MORE than 5,000 runners took part in the Run with Duterte "Takbo Para sa Pagbabago" which was held in an out-and-back course from the Rizal Park in Davao City on Sunday, May 1.
Organized by the Doctors si Duterte ang Sandigan (DDS), Dr. Yadnee Estrera, publicity chairperson for the fun run, told Sun.Star Davao in an interview that due to the volume of participants that filled the streets, most of the runners weren't able to run. Instead, it somehow became a campaign rally as participants were seen walking while holding tarpaulins and banners that don Duterte's colors.
"Sa daming mga tao talagang walk nalang ang magagawa dun pero meron pa rin namang mga runners talaga na tumakbo. The event was really successful and we the organizers from DDS are really happy since we've really put in a lot of effort in organizing this event so that we could show that we are still behind our Mayor despite all the black propaganda," Estrera said.
Among the notable participants in the event, Estrera said, include head of Duterte Media camp and spokesperson Peter Laviña as well as First District Congressman and reelectionist Karlo Nograles.
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Peter June Simon of the Star Hotshots, who is a staunch supporter of Duterte being a resident of Davao City during his college days, also joined the event and gathered a flock of fans.
Even age was not a hindrance for some of the participants as Estrera said they gave awards for the oldest and the youngest participant. An 82-year-old man was the oldest participant in the event while a seven-month-old baby was the youngest.
Estrera also noted that a woman on her ninth month of pregnancy still joined the run to show her support for Duterte.
On the heels of the event, Estrera said that they are now planning how they will spend the proceeds of the fun run to assist Duterte's poll watchers who will help in protecting the votes particularly in the submission of the election returns and maintaining the authenticity of the canvassing.