Springdale’s Titans Virtual Race for a worthy cause

CEBU, Philippines — Aside from inspiring people to nurture an active and healthy lifestyle through physical fitness at this time of pandemic, the Titans Virtual Race spearheaded by PAREF Springdale School as part of its 25th anniversary is also for a noble cause.

The charity event was formally opened to the public by the organizers in a virtual launching via Zoom last Monday, April 19. Present were Ric Ampiloquio (executive director), Edgar Allan Jabone (school coordinator), Dexter Go (race oordinator), Chester Lim (Grade 3 Class of 2020-2021 head parent coordinator), Joel Juarez (overall race director) and Anton Ballreich (SBO president).

Proceeds of the fund-raiser will be used for various outreach projects of Springdale’s Student Body Organization.

SBO president Anton Ballreich said they intend to implement as many projects as possible as part of the quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the Philippines.

“Hopefully we can also do 500 acts of mercy in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Christianity in our country,” Ballreich said.

 Their recent community outreach includes providing food packs to law enforcement personnel assigned to implement health protocols at checkpoints in Lahug, Busay and Banilad and to the medical frontliners at the Cebu City Medical Center. They also donated clothes, toys and packed meals to the Little Servants of Christ the King Orphanage December last year.

Scheduled from April 19 to May 2, the race features four physical activities for all ages: run, bike, swim and walk.

The categories in each discipline are the 3K (father and son), 3K (6-9 years old), 5K, and 10K for the walk; 3K (father and son), 3K (6-9 years old), 5K, 10K and 21K for the run; 25K (father and son), 50K, 100K, and 250K for the bike; and 3K (father and son), 3K, 5K, and 10K for the swim.

Those who are interested to join can choose their own adventure and where their race track should be. They may achieve their distance all at once or divide it at their own pace and time. They are advised though to follow the mandated health and safety protocols.

“Because the race is virtual, the participants can spread the length of the race category over several days as long as they complete it by the deadline on May 2,” said race coordinator Chester Go. “They can do it (run) on a treadmill. They can even do it on a cross trainer. Anywhere as long as they do the distance.”

Registration is now open to all. The first 100 registrants are eligible for the early bird rate of P650. The general entry fee is P750.

 Go said all participants will receive a medal, a singlet and an e-certificate. Top finishers in each category will also receive winners’ medals as well as prizes in cash and kind.

The three-inch diameter medal itself is a great memorabilia as it is similar to those given to participants of major races such as Spartan Race and Iron Man. It is made of antique silver with embossed design created by the SBO officers. It also symbolizes the pandemic with its spikes and even the running figures on the medal wear masks. Also, the back of the medal has a space where one can engrave his/her name.

Although running enthusiasts prefer to do road runs, Go said they expect to have a good number of entries  because there were very few virtual runs that has been held in the past months.

To join, one may register online at https://parefspringdale.myruntime.com/.