Running to save lives

DESPITE the drizzle, the participants came. In spite of the 100 limited slots for the 15-kilometer category, ten more registered. And walk-in registrants came on site to join the run - and the fun! Runners, running enthusiasts, plain runners and even non-running buffs — all joined hearts and limbs to run to save lives.

Early that morning of September 2, 2012 at the Ayala Land Inc. at Talisay City, one thousand and more children and adults joined VITAL RUN 2. A fundraising effort of Lingkod E.R. (L.E.R.) – Negros Occidental, Inc. and The Negros Group of Psychiatrist (NGP), the run-for-a-cause will support various causes of the two sponsoring organizations.

Lingkod ER’s advocacy is in saving the lives of indigent patients who are rushed to the Emergency Room of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital while Negros Group of Psychiatrists’ thrust is to promote mental health and the destigmatization of mental illness.

Because the downpour abated later that morning, the participants did not only exercise but families had bonded and had fun times in the safest venue ever a Fun Run could ever be held – The Ayala Land Inc.

Fun for the family comes in with the family or group costumes encouraged by the organizers.

Some parents and children or group of friends who joined the 3km-run came in uniform - well- designed bibs and head dresses or sporty running attire.

It was really a morning of fun for the fathers and mothers and the kids who also had their chances of winning special prizes and raffle items during the event. There were three individual prizes given for each best bib and best head dress. Three groups were also adjudged as having the best group of family costumes. The best bib, costume and head dress were all judged on the criteria of creativity, craftsmanship, catchiness and wholesomeness.

So run, run and run the participants did. From 1 kilometer category to 3 km to 15 km! As amazing are the vigor and zest of children and adults who joined the cause. Ideal too is the vigor of the 72 year old runner who joined the 15 km run. And more, the support of all who joined the cause!

So with the tired limbs and the dripping sweat came the food from Merci Bread, Golden Oats and Yakult giving out their stuff. There was even designed a “Yakult dance for kids”.

Five hundred t-shirts were given out. Medals, together with vitamins, pillows and gift certificates, were conferred to the winners. And sincerest thank-you’s were extended to everybody who came to really support VITAL RUN 2012.

Ms. Daphne Molenar, Ms. World 2012 Finalist, graced the occasion and even helped in the awarding of the medals and prizes for the winners.

With families and friends running on an early Sunday morning, the cause of saving other people’s lives is not that difficult anymore. And many thanks to Lingkod E.R. Negros and the Negros Group of Psychiatrists who spearheaded the cause.