Cebu hosts Mapfre Insular fun run

MANILA, Philippines - Almost every weekend there’s a fitness event happening in Cebu. From rigorous triathlons to casual fun runs, the island province is a thriving sports destination for seasoned athletes and newbie runners.

“The race environment in Cebu is growing. About 10 years ago, only a few would join running events until Cebuanos realized how running can do wonders for the body,” said Cebu-based veteran race director, Joel Baring of Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (Safe) who organizes multiple competitions every year.

And even though other runners have ventured into extreme sports like triathlon, you’ll see a lot of new faces appear every time there’s a running event,” he added.

Baring is race director of the Mapfre Insular Run for Road Safety on Sept. 14 at Cebu’s Plaza Independencia.

The sports event aims to raise awareness on the importance of road safety practices, especially among school children. The events on tap are 3K, 6K and 12K.

 “This is the third Mapfre Insular Run for Road Safety that will be held in Cebu. This year, Plaza Independencia will be the starting point and runners will get a good view of Fort San Pedro, or what locals call the Malacañang of the South,” said Baring.