Big field seen in Olympic Day run

MANILA, Philippines - The 2010 International Olympic Day run roster continued to swell three days before the event is held at the Rajah Sulayman grounds in Malate on Sunday.

Philippine Olympic Committee Sports for All Committee chairman Joey Romasanta noted the children have outnumbered adults in the registry, further showing the public’s interest in physical fitness and sports at an early age.

“This augurs well with the thrust of the IOC more so that the maiden edition of the Youth Olympics will be in August in Singapore,” Romasanta said.

In this year’s Olympic Day run, Hi-Smart vitamins will provide all participants in the 13-and-under 2K race commemorative shirts while POC will award the top three finishers with gift certificates from Adidas.

Meanwhile, the centerpice 10K event is expected to draw the participation of the country’s leading runners with the winner receiving P10,000 and an official Olympic Day run shirt from the POC.

Magnolia is the official drinking water in this year’s event backed by Milo Energy Drink, Unilever, the Makati Drum and Bugle Band, and other private donors.

POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr. said he expects a good turnout.

“It is a good day to bring the entire family to run in celebration of the IOC Day celebration which will also take place in many countries of the world and to welcome new hope for our country,” Cojuangco said.

Race time is at 6 a.m. Also on tap are the 5K run for individuals in wheelchairs, 2K race for 13-and-under and the 2K fun run for all ages.