Last day to registerfor Corregidor half-marathon today at ROX

MANILA, Philippines - What do the Afroman, Cinderella, and the country’s top social entrepreneur have in common? Dec. 19 holds the answer. On this day, three notable personalities from exciting fields will head for one destination: Corregidor. They, together with close to 400 gritty and elite running aficionados, will rock the island and run in the inaugural Corregidor International Half-Marathon (CIHM).

Top race organizer and running coach Rio dela Cruz, also known as the Afroman in the running community, has confirmed his participation in the CIHM, billed the last major race of the year. Rio, fresh from his blistering finish at the New York Marathon, is eyeing the top spot in the CIHM to become its first-ever champion.

Gwen Zamorra, GMA Talent Center’s newest and fast-rising sweetheart, who’s endearing a throng of fans with her role as Cinderella in the top-rating telefantasia Grazilda, will see action in CIHM. Unknown to many, Gwen has been into running for almost two years to date, with a 15k and a half-marathon under her belt already.

Then, there’s the country’s prime social entrepreneur Illac Diaz who is deadset to bring one of his advocacies to the running community and, at the same time, prove that his mountaineering stamina is no fluke. Illac is excited to be part of CIHM as he sees the race’s design akin to his ecological advocacy and a perfect venue to measure his remarkable fitness level.

With the participation of these three interesting personalities, the anticipation for the first Corregidor International Half-Marathon is fast approaching its fever-pitch climax. Close to 400 runners, and still counting, are participating in this footrace on the hallowed grounds of Corregidor, known as The Rock.

The youngest participant is 18 while the oldest, so far, is 67 years old. The professions of registered participants paint an interesting picture — lawyers, physicians, dentists, IT specialists, human resource practitioners, engineers, and even band artists. Likewise, a huge number of runner bloggers will see action in the race, with no less than Jinoe Gavan, the top honcho and moderator of the country’s biggest running forum and blogsite Takbo.ph, will make his mark on the race course of CIHM. Surprisingly, the number of female contenders almost approximates the number of their male counterparts. Definitely, it will be interesting to find out how the gender war will be played out in the race.

And to further escalate the excitement of CIHM, Session Road, one of the country’s sought-after bands, will rock it out for the victory party of CIHM, on the evening of Dec. 19 on the island. During the party itself, exciting prizes will be raffled off for participants. Lucky participants stand the chance to run away with a gift certificate for a two-night and three-day stay at Two Seasons Hotel Boracay, Holster Jelly Sandals, trendy running shoes, Sun Cruises gift certificates, and cool items from Coleman.

Today is the last day of registration for Corregidor International Half Marathon at ROX, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. For more race details, visit www.corregidor2010.runningmate.ph.