PhilHealth to host nationwide run

CEBU, Philippines - In a landmark running event in Philippine sports, PhilHealth will stage the country's first ever nationwide simultaneous run on February 17 next year. The unique race will be held at 18 different sites spread all over the archipelago.

For Central Visayas, the run will take place at the Simulon Road of Cebu Business Park.

The event is among the highlights of Philhealth’s 18th year anniversary.

As a symbolic approach for Philhealth’s 18th year of existence, each region will be represented plus two runs under several regions.

 Aside from Cebu, the other areas hosting the event are Tuguegarao, Baguio, Dagupan, Clark, Malolos, Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Legaspi, Tacloban, Iloilo, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Marawi, Davao, Zamboanga, and Koronadal.

In Cebu, the local organizers are targeting a maximum of 6,000 entries that will see action in the 3K, 5K, 10K and 18K categories.

More than the fun and health benefits of running, participants will also be able to help the 'Gift of Life' under the Rotary Club of Cebu District 3860, the chosen beneficiary of the Cebu leg along with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

“I’m confident we can entice more number of runners.We will be doing new strategies, pro-active approach. We will be going to different schools and give them discounts,” said William Chavez, the regional vice-president of PhilHealth-VII.

Registration fee is pegged at P250 for 3K, P300 for 5K, P350 for 10K and P450 for the 18K inclusive of a singlet, race kit, raffle ticket and a finisher's certificate. Students will have to pay only P50 to join the race but with no singlet.

Cash prizes are at stake to the top finishers, while a P10,000 bounty will be given away to the school with the largest number of entries as well as to the biggest delegation.

Entry forms are available at all PhilHealth offices and at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu.  (FREEMAN)