THE SM City Cebu management will use a thermal scanning device as a precautionary measure in the SM2SM Run Year 10 on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at the mall’s North Open parking area in North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.
The organizers are making sure that all the participants in the annual fun run are in top shape amid the threat of a coronavirus disease (Covid-19). The sporting event will draw more than 6,000 participants.
“We will not allow (the runners with fever). There will be a medical team on standby,” RJ Leduna, SM’s senior public relations manager, told SunStar Cebu on Friday.
Thermal scanners will be stationed at the holding area, where the runners pass by to check in their race bib.
The management will also distribute small alcohol bottles to all registered runners. Sanitation stations will be placed at each water station along the race route where volunteers can spray alcohol on the runners’ hands.
The race for the 21-kilometer category starts at 3:30 a.m. to be followed by the 12K, 8K and 4K with 30 minutes interval every category.
Race director Joel Baring of Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts said some of the country’s elite runners will be in town, including the reigning Southeast Asian Games (SEA) gold medalist and Milo Marathon queen Christine Hallasgo.
Also competing is veteran long-distance runner Christabel Martes.
“In the men’s division, former Milo champion Jason Agravante will be here,” he said.
More than P600,000 cash prizes will be given away to the winners. The event will also raffle a brand new Chevrolet car, gift certificates from hotels and other major sponsors, airline tickets from Cathay Pacific and RealMe phones.
The race route will start and end at the SM City Cebu, passing Fort San Pedro, SM Seaside City Cebu through the South Road Properties, all the way to the South Coastal Road in Talisay City for 21K runners.
Awarding ceremony will happen at the open parking area and will have a shorter program. (RSC)