhea Ann Barcena. They walked home with P5,000 and gift packs.
At the event’s conclusion, New Balance turned over the P400,000 to Carewell Community, ICanServe Foundation, and the Philippine Cancer Society.
“We are very happy with how the Power Run turned out and the support from the 6,500 runners who joined us was overwhelming. Their support allowed us to raise funds that will significantly help the projects of our beneficiaries,” said Anton Gonzalez, president of Planet Sports, Inc. “We look forward to supporting our friends again next year and coming up with better running events.”
The New Balance Power Run was supported by Smart, Rider, 100Plus, Planet Sports, The Athletes Foot, Ipanema, Summit Mineral Water, Phiten, Department of Tourism, Dole, Hershey’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Alaska, Cyrus Logistics Inc., Timex, Enervon Prime, Jollibee, Aquazorb, Merck Sharp and Dohme, Solar Sports, The Philippine STAR, K2 Interactive, Bridges, Action & Fitness magazine, Women’s Health, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Yehey.com, and Audiowav.
More information on the New Balance Power Run and race results are available at www.newbalance.com.ph.
