Thousands seen to join Red Cross run for a cause

CLOSE to 17,000 runners from all over the region are seen to join in a simultaneous run organized by Philippine Red Cross in commemoration of the International Volunteer’s Day.

Baguio City and Benguet are expected to attract some 7,000 runners while Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mt. Province are also seen to entice thousands of runners on February 10 in the nationwide Million Volunteer Run (MVR) Year 2.

Following the success of the first MVR on December 10, 2011 which gathered 450,000 runners nationwide, this year’s second staging of MVR aims to surpass the figure.

“Our region is ready for the race and this is not all about running but this event is all about volunteerism,” said Red Cross Benguet Chapter administrator Oscar Paris.
With the theme, “I choose to run to save lives,” the event aims to serve as a driving force in advancing the spirit of volunteerism to address the humanitarian challenges.

Participants will pay a minimal registration of P200 for each adult or working runner while student-runners will be charged a discounted registration fee of P100.

For the Baguio event, the start and finish line for the 3K and 5K run will be at the Burnham Park Lake Drive.

All runners are requested to wear red shirts or singlets during the event, which is expected to draw countless runners, health buffs, and good Samaritans.

The first MVR was held during the International Year of Volunteers in 78 cities nationwide.

The PRC organized the event to fund its humanitarian works courtesy of its one million volunteers to deliver services effectively and successfully.

PRC also aims to strengthen its Red Cross 143 programs wherein 44 volunteers – one leader and 43 members – in every community are trained to reduce disaster risks and to enable them to respond accordingly to any disaster that may strike the country. (Roderick Osis)