PhilHealth-DOH Run attracts more than 4,500 runners

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - More than 4,500 participants registered for PhilHealth’s first simultaneous nationwide run at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) sports complex here last February 17.

Dubbed “PhilHealth-DOH Run 2013,” it was the biggest run ever hosted by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, which broke all attendance record from previous fun run events.

The province is also recognized as the only plus site and the lone provincial host for this nationwide running event along with 18 other cities that included Manila, Batangas, Sta. Rosa, Clark, Baguio, Malolos, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Legaspi, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Marawi, Koronal, Butuan, Davao and Zamboanga.

“The rural health unit of Tangcal municipality is the local beneficiary of this PhilHealth run and the rest of the proceeds from this event will be used to support the national and regional institutions promoting the protection of mothers and children in the country,” said PhilHealth-Iligan Head Ayesah Macumbal.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Personnel from the Philippine National Police in Lanao del Norte are seen here leading a horde of runners in the 5K category during the recent PhilHealth-DOH nationwide run held at the MCC sports complex in Tubod on February 17. (Contributed photo)

The runners converged at the MCC oval track early Sunday morning and took off for their respective race categories which include five-kilometer (5K), 3K and 2K routes.

Among the groups who joined the event were officials from PhilHealth Region 10 and Philippine Hospital Association (PHA)-Lanao del Norte Chapter, soldiers from the 35th (Makamandag) Infantry Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 3rd Light Armor Brigade, 15th Infantry Battalion, officers from the Provincial Police Office, government employees, volunteer health workers from the towns of Tubod, Baroy and Lala, as well as barangay and provincial officials.

“I am very happy to see that many of our neighboring cities really supported our run. Many of the runners in Iligan City opted to run here in Lanao del Norte instead of Cagayan de Oro. It shows their confidence in our peace and order situation and their strong belief that we can give them a good race experience,” said Gov. Khalid Dimaporo.

The top winners in the 2K category are Earl Sebastian for the Kiddie Division, Marieth Maurice Palomares for the female category and Edgar Netes for the male category.

Richie Dala and Roxanne Maaba emerged as champions in the 3K category while in the 5K race, James Don Torres and Ridjin Dala were declared as winners.

The Reyes family from Iligan was spotted as the “Healthy Family” of the PhilHealth run while Christian Sasil was given the “Hunk Dad” award.

Lucrecio Maniera and Thelma Jimoya were given the “Super Lolo” and “Super Lola” special awards, respectively, for being the oldest runners of the race while Princess Jane Bagao was recognized as the “Wonder Kid” for being the youngest runner.

Justine Te received the “Ms. Sexy Babe” award, Karlo Adala the “Mr. Pogi” award and Rendylou P. Dagaang as the “Hot Mama” of the race.

Dimaporo, who celebrated his birthday a day prior to the race, raffled off 13 brand new laptops, t-shirts and gift packs.

All participants also received goodie bags, finisher’s certificate and a race jersey.

The fun run was sponsored by Nature’s Spring, Dunkin Donuts, AIM-Coop, Petronas Gas, SEL-J Pharma, 1st Valley Bank, MSU-IIT Multi-purpose Cooperative, Ivory Printing Press and POS World. (PR)