HUNDREDS of runners joined the “Million Volunteer Run 4” initiated by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Lapu-Lapu–Cordova Chapter last Sunday at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.
The activity was simultaneously conducted by 102 Red Cross chapters nationwide on October 21 and 22.
Vic Jay Gonzal, administrator of Philippine Red Cross Lapu-Lapu–Cordova Chapter, said what made this year’s fun run unique was that runners had to pass through the thick bubbles at the start and finish line at the Hoops Dome.
He said the event was very much organized as policemen, barangay tanods and volunteers secured the area to make sure that no untoward incident will happen.
The run started at the Hoops Dome going as far as Cordova town and back. The first 100 finishers were given finisher medals, and another medals for the top 10 contenders in the 3k, 5k and 16k categories.
Dr. Mario Amores, chairman of the Board of PRC Lapu-Lapu Cordova Chapter, Cordova Mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho and Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Don Radaza were among those who graced the event.
The run also aimed to set new Guinness World Record as the biggest running event.
“Naghulat pa lang ta sa update sa ubang chapters aron makuha nato ang total number of participants. Hopefully maka-break ta og world record, pero ang tuyo gyud nato mao ang pagpundo aron makaluwas pa og kinabuhi (We are still waiting for an update from other chapters to get the total number of participants. Hopefully we can break a world record, but our aim is to get funding to save more lives),” said Gonzal.
The Guinness Book of World Records has certified the “Run for the Pasig River” in October 2010 with a total of 116,068 participants as the world’s largest running event. It toppled San Francisco California’s Bay to Breakers Race in May 1986 with 110,000 participants.
He explained that PRC nationwide is conducting trainings on preparedness and first aid, bloodletting, disaster rescue and others and were made possible initiating by fund-raising events and accepting donations.