Tree-planting to highlight fourth Nat Geo Run

MANILA, Philippines – National Geographic Channel will host the fourth edition of the Earth Day Run dubbed as the "Nat Geo Run", which gathers not just serious runners but also environment-conscious participants at the Bonifacio Global City grounds in Taguig City on April 28.

Nat Geo Run organizers are expecting to attract more than 10,000 runners that would surpass participation somewhere around 6,000 to 10,000 in the first three years in the race that commemorates and champions cause of the celebration of Earth Day on April 22.

“This is the fourth year that National Geographic is holding the Earth Day Run, proving the channel’s continuing concern for and strong commitment to saving the environment,” said Jude Turcuato, Vice President, Territory Head, Philippines for Fox International Channels in Monday night's media briefing in Makati City.

“What makes this year’s Earth Day Run really special is that we have promised to plant three trees for every registered runner in every category,” he added.

Instead of a finisher’s medal, each runner will have three trees planted on their behalf along with a certificate that bears a photo of the seedlings planted in their name, making every participant in the race an instant earth saver.

The Earth Day Run also cuts its environmental footprint by using recyclable materials for its race bibs and a “Zero Paper” registration process in the form of a Centralized Registration System, which National Geographic pioneered in the country.

To join, environmental and running enthusiasts alike can register online at www.natgeorun.com or do it at the Earth Day Run booth at Greenbelt 3 until April 20.

Upon registration, each participant gets a shirt and a race kit, and will be asked to sign their name on a small slip of stick that will then be used at the tree planting session after the race. This year’s registration fees are lower than those in 2010, starting at P500 for the 3K and increasing to P600 for the 5K, P700 for the 10K, and P900 for the 21K races.

The channel’s official environmental partner for Earth Day Run 2013 is the World Wildlife Fund.