Following the devastation brought about by super typhoons which ravaged the Luzon region weeks ago, the Run for Sight Foundation and CebuDoc Group are launching a “virtual run” dubbed “iRun for Luzon.”
“iRun for Luzon” aims to raise funds to support calamity survivors. This virtual run won’t have any fixed date or route. It will feature a different experience compared to past marathons and fun runs organized in Cebu prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). This virtual run allows participants to finish a cumulative distance anywhere within a certain period.
“Due to the pandemic, our yearly University Run has been canceled this year but many running events globally have done the virtual marathons. I have joined one myself,” said said CebuDoc Group president and Run For Sight chairman, Dr. Potenciano “Yong” S.D Larrazabal III.
“Recently, we had at least four typhoons that have caused big damage in Luzon. Then we thought, we have been doing this as a foundation for years — we run for a cause. Thus, we started planning to host a running event where all proceeds will go to our brothers and sisters in Luzon who have been badly hit by the recent typhoons,” explained Larrazabal.
Doctor Larrazabal is also a seasoned marathoner, as he is one of the only 255 members of the 8 Continents Marathon Club, a non-profit organization that recognizes a roster of elite runners from all over the world who finished eight major running events in eight continents.
“iRun for Luzon” is open to all. The race period is from Dec. 5 to 19. The event will also feature four distance categories: 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K.
“It will be a virtual running event where you can run anywhere, anytime on the given dates. You can complete the race at your own pace, ‘iRun for Luzon’ is an opportunity for everyone to get back on track while maintaining health protocols but still be physically active amid pandemic and knowing that you are not just doing it for yourself but also for others,” Larrazabal said.
Here is a step-by-step guide for the virtual race.
Step 1: Choose and register for a race category via www.runforsight.net
Step 2: Run anytime, between Dec. 5 and 19.
Step 3: Track and record your race using a GPS Tracking App. Recommended apps are Garmin, Strava and Runkeeper.
Step 4: Send proof of completion to www.runforsight.net
Step 5: Receive your finisher’s items.
Registration period is from Nov. 30 until Dec. 18. Participants will receive their eBIB via email upon registration.
Proof of race completion should have the actual date, rendered time and the distance (kilometers).
As for the finisher’s items, these include a singlet, an eCertificate and a medal.