PhilHealth Run draws over 4,500

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Philippines  â€“ More than 4,500 participants registered for PhilHealth’s first simultaneous nationwide run at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex on Feb. 17.

Dubbed as “PhilHealth-DOH Run 2013,” the event was the biggest run ever hosted by Lanao del Norte LGU and broke all attendance record from previous fun run events hosted by the provincial government.

The province is also recognized as the only plus site and the lone provincial host for this nationwide running event.  

Lanao del Norte is recognized by PhilHealth as one of its race venues along with 18 other cities that include Manila, Batangas, Sta. Rosa, Clark, Baguio, Malolos, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Legaspi, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Marawi, Koronal, Butuan, Davao and Zamboanga. 

“The rural health unit of Tangcal municipality, Lanao del Norte is the local beneficiary of this PhilHealth run and the rest of the proceeds from this event will be used to support the national and regional institutions promoting the protection of mothers and children in the country,” said PhilHealth-Iligan chief Ayesah Macumbal.

The events lined up were the 5K, 3K and 2K.

Among the groups who joined the event were officials from PhilHealth Region 10 and Philippine Hospital Association (PHA)–Lanao del Norte Chapter, soldiers from the 35th (Makamandag) Infantry Battalion, second Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion, third Light Armor Brigade, 15th Infantry Battalion, officers from the Provincial Police Office, government employees, volunteer health workers from the towns of Tubod, Baroy and Lala, as well as barangay and provincial officials.

“I am very happy to see that many of our neighboring cities really supported our run. Many of the Iligan runners opted to run here in Lanao del Norte instead of Cagayan de Oro. It shows their confidence in our peace and order situation and their strong belief that we can give them a good race experience,” Gov. Khalid Dimaporo said.

The top winners in the 2K category are Earl Sebastian (kiddie division), Marieth Maurice Palomares (female), and Edgar Netes (male).

Meanwhile, Richie Dala (male) and Roxanne Maaba emerged as champions in the 3K category. In the 5K race, James Don Torres (male) and Ridjin Dala (female) were declared the fastest runners.

The Reyes family from Iligan was spotted as the “Healthy Family” of the PhilHealth run while Christian Sasil was given the “Hunk Dad” award.

Lucrecio Maniera and Thelma Jimoya were given the “Super Lolo” and “Super Lola” special awards, respectively, for being the oldest runners of the race while Princess Jane Bagao was recognized as “Wonder Kid” for being the youngest runner.

Justine Te received the “Ms Sexy Babe” award, Karlo Adala the “Mr. Pogi” award and Rendylou P. Dagaang as the “Hot Mama” of the race.

Gov. Khalid Dimaporo, who celebrated his birthday a day prior to the race, raffled off 13 brand-new laptops, t-shirts, and gift packs.

All participants also received goodie bags, finisher’s certificate and a race jersey.

The fun run was sponsored by Nature’s Spring, Dunkin Donuts, AIM-Coop, Petronas Gas, SEL-J Pharma, 1st Valley Bank, MSU-IIT Multi-purpose Cooperative, Ivory Printing Press and POS World.  Jovanny Pangasian/PIO