Beam-Zest-O 5K run underway in Malate

Running enthusiasts are expected to flock to the Rajah Sulaiman Park in Malate today as the Beam-Zest-O Patakbong Pinoy moves to empower more running clubs with a 5-kilometer race along Roxas Boulevard.

The Media Runners and Sports Promotions has tapped the Direct Link Runners Club as race director for the first National Capital Region leg as the event was again held in coordination with Manila Sports Council (MASCO) head Arnold "Ali" Atienza.

"We are impressed at how the Direct Link Runners Club has gone smoothly with preparations and we’re hoping to strike the same partnership with other running groups in the country as we go along," said Nelson Macaraig of Jonel Promotions.

Entries are still accepted before the race set to start at 6 a.m. even as at least 500 runners are expected to fight for honors in the main men’s and women’s divisions where a combined cash pot of close to P15,000 is at stake aside from medals for the top finishers of the age-group divisions.

All finishers will take home finishers shirts and certificates while to be raffled off are Beam and Zest-O gift packs aside from gift items from Brooks.

Aside from Atienza, former Videogram Regulatory Board chairman Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. is also expected to grace the event.

The 5-km race is coming off a successful leg for high school students in Pila, Laguna and already held legs in Valenzuela, Olongapo and San Luis, Batangas.