"The Filipinos have an inherent skill in running and this is one event that we support fully in line with the government’s sports program," said Nelson Macaraig of organizing Media Runners and Sports Promotions and Jonel Promotions.
"Through our mass-based approach, we hope to lure people from all walks of life to compete, not only for honors but also a healthy, family-centered and youth-inspired lifestyle which our sponsors actively represent," Macaraig added. "We want Beam and Zest-O to be synonymous with Patakbong Pinoy as this event tours the country."
After the initial leg in Manila, the Beam/Zest-O Patakbong Pinoy scours key cities and provinces like Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Zambales and Cavite. The event will eventually proceed to other places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao on a monthly basis.
Organizers have stenciled the initial Manila leg as a 10-km race with a total pot of P12,000 for the girls and boys divisions. Winners in both categories will take home P3,000 each while second and third placers will earn P2,000 and P1,000, respectively aside from trophies and medals.
Patakbong Pinoy is open to individuals 18 years old and above from the host city or province.