SSC-Recoletos stages Takbo sa Edu-Misyon Jan. 15

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College-Recoletos hopes to ride on the success of its inaugural staging last year as it stages the second Stags Run 2012 dubbed “Takbo para sa Edu-Misyon” slated Jan. 15 around the ASEANA City in Parañaque.

Organizers headed by San Sebastian president Fr. Anthony Morillo, OAR, hope to draw bigger participation than the 5,300 runners that competed in the previous event held in connection with the 65th Foundation Week celebration of the Mendiola-based school.

Like last year, this year’s race aims to generate funds for the OAR mission in Sierra Leone in West Africa as well as in Casian Island in Palawan where San Sebastian has zeroed in on educational apostolate.

“This is the second time we’re holding an event like this and like last year, we hope to get some funds to fund our educational apostolate not just in West Africa but also in our country in Palawan,” said Morillo, former president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“Aside from our charitable missions, we also aim to promote physical well-being to everyone through running,” he said.

The event, organized by a group composed of Fr. Christopher Maspara, OAR, Fr. Arnel Diaz, OAR, Dindo Bunag and athletic director Frank Gusi, also happens to coincide with the school’s 65th anniversary celebration of its founding.

“That’s why we’re encouraging our students, teachers, employees and most especially alumni to also participate because we know we’ll attract as many participants as last year if not more,” said Diaz.

Competitions will be divided into three categories, 3K, 5K and 10K, starting at 6 a.m. with the entrance fee pegged at P500 per participant.

Staged at the MoA grounds, last year’s edition was won by Justin Tabunda in the men’s side and Mercedita Manipol-Fetalvero in the women’s side of the 5k division while Mervi Guarte and Jho-Anne Banayag topped the 10k race.

The 3k event was won by Michael Bacong in the men’s division and Michelle de Vera on the distaff side.