By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
RUNNING enthusiasts and “eco warriors” are once again being summoned to the Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2017 which will be held next month.
Set to take place on April 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds, National Geographic’s annual run — now on its eighth year — aims to continue the tradition of being one of the biggest running events in the country and underscore its primary cause for the run of raising the public’s consciousness about environmental issues and health and fitness.
Done in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and Cherifer Premium, this year’s Nat Geo Earth Day Run will help in the preservation of the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, a key source of drinking water in Luzon.
Proceeds from the run will go to the reforestation of the surrounding areas of the watershed to maintain the good quality of the water and make it sustainable.
It is a continuation of the fruitful partnership between National Geographic and WWF that has seen them link up for various environmental projects including planting fruit-bearing trees in Isabela to augment farmers’ harvests during the lean months, providing fiber-glass boats and training for victims of Typhoon Yolanda, and supplying solar-powered lighting kits to Mangyan tribes to help as well in the protection of tamaraws in the mountains of Mindoro.
“The Nat Geo run is actually a perfect complement to our National Geographic channel which is one of the temple channels of FOX. And the brand itself urges people to take care of the planet and so the run is perfect since it happens on Earth Day and running is an Earth-friendly form of fitness since it does not emit any toxins,” said Jude Turcuato, FOX International Channels senior vice-president and general manager for the Philippines, in an interview with BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the media night for the event held early this week.
“We really work with the WWF to help in the protection of the environment. And it has been successful for us across the board,” added the FOX executive, who also shared that like last year, simultaneous runs will be held in Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Taipei.
FOUR RACE CATEGORIES
Participants in the Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2017 can join in four race categories — 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K — for registration fees of P850, P950, P1,400, and P1,800, respectively.
Interested runners have until April 16 to register at www.natgeoearthdayrun.com. Prizes await the top placers in the men’s, women’s and international categories.
Runners who participated in previous Earth Day runs will be given special loyalty perks to be enjoyed on the day of the races, including priority placement in front of the starting line, an express booth to claim their loot bags and finisher shirts, and a special warm-up and cool-down tent to condition themselves and recover in comfort.
Participants this year can also visit the 8 Years of EDR Gallery at the race village where they can see and learn what the event has accomplished over the years.
All race kits will come with LED shoelaces, serving as a badge of pride and as a safety precaution for running at night or before sunrise. Prizes will also be given to costumed runners who showcase their creativity by coming in their best ensemble made from recycled materials.
“Our partnership with Nat Geo has been a big help to our thrust as they can send the message of the need to protect the environment to a bigger audience, to get the message across not only in the Philippines but in other areas as well. And since the audience of Nat Geo are the decision makers and policy makers, it really goes a long way for promoting environmental issues. We hope to partner with them for more years to come,” said Paulo Pagaduan, WWF-Philippines project manager, in a separate interview.
Mr. Turcuato said it is highly likely that the Nat Geo Earth Day Run will continue in the coming years.
“I think it’s safe to say it is set to continue for years to come since it’s very successful. The Earth Day Run has become one of the most looked forward to events within the community, and with other areas picking it up and seeing its value, it really gives us in FOX Philippines so much pride,” Mr. Turcuato said.
The Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2017 is being organized by RunRio, Inc. For more information on the event, log on to www.natgeorunph.com/.
