Death mars Baguio PhilHealth fun run

ONE runner died after crossing the finish line at the Burnham Park Lake Drive during Sunday’s PhilHealth-DOH Nationwide Run 2013, which was joined by 4,000 runners.

William Pel-ey, a 54-year-old employee of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) here, collapsed at the finish line in Burnham Park during a 5-kilometer (5K) race that began at 5 a.m.

Pel-ey died while being taken to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. Police said the victim took the place of a relative who signed up for the race.

"The PhilHealth Regional Office-CAR (Cordillera Autonomous Region) family, together with the rest of the organizers, conveys its deepest condolences and most sincere sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of Mr. Pil-ey Sr.,” said PhilHealth Cordillera in a statement.

The official report on the cause of death has yet to be released by the Baguio City Health Department. However, based on initial reports by the Baguio City Emergency Medical Services, the victim might have suffered from possible cardiac arrest.

“As we grieve with the family for his untimely death, we would also like to honor him with our highest respect for his valuable contribution to the cause,” added PhilHealth’s statement.

Proceeds raised from the activity, dubbed as the PhilHealth-DOH Run: 2013 Nationwide Run for Mother & Child Protection, with the theme “Synergy for Universal Health Care,” were given to the Helping Hands Healing Hearts Ministries Incorporated located at #6 Milflores St., Amparo Heights, Camp 7, Baguio City.

This institution cares for indigent sick children by supporting their further medication and therapy as well as provision of temporary shelter for the abandoned.

PhilHealth donated P432,000 for the organization which also featured one-year-old Alexander James Rancapan crossed the finish line with his mother, Jevelyn, in the 3K race, making him the Baguio event’s youngest participant.

Inmates of the Baguio City jail also ran around the prison’s basketball court at 6 a.m. to complete an equivalent of a 3K course, making them virtual participants of the Baguio race that was joined by 4,140 runners from the government and the private sector.

Forty inmates ran 50 laps to complete the course. Their participation was sponsored by the Germany-based Shoshin Foundation and the Baguio-based real estate developer, Goshen Land. The race held in the jail compound benefited the Helping Hand Healing Hearts Ministry. (Roderick Osis)