IN recognition of the current environmental “troubles” plaguing the island paradise of Boracay, organizers of SKYathon Beach Run have stepped up their game and added jacked-up awareness on responsible tourism as part of their cause.
Now on its ninth year of staging, SKYathon is introducing #LoveBoracay as a call for a turn towards responsible tourism.
This apart from its main thrust of raising funds that would help rehabilitate the reefs of Boracay.
Happening on April 21 at Epic Boracay, SKYathon, brought forth by SKY Cable Corp., will feature three categories for runners to choose from — 3K, 5K, and 10K.
It has been opened to international runners as well so as to share their mission to more people and raise more funds for its cause.
Organizers of the first destination run in the country said reception to the changes to the run has been warm.
“Among the avid participants of the race are foreigners vacationing in the island. To open this to international delegates will elevate the race not just to a fun run but a race that the running communities around the world will look forward to each year,” said Delbert Santos, senior marketing manager from SKY, at the launch of SKYathon 2018 on Monday.
A portion of the proceeds from SKYathon will go to the coral reef rehabilitation program. Other than reef rehabilitation there is also a mangrove planting partnership with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the area.
#LOVEBORACAY
Meanwhile, #LoveBoracay is another dimension of the event that organizers are pushing for after “concerning” environmental issues were brought out by no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte, including issues on surrounding waters and overall makeup of the island as well as violations of some business establishments.
“This year, besides pushing for the rehabilitation of the coral reefs in Boracay, we’d also like to send out a call to all tourists to take care of the places they are going to. We have to practice responsible tourism so that we can keep the beauty of nature not just for us but most especially for future generations,” Mr. Santos said.
Back to help SKY organize the SKYathon is running coach and event organizer Rio Dela Cruz with his RunRio group.
“Since it is RunRio’s fourth year in participating in the SKYathon run, I am glad that we still continue to organize events like this in Boracay island each year. I believe that because of this event we are not only promoting an active and healthy lifestyle to the people, but also saving Boracay island itself,’ said Mr. Dela Cruz of their involvement in the event.
Registration for SKYathon is now open and can be done online through www.runrio.com or onsite at selected branches of registration partners Rudy Project, Chris Sports, and Olympic Village. The Boracay Foundation, Inc. Secretariat in Boracay can also accept registrations. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
