2,500 runners join Lanao Norte’s biggest fun run

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- The Provincial Government, in cooperation with the local chapter of Philippine Red Cross (PRC), successfully held the “Blood Bank Fun Run” at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex last June 30.

The recent fund raising event was the most participated run-for-a-cause to be held in this province.

More than 2,500 participants registered for the fun run, which opened the “Sports Day” celebration of the province as it celebrates its 53rd charter day.

“We are staging this running event to raise awareness among the public that we are aiming to establish our own blood bank here in our province to help the community in times of need and emergency,” said Governor Khalid Dimaporo.

The fun run participants

The runners converged at the MCC oval track early Saturday morning and took off for their respective five-kilometer (5K) and 3K routes at the signal of a gun start, led by Representative Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo (1st District Lanao del Norte) and by PRC-Lanao del Norte President Lyndon Calica.

Among the groups who participated in the event were soldiers from the 35th (Makamandag) Infantry Battalion, 3rd Light Armor (Kaagapay) Battalion, 15 Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion and 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, officers from the Provincial Police Office, government employees, officials and staff from the Department of Education and PhilHealth, volunteer health workers from the towns of Baroy and Lala, as well as barangay and provincial officials.

Jeffrey Soto (1st Place), Rodil Quilab (2nd Place) and Arnold Unabia (3rd Place) topped the race in the 5K male division, while Janine Mansueto (1st Place), Jolie Rose Maxilom (2nd Place) and Rigine Dala (3rd Place) emerged as winners in the female division.

Kevin Capangpangan (1st Place), Richgie Dala (2nd Place) and Raymart Lopez (3rd place) bested their fellow runners in the 3K male division, while Richie Dala (1st Place), Sheena Maxilom (2nd Place) and Shara Panganoron (3rd Place) were declared as the fastest runners in the female division.

Lawyer Donato Calica was given the “Super Lolo” special award for being the oldest runner of the race while Oyam Kirl Espinosa was recognized as “Wonder Kid” for being the youngest runner who reached the finish line with the shortest time.

Christine Celeste Dimpas received the “Ms. Beautiful” award and Lady Venus Maghanoy was spotted as the “Hot Mama” of the fun run.

Prizes were also given to lucky participants in the raffle draw including brand new cellphones, backpacks, shirts, and caps, umbrellas and mugs, gift bags and other freebies.

The fun run was sponsored by Nature’s Spring, Dunkin Donuts, AIM-Coop, Lipovitan Energy Drink, Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc., San Miguel Brewery Inc., Julie’s Bakeshop, Globe, Petronas, SEL-J Pharma, POS World, Lanao Builders, Berovan, LANORFPA and RMJ Construction. (PR)