Pasig river advocacy run unfolds in QC

MANILA, Philippines - The annual advocacy run aimed at raising awareness and funds for fixing waterways flowing into the Pasig River goes to Quezon City for its fourth edition dubbed “09.30.2012 Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River” on Sept. 30 in an out-and-back course at Quezon City Memorial Circle.

With over 80,000 participants expected from different schools, NGOs, government agencies and companies, “09.30.2012 Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River” will feature a unique combo of running, cycling and skateboarding races, all in the name of reviving esteros in Quezon City.

“This is the first time we’re doing it in Quezon City so we’re asking everyone, especially Quezon City residents to be involved,” Gina Lopez, head of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) said during a media briefing yesterday.

KBPIP targets to clean up and beautify San Francisco and Culiat creeks, planning to put up walkways and plant lots of plants and trees in the long run, much like its earlier programs for Estero de Paco and Estero de San Miguel in Manila.

Lopez said the benefits of clean esteros are far ranging, from improved overall living conditions in the affected areas to higher real estate values, to reduction of crime incidence.

“If you believe we must clean our esteros and rivers, you should come on Sept. 30. It’s going to be a happy and joyful day, Sept. 30 being a full moon, and this time, we’ll not just have running but also biking and roller blading,” she said.

In tune with the group’s environmental thrust and Quezon City’s mandate to regulate the use of plastics, overall race director Eric Imperio said they will not distribute plastic cups at water stations anymore, encouraging participants to bring their own water containers.

“We want to minimize waste during the race,” said Imperio, who also gave a briefing along with race director Thumbie Remigio.

Organizers will flag off the 15K “Ride & Roll” race at 4 a.m., with bikes and non-motorized two-wheeled vehicles racing first and participants in skateboard and longboard starting off five minutes after.       – Olmin Leyba

The 15K Commonwealth Challenge Run fires off at 4:10 a.m., featuring the more serious runners, followed by the 5K Morning Madness Run at 6 a.m., showcasing students and celebs like Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Maricar Reyes and Xian Lim. There will also be the CEO River Warrior Run, exclusive to business execs and donors of KBIP, with Kapamilya actors Piolo and Matteo Guidicelli signed up.

Through the years, the Run for the Pasig River has generated P45.6 million for the rehab of Estero de Paco and Estero de San Miguel, with a total of 226,000 taking part. Two years ago, the 10.10.10 Run for the Pasig River set a Guiness World Record for the most number of participants in a running event with 116,086.

Registration for 09.30.2012 Run, Ride & Roll for the Pasig River is still open at SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, R.O.X., Chris Sports Festival Mall and Chris Sports Glorietta until Sept. 29. Merchandise will also be available in the SM booths.

For more info, visit www.runforthepasigriver.com, like www.facebook.com.runforthepasigriver, or follow @run4pasigriver on Twitter.