Save the Pasig River, sign up and run

MANILA, Philippines - On Nov. 8, get the unique opportunity of catching a glimpse of the Pasig River up close – and doing something to save our river. 

The Philippine International Marathon 2009: Run for the Pasig River, organized by Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), will allow runners to get close to the river via a nontraditional route that will cross nine of the 13 bridges of the waterway; portions of the race will even be run alongside the river itself. Starting point is the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

Headed by ABS-CBN Foundation’s Gina Lopez, the run-for-a-cause aims to raise funds to clear the Pasig River of garbage and informal settlers. Lopez is targeting 20,000 participants for the marathon.

Short race categories are 3-km, 5-km, and 10-km runs. There will also be a full 42-km marathon, which can be run individually or in relay teams of 20 to 40, highlighting how saving the Pasig River is truly a team effort. 

The marathon is open to all aged six and above. Pinoy Ultra Runners will conduct free running clinics for first-time runners.

The KBPIP project is daunting. The project aims to clean the length of the river per site. Their first site is the 3-km long Estero de Paco where 1,000 families will be relocated by end of December 2009 to  “BayaniJuan in Calauan, Laguna.” To date, 300 families have been relocated at an average of 40 families per week.

The Run for Pasig River is a unique way to show participants the state of the river and give them the chance to do their part in helping to save it, by taking steps – and then kilometers – towards a solution.

For 2010, the next clean up target is the tributary river of San Juan with 4,000 families. Lopez urges everyone, “If you care enough to make the Pasig River clean, this is your chance to make a statement and run for the River.”

Participation fee for A Run for the Pasig River is P250. Registration forms are available online for marathon and relay. For information, call 415-2272 loc. 3797 or email [email protected].