Pasig international marathon on tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine International Marathon 2009, a run for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, fires off tomorrow at the Quirino Grandstand with a banner field expected to see action.

The 42.195K marathon will start at 4:30 a.m. with the 3K, 5K and 10K runs to start at 6 a.m.

Organized by Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), the event aims to boost awareness about the project as well as raise funds to rehabilitate the Pasig River.

A unique feature of the race is the full marathon which can also be run by a relay team of 20 or 40 people, according to race director Rudy Biscocho.

The route will give the public a glimpse of the state of the river as well as challenge participants with its non-traditional route crossing nine of the 13 bridges of the Pasig River, and with portions to be run on the river banks.

The 10K, 5K and 3K will be run on the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard along Manila Bay.

Water and medic stations are available every two kilometers. As the they approach these stations, runners will be welcomed and cheered with mini-activities such as dragon dances at the Del Pan Bridge, theater groups from Punta Sta. Ana, the Mandaluyong Boys choir, drum and bugle bands, boating clubs and cheering squads and other local talents in a show of unity by local government units for rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI), one of the lead partners of KBPIP, called on the public to show their support for the multi-sectoral effort to save the Pasig River:

“Our hope is that through this run, we can and we will elevate our consciousness. The marathon is a step of faith. Together we can go the distance and clean the river,” said Lopez.

An estimated 21,000 runners are expected to participate in this year’s run with delegations from corporate, government and school partners of KBPIP. Proceeds of the event will fund the seven-year rehabilitation of the Pasig River.   

The Philippine International Marathon was first established in 2000 by the Clean and Green Foundation headed by former First Lady Ming Ramos. In 2008, the Clean and Green Foundation passed the torch of reviving the Pasig River to ABS-CBN Foundation, along with it the task of organizing the marathon as a fund-raiser for the effort.